AEOE stands for the Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education, the first association of environmental educators in the nation. We are a California organization by and for outdoor and environmental educators, established in 1954 as AOE, adding the “Environmental” part to our name in 1971 after the first Earth Day. Our logo, the oak tree, is symbolic of our work of planting seeds in the hearts and minds of the citizens of California, to make the world a better place: seeds of knowledge, seeds of understanding, seeds of appreciation, seeds that we hope will grow into positive actions for a healthy environment for all. California’s great diversity of oaks were highly important to the first people, as acorns were their “staff of life.” We hope the seeds we sow today will be of equal importance to the Californians of the future.
Our Mission
The Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education supports and inspires educators in their quest for the knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential to help all learners understand, appreciate and care for their environment. As an integral part of achieving our mission, we encourage direct experience outdoors.
Vision Statement
Through regular participation in environmental and outdoor education, learners will gain the knowledge, skills and inspiration to help them understand, respect and care for themselves, their communities and their environment. These values will be reflected in a world where:
- All people in our diverse society have equal access to environmental and outdoor education.
- A variety of environmental and outdoor education opportunities are consistently provided through schools, community groups, government and non-profit agencies, and all students attend a residential outdoor science school at least once.
- Environmental education is integrated throughout the traditional school curriculum.
- At every level of education, teachers and students go outdoors to explore, appreciate and care for the natural world on school grounds, throughout local communities and into natural areas.
- Learners have a strong connection to their natural environments, whether wilderness, rural or urban, resulting in a deep and nurturing sense of place.
- First-hand experience and environmental service learning projects develop critical thinkers who make sound environmental decisions and actively move our society toward sustainable practices.
- Recognition and support of educators and programs providing environmental and outdoor education is an integral part of California’s educational system and society.
Services and Benefits of Membership
AEOE offers three quality conferences for outdoor and environmental educators annually: two regional conferences in the fall and a statewide conference in the spring. We also sponsor enriching outings and events several times a year. We provide members with a quarterly newsletter, with information pertinent to outdoor/environmental educators in California. We maintain this website with resources for educators, online articles relating to outdoor /environmental education, a calendar of events, inspiration, and a highly used joblist. We do this with an all volunteer board who are dedicated to the cause of promoting environmental and outdoor education in the state and beyond, and with the support of our membership.
AEOE Inclusivity Value Statement
Approved by AEOE Board 30 April 2006
We value each person and his/her unique contributions to society. Those contributions are derived from diverse backgrounds and experiences related to race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, age, national origin, socio-economic status, religious affiliation, language, and heritage. It is this diversity that strengthens our community and broadens our perspectives.
We intentionally embrace all stakeholders in the AEOE mission, and seek to act as allies for those whose voices are not being heard. We believe in the inherent dignity of all humans and that each person should have equal access to a safe, healthy environment and equitable education. We support and promote the ideals of multiculturalism, equity, justice and sustainability.
