White House report supports Time Great Outdoors Outdoor for Families and Children
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Washington DC (Vocus / PRWEB) February 16, 2011
Outdoor Alliance for Children welcomes President Barack Obama to highlight the importance of renewing the children, youth and families with nature on the outside of the Great America report released today.
More than 100,000 Americans have contributed to this report, both online and in person over 50 in general and youth in listening sessions around the country this summer and fall. Their collective messages are reflected in the report.
The report recommends increasing the Department of Interior investments in youth to the Great Outdoors initiative to employ, educate and raise awareness among youth of all backgrounds. This includes support the “trail every classroom” program of professional development for teachers, in partnership with communities to improve recreational opportunities and invest in urban parks provide outdoor opportunities where most Americans live.
The report highlights the main obstacles to Americans spending more time outdoors, including lack of access, security and transportation issues, particularly for young people from disadvantaged communities. It also highlights the key advantages such as the 6.5 million jobs created each year, outdoor activities and the health benefits of spending time outside force.
“To reverse the epidemic of childhood obesity in this country, we must ensure that all children have access to outdoor places where they can be physically active, especially children living in low income neighborhoods, communities of color and children who live in geographically remote areas. To preserve the future of our children and the health of our nation, we must reaffirm our environment and the enjoyment they can provide.’s programs and Political outdoor Great American call to all this, “said Joe Thompson, MD, MPH, director of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Center to Prevent Childhood Obesity.
“Increasing the number of safe and accessible green spaces is essential to reconnect families with nature, especially in low income communities who already face many health problems,” said Neil Nicoll , President and CEO of YMCA of the USA. “The report recognizes the need to provide community-based green spaces that are safe and accessible.”
conditions are met to make lasting changes in children the means to, youth and families relate to nature. In June 2010, the first lady Michelle Obama unveiled Let’s Move Out!, Which develops at the initiative of the first lady to address childhood obesity within a generation by providing resources for families to become active in Nature.
In November 2010, Congressman Ron Kind (D – WI) introduced the outdoor entering Nature Act to support the strategies of federal, state and local children connect with the natural world. In addition to helping reduce the incidence of obesity, playground equipment can reduce myopia, vitamin D deficiency, stress and symptoms of attention deficit disorder in children.
“By making time outdoors as a national priority, we need a big step – the door – more healthy, happy children,” said Larry Schweiger, president of the National Wildlife Federation. “The nature of Childhood has changed, and there is not much in her nature. This report presents a plan to reverse this alarming trend. “
Outdoor Alliance for Children will work with the Administration and Congress to implement the recommendations of America’s Great Outdoors report.
About Outdoor Alliance for Children (OAK) OAK is a strategic partnership of national organizations from various sectors of common interest in increasing the number and quality of opportunities for children, youth and families connect with the outside. Members of the oak together by the belief that the well-being of current and future health of our planet, communities and economy depend on a man with a personal, direct and permanent contact with nature and the outdoors.
steering committee gathers
OAK’s children and the nature of the network, Izaak Walton League of America, National Association of State Park Directors, National Recreation and Park Association, the National Wildlife Federation, Foundation outdoors, REI, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Childhood Obesity Prevention Center, the Sierra Club and the YMCA of the United States, collectively representing more than 30 million members and supporters to fill the growing gap between children and families and the natural world.
To learn more
http://www.OutdoorsAllianceForKids.org.
Media Contact: Mary Burnette, National Wildlife Federation, Burnette (at) NWF (dot) org, 703-438-6097
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