By Laura Flores, Partnerships & Outreach Manager of Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project, and Outdoor Opportunity Coalition
On May 15th, I had the great pleasure of representing the Outdoor Opportunity Coalition at the Nature Everywhere Conference, hosted by the Children & Nature Network in St. Paul, Minnesota. I served as moderator for the “Youth Outdoor Policy: What Is Sprouting in 2025" session, where we explored promising youth programs in Minnesota and across the nation. The conversation centered on how all voices, including youth must be meaningfully included in policy development. We also discussed how a federal bill, such as the Outdoor Opportunity Fund, is needed to connect young people to locally rooted outdoor programs, tailored to their unique geographic and cultural contexts.
In addition, I co-hosted the “Outdoor Equity Through Community and Social-Emotional Learning” session. We discussed ways our organizations have gotten creative and have moved from competition and instead collaborate by sharing knowledge, resources, and even grant opportunities. The key takeaway: equity in the outdoors thrives when we build together rather than compete.
It was inspiring to be part of a national conversation that aligns so closely with Outdoor Opportunity Coalition’s mission to ensure all communities, especially our youth, have equitable access to nature, leadership opportunities, and a voice in shaping their environmental future.