Nurture in nature

Listening Tour + Outdoor Challenge

In partnership with

we believe a life spent outdoors should be for everyone

Nature holds transformative powers that extend far beyond its scenic beauty, for minority veterans it can be a pathway toward healing, renewal, and personal growth after service. Outdoor activities not only facilitate the transition from military service to civilian life but also foster vital connections with nature and community, providing a sanctuary for reflection and rejuvenation. Nature-based experiences on promote resilience, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being among minority veterans. Minority veterans often encounter barriers when attempting to access the outdoors and face disproportionate challenges in access, including limited resources, geographic disparities, and cultural barriers. Data from the Department of Veterans Affairs reveals glaring disparities in access to outdoor recreation programs, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address equity and inclusion in outdoor spaces.

about the nurture in nature tour & challenge

This is why we launched the Nurture in Nature tour and challenge: to elevate minority veteran voices and provide a platform for our community to gather, connect, and share their experiences and needs directly. By centering our community’s narratives and stories, we have the opportunity to dismantle barriers and implement meaningful changes as we work toward equity and inclusivity in outdoor spaces and programs built to serve veterans in the outdoors, ensuring that the entire veteran community can access the healing and transformative power of nature.

Ways You Can Get Involved in the #MVANurtureinNature

What is the Nurture in Nature Listening Tour & Challenge?

Minority Veterans of America's Nurture in Nature Outdoor Recreation Listening Tour, proudly sponsored by REI, aims to create an inclusive and empowering space for minority veterans to connect, share their experiences, and embrace the beauty of the great outdoors. Through listening sessions, outdoor events, surveys, and storytelling, we’re working to gather a comprehensive understanding of the unique experiences and barriers our community’s face when accessing the outdoors.

But wait there’s more...

We’ll be making a stop at five cities in the course of a year but if you want to get involved and you can’t make it to one of these events, we’ve got an outdoor challenge for you! Commit to taking the #MVANurtureinNature challenge and log your activities in the outdoors for points. Gather as many points as you can to win prizes along the way and one grand prize at the end of the challenge!

2024 Nurture in Nature Tour Stops

Nurture in Nature Outdoor Challenge

Ready for an adventure? Get outdoors and join the fun with the Minority Vets Nurture in Nature Outdoor Challenge! It's simple and exciting:

• Dive into Nature: Whether it's hiking, biking, kayaking, or a peaceful walk in the park, choose your favorite outdoor activity and get moving!
• Log Your Adventures: Keep track of your outdoor exploits by logging them through this form.
• Share the Fun: Snap some photos of your activities and send them in if you're comfortable with us sharing your adventures on social media or in our challenge recap photos.
• Rack Up Points: Every activity you log earns you points. The more you get out there, the more points you collect!
• Win Big: The top 5 participants with the most points at the end of the challenge will win awesome prizes.

So lace up those boots, grab your gear, and join us in celebrating the great outdoors. Let's make memories, stay active, and have a blast together!

Activities and points

Nurture in Nature is Presented in Partnership with