Public Policy & Advocacy Tree
The Public Policy and Advocacy Tree is a working focus group with an eye on systemic changes that will break down barriers and support outdoor education for young children. The group is tasked with education, outreach, and collaboration with community leaders and policymakers. Outreach with cross-sector partners will amplify the growing research that points to learning and playing outside as critical to children’s healthy development. The Seed Facilitator and the Network Coordinator will organize the tasks and direction of the focus group while participants of this group will attend monthly meetings, provide productive feedback and take on tasks where appropriate.
Current facilitator: Anne Stires
Policy & Advocacy Tree Projects:
Licensing Project: focus group that supports efforts to make outdoor licensing efforts a reality in Maine. Two other states in our nation have passed bills and several others are working on similar projects. MeECO and DHHS/OCFS Childcare Licensing Department started collaborating on this in 2022 by providing Risk Assessment training to state licensors. We continue to discuss possible pathways forward and are encouraged by the many positive relationships we are building at DHHS, Natural Start Alliance, and others across the nation working on this same thing. Below are the links and resources.
Maine State Information:
Washington State Information:
Maryland State Information:
Oregon State Information:
Colorado State Information:
Massachusetts State Information:
Climate Project: MeECO PPA focus group has a second initiative around climate education. We are in the process of creating strategic direction on this initiative, following the lead of those at Nature Based Education Consortium (NBEC) and Governor’s Office of Policy, Innovation and the Future (GOPIF). If you are interested in this content area, please attend our PPA meetings for updates and how to get involved.
Join a policy & advocacy tree meeting:
4th Tuesday of the month, 1:00pm
Join the Zoom call:
Meeting ID: 876 7683 5210
Passcode: Nature