Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The National Outdoor Learning Alliance is committed to developing programs which cultivate a culture of fostering connection to the local human and natural communities and values diversity, equity and inclusion.
For NOLA to achieve its mission “to increase the prevalence of outdoor learning opportunities around the nation for youth” we commit to encouraging and celebrating diversity, prioritizing equity and fostering inclusion in all of our work.
The National Outdoor Learning Alliance envisions a community where every person can belong regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation or economic background.
NOLA is committed to furthering our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts by:
Community: We believe that every person should have the opportunity to thrive, contribute and participate fully while leading their own journey. By prioritizing empathy, respect, and understanding, children, families and staff can feel safe to be themselves.
Curriculum: By celebrating the diversity of nature and our relationship with it, we pave the way to a celebration of the diversity of humanity. By recognizing the stewards of the lands we utilize for outdoor learning, we actively work to ensure our programs represent the diversity of the local communities we are working in. By incorporating cultural perspectives and experiences from outside our own, we can focus on the commonalities that bring us together in this human experience.
Collaboration: By working with our educators and community partners, children have the opportunity to experience the outdoors and spend time in nature in a way that feels safe for them. By welcoming a variety of perspectives, organizations and individuals to our programs, we can continue to strive toward diversity in the faces, voices and experiences we offer.
