“At its core, GivingTuesday was created to facilitate our deep-seated desire to help each other. Our belief has always been that through local action, we can inspire global change. This couldn’t be more true during these unprecedented times. The day is designed to drive an influx of generosity, citizen engagement, business and philanthropy activation, and support for communities and nonprofits around the world. Let’s rally to do some good today. Together.” ~  The GivingTuesday Team

Together we give. Today is Giving Tuesday globally and we are also aligned with the Give Big WA.org campaign which runs through tomorrow. Over the past two months our organization has shifted with the waves of the current pandemic and held on for this roller coaster ride. This is our update and ask for your support. Support for our organization and also for you to consider GIVING BIG across the board and helping out our partner organizations and those that support our community. While our work doesn’t directly have an effect on finding a cure for COVID-19 or caring for the sick, we are proud to do what we can. 

Together we entertain. I’ll share some videos with you in this missive for your entertainment and connection to our cause. Someday, we will be able to gather together again. We will find new ways to connect and create experiences for people in the outdoors. Leveraging the foundation of our Parkscriptions program, the opportunities to promote the mental and physical health benefits of nature, positions us as part of the solution. That feels good.

Together we are mindful. We look forward to creating guidance for those who need a helping hand (ourselves included) or reminders to get out into nature. In this first video, we celebrated our Parkscriptions Day and I gave a brief tour of Fairhaven Park, highlighting approaches to get out and soak in the sights, sounds and smells in nature as part of our maturing forest therapy regimen. 

Together we promote. The second video is about our big plans for the EXPO and what we hope to come back to in the future. This was a big disappointment for our organization and partners, sponsors and exhibitors. Working with Jen and her team at Swell Media Solutions, we shared posts about our exhibitors and partners on our social channels:  facebook & instagram

Together we will adapt. We gathered Washington Outdoor Business Alliance News – April 2020 This post covered: Best practices for playing outdoors, Outdoor Recreation Businesses Answering the Call, Business Recovery Resources, Industry News, Washington State Tourism Resources  and Events updates for the industry.

Together we rally. Over the past weeks led by our board member, Kristi Kucera, we rallied some of our Washington Outdoor Business Alliance members to form an ad hoc working group with others to help get outdoor recreation guides, tour operators and outfitters back to work in a responsible manner in Washington State. More details and a draft of the letter here: Update on Guides and Tours Letters to the Governor

Together we act. This move is beneficial for the outdoor industry and for the public who are itching and aching to get outdoors safely. Who better positioned than our friends, the professional guides?! We are thankful that our newly formed Alliance was in place to play a role in serving as the collective eyes & ears, heart, mind and voice for this segment of the outdoor recreation sector. The first letter was submitted this morning on behalf of the paddlesports community, with kayaking being considered initially in response to boat rentals opening and the inherent physical distancing in these watercraft. 

Together we are grateful. We thank the Murdock Foundation for their continued support of our Parkscriptions program. Their support enables us to continue working with local health care providers, partner organizations and evolving our programming to create opportunities for more of the public to get out and enjoy nature.  They provide a foundation for our work. 

Together we ask. You are also integral in our ability to fulfill our mission. Please consider the value that our organization brings to the community through the work we do and the people we connect- for work, for health, for fun. We thank you for your support. Go to Give Big WA.org.

If you want to be a reliable source of income for our programs, you can become a monthly donor. 

On behalf of our board and staff and all of our community partners, thank you.

Together we will grow stronger. 

Sincerely, 

Todd Elsworth, Executive Director
Recreation Northwest.org
    360-739-8458