During the second week of June, Nuestra Tierra’s Outdoor Opportunity Coalition Manager, Laura Flores participated in a powerful panel discussion titled “State Policy and Philanthropy: Expanding Equity through Public-Private Partnerships” at the Hispanics in Philanthropy (HIP) and Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Laura was joined by an inspiring group of leaders, including New Mexico Representative Tara Lujan, Sarah Candelaria, and Dylan McDowell.
During the panel, she shared a meaningful part of the origin story of New Mexico’s Outdoor Equity Fund — a first-of-its-kind initiative that has positively impacted countless youth across the state. She also highlighted the growing movement across the country, with multiple states establishing outdoor equity offices and funding programs aimed at expanding access to nature for historically excluded communities.
Most importantly, she emphasized the urgent need for a national Outdoor Opportunity Fund, a federal commitment to ensure that every young person, regardless of zip code, background, or income, has the opportunity to connect with the outdoors.
At Nuestra Tierra, we believe access to outdoor spaces is a right, not a privilege. Through coalitions like the Outdoor Opportunity Coalition, we’re advocating every day to make that vision a reality — state by state, and ultimately, nationwide!