The Environmental Education Association of New Mexico announced today its investment in the state's Outdoor Equity Fund, as well as a new paid fellowship.
The fund, as SFR reported in the Dec. 10 cover story, "Moving Mountains" on the state's new Outdoor Recreation Division, is intended to provide under-served children outdoor opportunities and is administered by the state's Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department's Youth Conservation Corps program.
The Environmental Education Association convened educators, conservations and outdoor recreation advocates on Dec. 7 for a "New Mexico Proud: Exploring Equitable Education Outdoors" gathering in which attendees discussed outdoor and environmental learning, as well as the social impact of such activities. The association donated $1,200 in registration proceeds to the New Mexico Outdoor Equity Fund, according to an association press release.
The organization also announced a new paid fellowship program through which 15 fellows in 2020 will "create a multi-year collective strategy for systemic change for New Mexico through a program that cultivates leadership, systems thinking, and a comprehensive vision and strategy."
"We are so excited to be able to offer such an engaging, transformative opportunity here in the Land of Enchantment!" EEANM's Executive Director Eileen Everett said in a statement.
Applications for the fellowship are open through Jan. 20. Fellows will receive a $5,000 scholarship to cover costs for participation in the program, as well as a $500 stipend. Applicants are required to:
• Show a passion for connecting young people with the outdoors
• Demonstrate an openness and commitment to lifelong learning
• Have a desire to deepen relationships and broaden their peer network
• Reflect a spirit of innovation and taking risks
• Value intergenerational learning
Fellows must commit to the following:
• A retreat from Friday, Feb. 14 from noon-6 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 15 from 9 am to 6 pm at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque (lodging for our out-of-town participants and meals for all will be provided)
• A retreat in Albuquerque from Friday, July 31 at noon through Sunday, August 2nd at 6 pm
• Videoconferencing sessions monthly from 4-6 pm the last Wednesday of every month (February-December 2020)
• Contribute to planning and attending the "2020 New Mexico Proud: Exploring Equitable Education Outdoors" gathering in late 2020
• A day attending a New Mexico Legislative committee hearing
More information and the application are available at https://eeanm.org/2020-exploring-equitable-education-outdoors-fellowship-program/
