Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Determining Content

01: Hiking for Kids
  • Getting youth involved in hiking clubs
  • Educating youth on benefits of hiking (health, exposure through travel)
1. why is this issue pertinent and timely?

After speaking with many of the members of KCOC, one subject that was repeatedly mentioned was that there were no young people in the group. In addition to this, most individuals begin hiking as a learned activity from parents or grandparents. It is less likely for someone to take up the sport unless they are encouraged by family or close friends that participate in and enjoy the activity. At a time when developing technology is at the fingertips of any child or teenager, the appeal to leave the screen and go on an outdoor exploration becomes less and less. If a child was partial to the outdoors, it might be difficult for them to find a trial that is both safe and exciting.

2. what are its causes?

I believe one of the main causes of this issues are the limits placed on outdoor exploration as a child, specifically in urban areas. Technology such as video games, television, and easy access to the computer make it easy to remain entertained indoors. Also, without trail education or example, it is difficult to know where to begin hiking, what to wear, where it is permissible or how much fun it can be. It could never cross their minds.

3. what are detrimental effects to individuals? to greater society?

Some effects that would hurt the individuals themselves are not taking proper safety precautions before outdoor exploration. Because some children have an adventurous nature, it would be likely that some would get lost. In addition to this, trail safety is important when encountering nature and the wild. This includes knowledge of poisonous plants or dangerous animals as well as other hikers. Although some older individuals would find this an exciting part of the hike, it is potentially very dangerous and frightening for a child. This would require greater society with no initiative to burden themselves with the responsibility of letting children hike.

4. what are preventative measures?

Preventative measures that promote hiking for youth include; making the outdoors exciting and appealing when compared with entertainment and technology. Making hiking trails and outdoor exploration accessible to all children. At the same time, educating youth about possible dangers that could be encountered on a hike and how to prepare for these situations.

5. how does this issue relate to your sub-culture?

As stated previously, the issue was mentioned by the hikers of the Kansas City Outdoors club which held a primarily 40-60 year old members. This qualifies each as a possible parent and grandparent that are calling our attention to the issue although many could try (or have tired) to interest their children/grandchildren in the hobby. Because of their determination concerning the issue, it is apparent that this has not been as successful and appealing as it could be. This age group could use assistance in making the activity more interesting when compared to the various other entertainment options that are accessible to youth.

6. what organizations have a vested interest in this issue?

Obviously, groups like Boys and Girl Scouts invest in educating youth about the outdoors and wildlife. However, I found one interesting group called "Hiking Along" that provides schools, clubs, families, preschools, and other groups of children with themed hikes around the metro DC region. Livestrong also provides activities for children that include hiking as an activity among other outdoor activities like farm and zoo tours. The United States National Park Junior Ranger program is used by almost every national park and some monuments to try and interest youth in the wilderness. In addition to this, I found some interesting websites such as firsttreks.com, outdoorplaces.com and lovetheoutdoors.com that specific tips and tools for hikes with children. (Also review organizations found on answer #8).

7. what organizations have a vested interest in your sub-culture?

The American Hiking Society, the American Hiking Alliance, the Sierra Club, Ancient Forest Alliance, Appalachian Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Ausable Club, Austrian Alpine Club, Boy Scouts of America, the Bush Club, Catskill Mountain 3500 Club, Colorado Mountain Club, Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs NSW, Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand, Fichtelgebirge Club, Florida Trail Association, Georgia Appalachian Trail Club, German Alpine Club, Green Mountain Club, Harz Club, Long Distance Walkers Association, Mountain Bothis Association, Mountain Club of South Africa, The Mountaineers, New York-New Jersy Trail Conference, Oregon-California Trails Association, Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, Ramblers, South West Coast Path Association, Svenska Turisforeningen, Swiss Alpine Club, Upper Valley Trails Alliance, VandorMasok, Walkers are Welcome, Wasatch Mountain Club, webwalking.com.

In other words, there are countless organizations and clubs that support this particular sub-culture.

8. what public service campaigns have previously addressed this issue?

There were a number of state and local movements that include; the Children's Nature Institute, Washington State Parks, No Child Left Inside, ROCKIN' Utah, Leave No Child Inside Chicago Wildreness Initiative, Leave No Child Inside Central Ohio Collaborative, Be Outside/Idaho Children and Nature Network, Iowa Coalition for Re-Connecting Children with Nature, Minnesota Children and Nature Connection Conference, Chidren in Nature New York Initiative, No Oregon Child Left Inside, Get Outdoors PA!, National Wildlife Federation Green Hour, US Fish and Wildlife Service Children in Nature, Hooked on Nature, Green Hearts: Institute for Nature in Childhood, Nature Rocks (The Nature Conservancy National Campaign), Be Out There, and many more found on the parks.gov website! There are also two large international movements called; Nature Play and Nature Action Collaborative for Children.

