Join a statewide coalition to support positive youth development
As environmental and outdoor educators and supporters, we have seen and experienced the benefits of time spent outdoors. It is exciting to see recent research confirm that nature provides physical, emotional, mental, and academic benefits for children and adults. Through professional development, resources, and the annual Outside for 5 campaign, AEEA promotes outdoor learning for all ages.
Now, we have joined with organizations across the state to encourage outdoor learning as one of many opportunities to support positive youth development. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin’s settlement with Meta is expected to bring more than $172 million to the state over the next decade. That is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in Arkansas children and youth.
Fund IRL Arkansas is a new statewide coalition, part of the national Fund IRL (“In Real Life”) movement. It advocates for directing a meaningful share of these funds to the programs, people and places that help young people thrive offline. Priorities include:
- Afterschool and summer programs
- Mentoring
- Youth mental health and wellness
- Sports and recreation
- Arts and STEM
- Outdoor learning
- Career-connected learning
High-quality youth programs give young people safe, supportive spaces where they can build relationships with peers and trusted adults, gain confidence and skills, and strengthen protective factors for long-term health and well-being. They are an important part of a broader strategy to reduce harm and invest in healthier youth development.
Learn More & Support the Effort
You don’t have to run a youth program to support Arkansas kids. Help us amplify the message and turn opportunity into a lasting legacy. Supporters will receive news, opportunities to get involved and ready-to-share resources to spread the word in their communities.
To learn more about the Fund IRL Arkansas Coalition, see https://www.irlarkansas.org/. To sign on as a supporter, click on the blue “Become a Supporter” button at the top of the page.