Since, 2015, the Every Kid Outdoors (EKO) program has provided fourth graders with a pass so they and their families can gain free entry to federal public land and water sites. Now, this program needs funding to ensure it can reach kids that need outdoor access more than ever.
EKO gives children an opportunity to learn American history and develop a lifelong love for nature, while giving their families an affordable outing and driving commerce to parks and the surrounding communities. However, EKO has never received sufficient funding to reach the four million fourth graders a year that qualify for the pass.
Today’s kids already spent less time outdoors than any other generation, and this issue has only been exacerbated by the pandemic. Now more than ever, we need to increase access to the outdoors and the mental and physical health benefits it provides. That’s why OAK has been asking Congress to fund the Every Kid Outdoors program at $25 million. Investing in EKO now will enable program staffing for public land and water agencies and youth-serving nonprofit organizations, and would subsidize the high costs for transporting students (especially those from low-income and disabled communities) to public lands and waters.
Congresswoman Katie Porter agrees with us, and along with EKO champions Congressman Joe Neguse and Congresswoman Diana DeGette, is submitting a request called a Dear Colleague letter*, asking other members of Congress to support $25 million in funding for the Every Kid Outdoors program.
We need your help! Call your U.S. representative and ask them to sign on to Congresswoman Porter’s Dear Colleague letter to fund Every Kid Outdoors. It only takes a minute to make a huge impact for youth outdoor access.
Here’s how it works:
- Call 1-877-744–8907
- You’ll hear an audio recording from Jayni Rasmussen, Senior Campaign Representative for the Outdoors Alliance for Kids, who will give you instructions.
- Follow the recorded instructions to be patched through to your U.S. representative’s office!
- You can tell your U.S. representative whatever you’d like! However, we suggest saying:
- “I’m a constituent and advocate for youth outdoor access! Please sign on to Congresswoman Porter’s Dear Colleague letter to fund the Every Kid Outdoors program at $25 million.”
- “I’m a constituent and advocate for youth outdoor access! Please sign on to Congresswoman Porter’s Dear Colleague letter to fund the Every Kid Outdoors program at $25 million.”
- Hang up, say, “Hey, that was easy!” and feel great about helping to get #EveryKidOutdoors.
- Ask your friends to call, too!
Call 1-887-774-8907 to be connected to your U.S. representative’s office!
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Before you’re patched through, an audio recording will give you instructions.
If you have questions or if calling in isn’t accessible for you, please reach out to jayni.rasmussen@sierraclub.org. She’ll be glad to help you!
Outdoors Alliance for Kids 