Good Morning – Thank you all for attending the first Tennessee Summit on Every Child Outdoors. I am inspired and invigorated by seeing so many committed individuals here putting your attention and energy toward this important issue. This morning I would like to briefly share with you some history of the Every Child Outdoors movement in Tennessee – how we got started, some of the issues facing our children today, and what we’ve been doing across the state to connect children with nature and get kids outside.

Every Child Outdoors - TN Coalition began 2008 Support from NWF, TWF, TEEA, others Mission: To promote and support opportunities that encourages children to engage with and experience the outdoors.   

Every Child Outdoors TN Goals Goal I: Healthy Children: Improve children’s health through outdoor experiences. Goal II: Healthy Communities: Planning infrastructure and development. Goal III: Formal Education: Increase outdoor learning opportunities through formal education. Goal IV: Non-formal Education: Increase outdoor opportunities through non-formal education. Goal V: Promotion of ECO TN: Develop a media campaign promoting “Every Child Outdoors.”

ECO TN Accomplishments The ECO Dozen Sponsored by State Senator Jamie Woodson of Knoxville SJR0705 General Assembly, Statement of Intent or Position - Expresses support for the work of "Every Child Outdoors - Tennessee.“ Signed by Governor Bredesen on March 22, 2010

ECO TN Accomplishments State Environmental Literacy Plan NWF Sponsored Listserve Website – Pyxl, Inc. 1st Governor’s ECO Summit! Gov. proclamation of June as Outdoors month.

Positive Lessons Learned TWF viewed as a broader organization Internally allowed TWF to further its mission Leadership structure of the Coalition allowed all partners to take ownership Established mission and goals with volunteer structure matched to the goals which allowed Coalition to maintain focus

Challenges Volunteer burnout Funding What’s next?