2009 Oregon Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights

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PA OREGON RECREATION & PARK ASSOCIATION We Create Community Though People, Parks and Programs . An affiliate of the National Recreation & Park Association 12/9/09 Dear Johnny Medlin, The Oregon Recreation & Park Association is concerned about the decreasing amount of time our children and families are spending in nature. ORPA is aware of the health and wellness consequences this lack of outdoor connection has on our youth and families. To address this issue, we (and our member agencies) have created strategies to help youth and their families re- connect to nature. One of the primary strategies we are pursuing is the creation and promotion of the Oregon Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights. We believe if all organizations with a shared mission in outdoor recreation and environmental education adopt and collaborate on a shared message about children's outdoor activities, the collective outcome will be greater than any one agency acting alone. The Oregon Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights is a united message from all participating organizations AND a shared tool in motivating families to engage in the outdoors. It will serve as a resource in eliminating barriers for families and children to explore nature. When fully realized, the Oregon Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights will be a program that can be easily adopted and implemented by any agency or organization serving children and families. ORPA is asking your organization to become an early member of this collaboration by simply endorsing the Oregon Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights. We believe that the more entities that support the concept, the more likely it is that we can solicit funding and policy partners to help us create the full program. All we are asking at this time is your endorsement of the attached statement of the Oregon Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights. You can endorse by separate letter or by filling out the form below. I hereby proclaim my organization's endorsement of the Oregon Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights. Agency Name: C - t - �i 6 c 5 1 Authorized Staff: 3 0 H i..i NI \.' 1\4 DL l Job Title: 0 [ 2.6.:c--7 . C -7 Signature: 7 / / Date: z — 3 lC) Thank you for your interest in this project and for promoting outdoor activities for children and families. ) jaiptiac_ p i:do Amanda Rich Executive Director, Oregon Recreation & Park Association 151516th Street NE • Salem, OR 97301 • (503) -375 -6107 • (503) 914 -1801 fax • amanda@orpa.org • www.orpa.org