CCCN Fall Learning Series: Cities Embracing a Framework of Systems Change to Connect Children to Nature More Equitably

This webinar explores how long-standing systems of inequity contribute to inequitable access to nature for children of color in cities.

This is the first session in a 3-part series helping city and community leaders understand how to create citywide change towards equitable access to nature for all children. Participants will build a foundation for understanding how a systems approach can help cities and local partners achieve lasting change. They will explore the various levels at which change needs to take place with a keen eye on racial equity and how long-standing systems of inequity contribute to unequal access to nature for children.

The session brings together city perspectives aligned with experience from Cities Connecting Children to Nature (CCCN), a national partnership of NLC and C&NN, Justice Outside, a CCCN partner focused on advancing racial justice and equity in the outdoors, and National Recreation and Parks Association, a core partner of this learning series.

Objectives: 

1. Build fluency and understand  the conditions that make up the systems change framework
2. Share successes and impacts from other cities in applying a systems change approach for equitable access to nature for children
3. Identify ways to leverage city plans or developing strategies for system change grounded in equity
4. Explore local, regional, and state issues, needs, and examples for bringing about gradual changes in children’s equitable access to nature at the systems level

About the series:

We know that nature makes kids healthier, happier and smarter. Unfortunately, not all kids have the same access to nature and green spaces. Longstanding conditions, such as policies, power dynamics, resource allocations and systemic racism create unequal access to nature’s benefits, particularly for kids of color and from low-income communities. Achieving real and lasting change requires a community-based approach to dismantling systems of inequity, or in other words, a systems change approach. 

This series will dive into how cities and their local partners can use a systems change approach to connect children to nature more equitably. The 3-part series includes two informative webinars that serve as a foundation for understanding a systems change framework followed by an interactive workshop for participants to apply the insight gained.

Presented by:

In partnership with: