In Our Nature Education Guide

Share Your Story

(This activity is inspired and informed by the advocacy work of the Outdoor Alliance for Kids.)

Everyone can relate to a story. Especially elected officials and other decision-makers. They want to hear about the issues we care about. And our stories are often the most powerful tools we have in illuminating how legislation and policies impact real people.

Stories cut to the root of an issue more effectively than numbers alone. They bring personal meaning to issues that may feel unrelatable. And while not everyone will agree on policy, we can all relate to shared values and emotions. Our stories hold power to move people to be inspired and act. Thinking about the film, which stories do you remember the most? Which were the most powerful and moving? What stood out to you about these people?

Use the following tips to craft a powerful story that leaves an impression:

• Be Descriptive: Paint a picture you can see yourself in. Focus on the authentic feelings and the place where you can be the most vulnerable, honest, and passionate when you think about your experiences with nature and the environment.
• Define a Value: Articulate what you care about and why. Which values bubble up when you think about your story? Values such as fairness, safety, authenticity, beauty, community, creativity, friendship, justice, loyalty, curiosity, optimism, peace, and respect can help you connect with others as you speak about the issues that you are passionate about.
• State a Challenge: Be vulnerable in describing the obstacles you face. The more authentic and honest you can be, the more memorable your story will be.
• Identify an Opportunity: Speak from a place of hope. What kind of support do you want to achieve your dream? Remember to highlight the shared values that connect you with the people you are speaking to.

Options for activity:

• Analyze a story from the film and explore where we hold shared values. Everyone has been a child. Many people have children. Everyone experiences loss. How do our shared values influence our reactions to the film? Where do we feel moved to take action?
• Tell your stories to elected officials and advocate for expanded environmental education. Visit https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials to find the names and contact information for the people who represent you on the federal, state, and local levels.

Analyze Your Environmental Education Programs

Environmental education programs are often designed to meet multiple needs and objectives. The stories featured in the film are noteworthy for their attention to using nature to support the three themes. Thinking about nature-centered programs you are involved with, explore how they can better address the themes by asking the following questions.

• Theme: Environmental education contributes to healthier communities for all. How does this program strengthen the community it serves? What commitment can we make to do better in this area?
• Theme: Environmental education connects people not just to nature, but also to one another. How does this program create connection and friendship among participants? What commitment can we make to do better in this area?
• Theme: Environmental education is essential for mental health. How does this program address the mental health of participants? What commitment can we make to do better in this area?

Highlight Heroes

Every community has people and organizations working—often quietly—toward a healthier, greener, and more equitable future. This activity invites you to shine a spotlight on those “heroes” and share their stories.

Ideas for Schools:

• Invite local nonprofit leaders, park rangers, or environmental educators as guest speakers to talk with students and teachers about the value of nature-based learning.
• Host a “Green Heroes Day” where students interview local changemakers—such as city planners, community gardeners, or conservationists—and create posters, videos, or social media posts to showcase their work.
• Incorporate these stories into classroom lessons or assemblies to help students see how environmental action connects to civic engagement and community well-being.

Ideas for Community Organizations:

• Organize a panel or community conversation featuring leaders working to expand access to green space, nature-based education, or outdoor experiences.
• Partner with local media, libraries, or cultural centers to create a “Wall of Heroes” highlighting photos and stories of people and organizations making a difference.
• Celebrate volunteers and youth leaders with recognition events, certificates, or storytelling projects.

Ideas for Everyone: 

• Collect and share stories on social media to amplify local efforts and inspire others.
• Encourage participants to identify everyday heroes—like a teacher starting a school garden, a neighbor planting trees, or a student organizing a cleanup—and thank them publicly.