(Legislation, Student Leadership, Board Meeting Presentations, Action Plans & Groups)

This section focuses on:

Where Do I Begin? – Laying the foundation for advocacy for daily outdoor learning

Forming the Action Team – Building a support network

Design Thinking: Creating a Prototype – Structuring plans for action

Levels of Advocacy – Expanding influence from the classroom to the state level

Where Do I Begin?

Start with the I, We, It transformational leadership model to identify needs and move toward action:

• I: What do I need to feel supported in advocating for outdoor learning?
• We: What do we (teachers, students, school, board, community) need to build a collective movement?
• It: What can we create together, and how can we expand its impact?

By addressing these questions, you’ll build a strong foundation for long-term outdoor learning initiatives.

Forming the Action Team

Once you’ve identified your needs, begin assembling a diverse action team. Potential members include:

• Students, teachers, and administrators – Those directly involved in outdoor learning
• Parents and families – Supporters who can advocate for and maintain initiatives
• Local community and organizations – Nonprofits, environmental groups, and businesses
• Government and policymakers – Those who can help influence legislation and funding

Steps to Build an Effective Team:

• Identify each team member’s strengths to maximize impact.
• Develop actionable goals with clear timelines.
• Launch initiatives while enthusiasm is high to maintain momentum.

Examples of Action Teams:

• Student Outdoor Leadership Committee – Students advocating for outdoor learning
• Outdoor Learning School Team – Educators and staff driving initiatives
• Speaker’s Bureau – A group that presents outdoor learning benefits to decision-makers

Design Thinking: Creating a Prototype (examples at the bottom)

A decision tree is an effective tool for structuring advocacy efforts, and helping teams visualize their goals and challenges.

How to Use a Decision Tree:

• Roots – Identify needs and key action steps.
• Trunk – Define the core issue, challenge, or idea being addressed.
• Branches – Map out the potential positive outcomes of your efforts.

Using this Design Thinking Model, action teams can refine their strategies and ensure clear communication within their group.

Levels of Advocacy

Advocacy is essential for driving change. It can start small—in the classroom—and expand to the district and state level.

Classroom Level

• Integrate outdoor learning into daily activities.
• Encourage students to help design and maintain outdoor spaces.
• Establish a feedback system for reflection and improvement.
• Have students write letters or testimonials to legislators.

School Level

• Present findings to administrators, teachers, and school boards.
• Provide professional development for educators on outdoor learning.
• Designate school-wide outdoor learning days.
• Advocate for dedicated outdoor learning spaces for all grade levels.
• Collect supporting letters to policymakers for systemic change.

Community Level

• Host information sessions to educate and involve community members.
• Build partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and environmental groups.
• Organize fundraising campaigns to support outdoor spaces.
• Run petitions and advocacy campaigns to gain public support.

District & State Level

• Compile impact reports on the benefits of outdoor learning.
• Work toward policy updates to include outdoor education in district planning.
• Advocate for state funding to support infrastructure, professional development, and staff positions focused on outdoor education.

By engaging in advocacy at multiple levels, outdoor learning champions can create lasting change and ensure sustainable, accessible outdoor classrooms for all students.

Below are Example Design Thinking: Decision Trees for Action and Advocacy

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