Applications for OEI: Seattle 2024 are now open. Apply here.
“OEI has reminded me that we all belong here. The outdoors needs our voices and youth that look like us to remember our people and to steward our natural environment.” – OEI Participant
The Outdoor Educators Institute (OEI) advances racial equity in the outdoors through a free training program for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Participants gain outdoor education skills, experience culturally relevant facilitation, and explore opportunities in the outdoor sector in collaboration with local partner organizations and leaders of color who are actively shifting the outdoor field to focus on environmental justice and racial equity. We envision a just world in which Black, Indigenous, and People of Color have the resources, community, and access to thrive safely and joyfully as outdoor educators and leaders.
The Program
Partners and Training
Partners and instructors are carefully and intentionally selected with those who prioritize environmental justice and racial equity. Please use the resources linked below to learn about our current OEI: Seattle partners.
- Wilderness First Aid course certification instructed by Denice Rochelle of The Bronze Chapter
- Various workshops and networking attending Refuge Outdoor Festival by Golden Brick Events
- Outdoor Leadership Training and gear library resource with Washington Trails Association
- Kayak training, indigenous history, and guide opportunities with River Access Paddle Program
- Marine science, tidepooling, and education training facilitated by Sea Potential
- Kickoff Weekend and Culmination Retreat with various training, workshops, and community building
- Further details to come including mental health first aid course, resume building workshop, rock climbing training, and more
Dates
- Start: Week of July 24th with a virtual meeting leading up to our in-person weekend
- In-person kickoff weekend: August 3rd and 4th
- In-person dates: August 16th-18th, September 7th, 8th, 21st, 22nd, October 5th, 6th, 19th, 20th
- In-person Culmination Retreat: November 1st-3rd
- End: Week of November 3rd with mandatory virtual OEI Graduation
The Program
- Training includes some in-person overnight camping and lodging. OEI is a significant time and energy commitment.
- Program certification and completion consists of attending 80% of the program, including in-person training on weekends and bi-weekly virtual evening meetings. Justice Outside is dedicating significant financial resources to provide the program to participants.
- During program we provide tasty and healthy snacks and meals
- We provide transportation support and coordination including a one time $100 stipend per participant.
- Justice Outside is compensating instructors, facilitators, and partners to provide the program.
- Justice Outside will also provide COVID-19 tests, gear rentals, training spaces including covering lodging and camping fees, and more.
The Participants
- Black, Indigenous, and People of Color
- Priority given to young adults within the age range of 18 to 26 years old
- Strong desire to gain new skills in the outdoors and outdoor education sector