FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Media Contact: Communications team at [email protected]
OAKLAND, CA—Today, Justice Outside, which works to advance racial justice and equity in the outdoor and environmental movement, announced that the organization is expanding its flagship program Outdoor Educators Institute to Seattle, Washington, for the first time ever!
Justice Outside’s Outdoor Educators Institute develops the next generation of culturally relevant outdoor leaders by building competencies and leadership skills in young adults interested in working in the outdoors. Working with a majority Black, Indigenous, and Young Adults of Color, Outdoor Educators Institute centers underrepresented populations, especially those that have had historic and systemic barriers to accessing the outdoors and provides them with a free, immersive training on outdoors skills as well as leadership development and cultural relevancy. Since its inception at Justice Outside in 2015, the institute has served nearly 200 young people in California.
“This expansion is driven by our community. Every time we share stories of OEI and its impact, folks ask us to bring it to their town. We are so glad to be able to bring this incredibly transformative program to Seattle and so excited to work with our communities in Seattle and deepen our roots there,” said Justice Outside’s Director of Programs Dr. Mary Traylor.
The Outdoor Educators Institute trainings are held in the evenings and weekends over a three-month period and focus on key outdoors skills—like safety planning, backpacking, and sea kayaking—and practical expertise to discuss social and environmental justice issues.
To facilitate the program’s expansion, Justice Outside has expanded its team by hiring a Outdoor Educators Institute program manager and is working to hire a program coordinator who will focus on engaging communities and participants in Seattle. Applications for participating in Outdoor Educators Institute-Seattle will open on Friday, July 7, 2023. Applicants can learn more and apply by visiting the Outdoor Educators Institute page on Justice Outside’s website or follow the organization on social media.
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Justice Outside advances racial justice and equity in the outdoor and environmental movement. We shift resources to, build power with, and center the voices and leadership of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color because the health of current and future generations demands it. For press inquiries, please contact our communications team at [email protected]. For inquiries about Outdoor Educators Institute, please contact Dr. Mary Traylor at [email protected].