As the Access Committee looks to the future, we see an AORE that will continue to increase its participation in a national
dialogue on issues concerning our members. In order for us to be effective at this, we must embrace a systems approach to
strategy so all the moving pieces become more efficient at moving the AORE forward to achieve its goals. For this reason, we
are excited to collaborate with other AORE committees and workgroups so that together we can become greater than the
sum of our parts. To find out how you can become part of this effort at any level, please contact either of the committee
chairs: Sam Hensold ([email protected]) and Brian Shirley ([email protected]).
-The Access Committee
Environmental Stewardship Committee Update
Wow, was the Portland event awesome or what! The ease of access on trains/trams to and from the airport and
around town really spoke to Portland’s efforts concerning sustainability and the environment. The walkability of
downtown Portland was also great; the many crosswalks and respect from drivers made me feel as though I could
really take in all the storefronts and people without having to worry about crazy drivers.
Hey, how many of you got to Stumptown Roasters or Public Domain for some “real” coffee? How about Powell’s
Bookstore? How about the city block of food vendors a few streets over from the conference site – so many choices,
bringing so many people outside to eat. While I can’t say much for most of the food served at the conference site
(Note: I am a food, beer, and coffee snob with high expectations), the morning Voodoo Donuts was provided for
breakfast was pretty cool. One donut I ate appeared to be a cinnamon sugar cake donut only it had a cayenne
pepper kick with a light chocolate finish – SO COOL!
All aside, the Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) did meet twice during the conference under the newly
initiated Advocacy Pillar. With some new members and old alike we brainstormed ways the ESC can be more of an
environmental and stewardship advocate both within the AORE as well as externally. While we will continue to
embrace some of the operational tasks associated with the annual conference (e.g., pushing for “green” conference
practices), we anticipate taking on longer range and more strategic tasks to better showcase environmental
stewardship both within the AORE and to the larger industry.
An example of an internal advocacy discussion we had in our meetings included examining what a “green”
certification program might look like for outdoor organizations affiliated with the AORE. Following some of the ESC
work this year and last that examined the sustainable practices of college and university outdoor programs around
the country, might a “green” certification process allow the AORE to showcase its efforts in facilitating an even more
eco-friendly industry?
We also looked at some external advocacy ideas, including looking at how pro-outdoor recreation and
environmentally oriented pieces of legislation being put forward in Congress may warrant greater attention from the
AORE. Should the AORE prepare official advocacy statements for pieces of legislation that will aid in better serving
our membership and the larger industry? A very recent ESC conversation, post conference, has included taking a
closer look at how the AORE can support and advocate for organizations like the Outdoor Alliance, the advocacy arm
for the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA), Access Fund, American Whitewater (AW), American Canoe
Association (ACA), and Winter Wildlands Association (WWA).
Much as I shared in the last ESC report, we have had and continue to have an ambitious agenda, but the
Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) hopes to elevate AORE even more with its new focus on advocacy. For
those of you interested in assisting with our efforts please contact me or our Board of Directors Committee Liaison,
Tara Allman. We are always looking for energy and fresh ideas!
Be well,
Eric Frauman
2014-2015 Chairperson, Environmental Stewardship Committee
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