ALL CHILDREN NEED NATURE: Inspiration from the 2012 C&NN Grassroots Gathering
A special thanks to the 140 grassroots leaders, national advocates, Natural Leaders, and others who came together during the final week of August at the National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) near Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
This was the sixth annual Grassroots Gathering, which drew participants from the U.S., Canada and Australia, representing thousands of people taking action. Immediately after the Gathering, a few miles away, C&NN’s Natural Leaders conducted its first Legacy Camp, to train other young people to be leaders in the new nature movement.
For a good description of the week by Jackie Ostfeld, and other writing on the theme of this year’s Gathering, please see the links below the poster. More will follow.
We also wish to express our gratitude to NCTC and the sponsors of the Gathering, and all of C&NN’s funders, for their steadfast commitment to connecting this and future generations to the natural world. It’s safe to say that none of us can imagine a year without a Gathering. Using technology for social change is essential, but nothing can replace the sense of community we experience face-to-face.
From the beginning, C&NN’s philosophy has been that no one has a lock on the truth, no size fits all, and that a movement only grows when leaders learn from each other. Without a network, good programs will rise and fall in isolation; but with a growing network, programs will build on the success of others and true cultural change will follow.
At the Gathering, we see the trees and the forest. And the forest is growing.
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EVERY CHILD NEEDS NATURE
EVERY CHILD NEEDS NATURE: 12 Questions About Equity & Capacity, by Richard Louv
SILENT SPRING (SUMMER, FALL AND WINTER): Thoughts following C&NN’s Sixth Annual Grassroots Gathering, by Jackie Ostfeld
THE WILD: An African American Environmentalist Faces Her Fear, by Dianne D. Glave
TIERRA Y LIBERTAD: A Camping Trip Illustrates Nature’s Place in Family and Heritage, by Juan Martinez
OCCUPY NATURE: Parks Are For People, by Rue Mapp
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Children must have nature in their lives to nurture their mental well being. Our psyche belongs to the Earth and requires constant nourishment. As an educator I have a duty of care when it comes to my students ecological well being. Nature not only induces a shroud of peace but also helps my students to realise their true potential. I am proud to be a part of the greatest movement ever known to man, thqt is nurturing a deep respect that will continue to be felt in generations to come.
I have been thinking about this poster, and I have a question. I am not trying to be a smart aleck. I just don’t understand how that is implemented. I have a friend who doesn’t like nature. Her oldest son has a deep desire to be in nature, yet the mother flatly refuses. The statement in the poster says that “All children need nature. Not just those whose parents appreciate nature.” How does one overcome the stated rules of a parent? It doesn’t seem possible to me. I am interested to hear how this particular tenant is implemented against the will of the parent, who has so much control over what the child is or isn’t involved in.
thanks this
As soon as we step outside, all of us have much to learn. Especially children. The firsthand to experience the world is such a great opportunity for them. Nearly any natural place will do. The yard, garden, meadow, woods, creek, name it. Bring on the adventure!
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