MOVEMENT NEWS & COMMENTARY - APRIL 2, 2007

‘Leave No Child’ Legislation Gains Momentum

by Martin LeBlanc, National Youth Education Director, Sierra Club

In three states -- California, New Mexico and Washington -- legislation has either been passed or is moving forward to connect high numbers of children with the outdoors. Dubbed the “Leave No Child Acts” in all three states, the legislation is supported by a diverse coalition of groups, ranging from the Sierra Club to hunters/anglers and the American Diabetes Association.

The bills are engaging decision makers in the growing
“Leave No Child Inside” movement to help outdoor programs become more sustainable and grow and prosper. “This is an important first step in giving every child an opportunity to have their own special place in nature,” said Carl Pope, Executive Director of the Sierra Club, which is a sponsor of all three bills.

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Rethinking No Child Left Behind: Let’s Put Environmental Education Back in the Classroom

By Jim Elder, Director of the Campaign for Environmental Literacy (CEL)

The 2007 Reauthorization of the Leave No Child Behind Act presents an opportunity to reverse current trends and prepare the next generation for the challenges of the future.
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Add your voice to the Campaign for Environmental Literacy's No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Campaign.

[+] find out how at CEL's web site

At-Risk Youth Might Get Back to Nature

By Tom Stienstra, Chronicle Staff Writer

If a proposal becomes law, California State Parks would create a new program to connect at-risk urban youths with nature and the great outdoors. SB 207, by Sen. Alex Padilla, emerged from a 2005 study that shows a few days in nature can beat a few weeks in the classroom.

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Padilla Legislation Advocates Leaving No Child Inside

By Liz MacLeod, Amador Ledger Dispatch

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MARCH NEWS IN REVIEW

Governor's Outdoor Conference Links Pennsylvania's Future
to a Revitalized
Nature Connection

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The Quivira Coalition Hosts a “No Child Left Inside” Roundtable Discussion

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Outdoors Proclamation Awaits President's OK

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Richard Louv, and Others, Invited to Testify Before the Interior and Environmental Subcommittee

[+] read testimony (PDF)

EdNews Interview with Cheryl Charles, Ph.D., President, Children & Nature Network

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Urban Nature Week Coming to Los Angeles

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A Texas-Size Classroom, Literally

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Parents Line Up for Seattle's Nature Kids Preschool

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