*This blog post and video are part of the 2017 SXSW Panel Picker submission. Updates will be edited as needed.
UPDATE:
We were notified in October 2016 that our panel will be at SXSW 2017! YAY! Thank you to everyone who voted for us. We greatly appreciate it!
The link to our panel is here: http://schedule.sxsw.com/2017/events/PP66555
WE NEED YOUR VOTE!
VOTE FOR OUR PANEL: http://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/66555
The most popular reasons for Americans to participate in outdoor activities are: to get exercise and stay fit; spend time with family and friends; and experience and adventure (according to the Outdoor Foundation Research Survey). Being outdoors is also know for stimulating creativity, increasing your concentration and making you happier.
But what happens when our country’s fastest growing populations do not feel a connection to the outdoors? Minority groups (Hispanics, African Americans, Asian/Pacific Islanders) have cited various reasons for low outdoor participation rates such as little interest, no time, and no one to participate with.
It’s well-known that the United States’ population is quickly becoming more diverse. As such, it is more critical to increase the diversity in the outdoors. If minorities are not connected to the outdoors, how will we learn about it, understand it or learn how to take care of it? This connection is especially necessary for our youth. If they are not engaged in the outdoors and environmental issues, how will they understand the importance of being good environmental stewards?
WE NEED YOUR VOTE!
VOTE FOR OUR PANEL: http://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/66555
Along with environmental conservation, underserved communities benefit from being outdoors by taking advantage of this opportunity to address obesity and other health disparities; understanding their cultural heritage connection to our lands; and fostering a new generation of stewards.
There are grassroots digital communities that have been created to build bridges between diverse communities to create connections to the outdoors. These advocates work to inspire people to discover the outdoors; share their experiences through digital engagement; and support America’s parks and outdoor conservation. When they reach their diverse online audiences, they encourage them to take action and connect.
WE NEED YOUR VOTE!
VOTE FOR OUR PANEL: http://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/66555
This panel will highlight diverse outdoor digital storytelling. Come listen and learn about the pathway to increase diversity in the outdoors.
Panelists to include:
Melanie Mendez-Gonzales, Latina Blogger at QueMeansWhat.com
Jose Gonzalez, Founder of Latino Outdoors
Rue Mapp, Founder, and CEO of Outdoor Afro
Alanna Sobel, Senior Manager of Communications at the National Park Foundation
The three main questions to be addressed are:
What is the direct impact on environmental conservation and stewardship in relation to increasing diversity in the outdoors?
How do outdoor-focused organizations and advocates use digital engagement to change behaviors of diverse groups who are consuming the information?
Why are connections to American parks and outdoor areas important for minority groups when it comes to their health and heritage?
WE NEED YOUR VOTE!
VOTE FOR OUR PANEL: http://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/66555
Stay tuned for updates! If this panel is selected for the next round, we will update you on that voting period.
