Are you working hard to connect children to nature? $15,000 prize on offer for educators

The Children & Nature Network is offering a $15,000 cash prize to any individual doing exemplary work to advance equitable access to nature in their community or region, offering an amazing opportunity for Australian early childhood education and care (ECEC) professionals to have their work recognised at an international level. 

 

Along with the cash prize, winners will receive recognition by the Children & Nature Network’s Founders’ Council at its annual Inside-Out International Conference, and a feature article in the Children & Nature Network’s signature publication, Finding Nature News.

 

The Richard Louv Prize for Innovation in Nature Connection was established by the Children & Nature Network to honour the visionary leadership and contributions of its co-founder and Chair Emeritus, Richard Louv. 

Mr Louv is best known in ECEC circles for his landmark book, Last Child in the Woods which helped launch an international movement to connect children, families and communities to nature.

 

The prize recognises innovative strategies for creating regular access to the benefits of nature everywhere children live, learn and play.

 

“We believe equitable access to nature is achieved when systemic barriers to nature are removed and all members of a community — regardless of race, income, ability, identity or address — have regular opportunities to spend time in healthy outdoor spaces that are nearby, safe, welcoming and culturally relevant” a Children and Nature Network representative said.

 

Nomination Process and Deadline

 

Nominations for the 2022 Richard Louv Prize will be accepted from March 17 – April 12, 2022. All nominations must be received by 5 p.m. Pacific Time on April 12, 2022. The Children & Nature Founders’ Council will review all nominations and recommend a winner to be approved by the Children & Nature Network’s Board of Directors.

 

Selection Criteria:

 

• Innovation: Nominee has demonstrated innovative or novel approaches to advancing equitable access to nature in their community or region, including, but not limited to, new funding strategies, unlikely partnerships, and creative approaches.

 

• Reach: The nominee’s work or its potential influence should extend beyond their organization, neighbourhood and/or community. 

 

• Potential for Scale: The nominee’s work should have the potential to be replicated or scaled.

 

• The 2022 Richard Louv Prize winner must be available to attend the Children & Nature Network Inside-Out International Conference in Atlanta, GA, May 9- 12, 2022 (all expenses for the prize winner will be covered by the Children & Nature Network).*

 

* Note, the Network will work to make accommodations for individuals who are unable to attend due to health or accessibility considerations.

 

For additional information please send an email with a specific question/s and contact information to: [email protected]