The past months
, intensified by the last few days, have brought into focus racial and ethnic inequities in a profound way. And although we may be heartbroken, we must not break our spirit of pulling together.
Texas Children in Nature had already chosen equity as a major focus moving forward. We have asked ourselves how children, especially children of color, who live in fear and mistrust, whose communities are more vulnerable to health and economic crises, who have fewer opportunities than children on the other side of town, can gain the resilience, physical and mental health, academic advantages and community well-being that time in nature can bring. Recent events have reaffirmed and energized our commitment towards equitable access and connection to nature for all children.
Diversity will be our strength and our responsibility. We look to our partners, led by people of color, to help us listen and better understand how we can help communities achieve safe, equitable access and connection to nature.
Please join us in listening to, learning from, and honoring each other. Please help us have greater diversity in our leadership by volunteering or recommending leaders to us. Please help us share resources and your ideas in our social media and newsletters. Let us work together, with compassion, for a better tomorrow.
This newsletter will show off all the great work going on around the state as well as share some resources for all as we strive to encourage children and families to spend more time in nature.