Number: 2012-05
WHEREAS, the National Wildlife Federation has long invested a great deal into engaging youth in conservation efforts, ranging from publications like Ranger Rick and events like Be Out There; and
WHEREAS, through these programs and publications hundreds of thousands of young people of diverse cultures have developed a love for wildlife and a commitment to being environmental stewards; and
WHEREAS, existing and future conservation and environmental challenges are significant and ongoing, and require leaders from each generation to effectively address them; and
WHEREAS, historically young people have played critical leadership roles in shaping and building social movements, because of their energy, creativity, interconnectedness and potential in fomenting social and political change; and
WHEREAS, despite many strong leaders having emerged, there is currently a gap in 21-35 year-olds in volunteer and professional conservation leadership positions;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, at its annual meeting assembled May 18-20 in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, hereby encourages conservation organizations and federal, state, local and tribal conservation agencies to foster leadership development of young professionals by providing trainings, mentorship, professional development, and career pathways for emerging young leaders; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation encourages conservation organizations, and federal, state, local and tribal conservation agencies to continue developing leadership opportunities pipelines for young people who represent the racial and cultural diversity of each state to become leaders in conservation; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation encourages the use of online technology, coaching, workshops and regional gatherings to facilitate the development of young emerging conservation leaders; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation urges state and federal conservation agencies to recognize the changing demographics of our society including the age gap in conservation leaders, and aggressively pursue and develop programs that actively engage this diverse constituency in conservation.