The North American Association for Environmental Education: Championing Environmental Literacy

The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) stands as a prominent organization dedicated to advancing environmental education (EE) across North America and globally. Since its inception in 1971, NAAEE has been instrumental in strengthening the field of environmental education, elevating the visibility and efficacy of environmental education professionals, and accelerating environmental literacy and civic engagement.

NAAEE's Vision and Mission

NAAEE's vision is a sustainable world where environmental and social responsibility drive individual and institutional choices. This vision is supported by a clear mission: to accelerate environmental literacy and civic engagement through the power of environmental education.

Historical Overview

Founded in 1971, NAAEE has a rich history spanning several decades. "Thirty years of History 1971 to 2001" details the organization's evolution and growth, highlighting key milestones and achievements in the field of environmental education.

Core Functions and Activities

NAAEE engages in a variety of activities to promote environmental education, including:

Professional Development: NAAEE provides resources and opportunities for environmental educators to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Conferences and Workshops: The NAAEE Annual Conference serves as a major platform for educators, researchers, and practitioners to connect, share best practices, and learn about the latest developments in the field.
Publications and Resources: NAAEE develops and disseminates a range of publications, including guidelines for excellence in environmental education, to support educators and promote quality EE programs.
Advocacy: NAAEE advocates for policies and initiatives that support environmental education at the local, state, and national levels.
Networking: NAAEE fosters a strong network of environmental educators and organizations, facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing.

NAAEE's Impact and Reach

NAAEE's influence extends across North America and beyond. The organization works with a diverse range of partners, including government agencies, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and businesses, to advance environmental education.

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NAAEE Affiliates

NAAEE has established a network of affiliates across North America. These affiliates play a crucial role in delivering environmental education programs and services at the state and local levels. These affiliates include:

E3 Washington
North American Coalition for Environmental Education (NACEE)
Texas Association for Environmental Education (TAEE)
Minnesota Association for Environmental Education (MAEE)
Environmental Education Association of Oregon (EEAO)
Environmental Education in Wisconsin (EEinWisconsin.org)

Key Initiatives and Programs

NAAEE is involved in several key initiatives and programs designed to promote environmental education and address critical environmental issues. These include:

eeWORKS: eeWORKS demonstrates the power of environmental education through research and evaluation.
Natural Start Alliance: Natural Start focuses on promoting environmental education in early childhood settings.

Guidelines for Excellence

NAAEE has developed comprehensive guidelines for excellence in environmental education. These guidelines provide a framework for developing and implementing high-quality EE programs. The "NAAEE Excellence in EE - Guidelines for Learning" resource offers detailed guidance on effective environmental education practices.

Partnerships and Collaborations

NAAEE collaborates with various organizations to achieve its mission. One notable partnership is with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA has awarded significant funding to NAAEE for national environmental education training programs. NAAEE is also a Resource Watch Partner.

Resources and Publications

NAAEE offers a wide array of resources and publications to support environmental educators and promote effective EE practices. These resources include:

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Environmental Education (EE) Publications: NAAEE provides a variety of publications on environmental education topics.
Guidelines for Learning: NAAEE's guidelines for learning provide a framework for developing and implementing high-quality environmental education programs.

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