02: Taking Care of Trails
  • Preserving wildlife/biodiversity
  • Pollution and waste disposal
  • Sustaining natural habitats
  • Raising environmental awareness
1. why is this issue pertinent and timely?

In the Trail Enthusiast sub-culture, many are conscious of their hand in the environment. From the research gathered, many are aware of the benefits of proper waste disposal as well as the harmful effects of pollution. However, those that do not regularly witness the gradual disintegration or pollution of the wilderness might not take such a careful approach to the care of trails or sustaining natural habitats. Recently studies have shown that conversion of land to agriculture, urban sprawl and infrastructure development are the main causes of wildlife destruction. Because of an increase in population, this causes a spatial distribution of people which changes biodiversity levels and makes conservation efforts an urgent topic.

2. what are its causes?

A great part in the lack of care on hiking trails is simply laziness. The hiking policy "Leave No Trace" applies to all who use the trails. However, this depends on the care and conscientiousness of the hiker. As with most environmental issues that aren't caused by nature, much of the responsibility is left to the individual.

3. what are detrimental effects to individuals? to greater society?

Detrimental effects on the individual include a throwing away resources, cutting down trees, pollution of the air, drinking water, and soil that could improve the health of the individual as well as greater society. With population rising, human activity produces burning fossil fuels through cars, factories, and industry and that affects the environment through pollution or destruction of natural of natural plant life.

4. what are preventative measures?

Preventative measures include applying the Leave No Trace Policy, proper waste disposal and recycling, and raising global warming awareness. The includes saving natural resources, landfill reduction strategies, conservation of fresh water,

5. how does this issue relate to your sub-culture?

This issue is a great concern of avid hikers, specifically the Hones Generation who have observed trails and the environment for an extended period of time. Taking care of the environment and wildlife directly relates to those that use the trails because they encounter this on a daily basis. This subculture enjoys the outdoors and should be willing to not only take, but give back.

6. what organizations have a vested interest in this issue?

Conservation International, the Environmental Awareness Organization, Conservation Magazine, the Conservation Fund, the Nature Conservancy, and (locally) the Kansas City MDC and MO Department of Conservation. Countless regional trail preservation associations such as the Trinity Trail Preservation Association and the Colorado Trails Preservation Alliance. In addition to this, the Leave No Trace policy expands on the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics website that offers programs, training and social networking options for outdoor enthusiasts.

7. what organizations have a vested interest in your sub-culture?

The American Hiking Society, the American Hiking Alliance, the Sierra Club, Ancient Forest Alliance, Appalachian Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Ausable Club, Austrian Alpine Club, Boy Scouts of America, the Bush Club, Catskill Mountain 3500 Club, Colorado Mountain Club, Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs NSW, Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand, Fichtelgebirge Club, Florida Trail Association, Georgia Appalachian Trail Club, German Alpine Club, Green Mountain Club, Harz Club, Long Distance Walkers Association, Mountain Bothis Association, Mountain Club of South Africa, The Mountaineers, New York-New Jersy Trail Conference, Oregon-California Trails Association, Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, Ramblers, South West Coast Path Association, Svenska Turisforeningen, Swiss Alpine Club, Upper Valley Trails Alliance, VandorMasok, Walkers are Welcome, Wasatch Mountain Club, webwalking.com.

8. what public service campaigns have previously addressed this issue?

The American Hiking Society's National Trails Day sent out a public service campaign that emphasized the health benefits of hiking, how to plan for a hike, and how to fundraiser and develop an event. Also, the Mount Nittany Conservancy Campaign from Jarah International that commented on Environmental issues such as; refining/implement improved forest management policies, fund/implementation of gypsy moth control, initiate control of invasive species, maintaining trails to minimize erosion and relocating or rotating trails to reduce impact. Scenic improvements include; forest/facility management for scenery protection, increase scenic opportunities by creating informal lookouts and creating off site viewing positions and information. Other areas include historical education information, recreation and community relations.

03: DIY Volunteering
  • Donating skill set and time to organizations or those in need
  • Collaborating with other with the same skills for a common good
1. why is this issue pertinent and timely?

Since many are already environmentally conscious and have an interest in sustainability, helping those in poor economic condition refines personal skills through practice and community while they help others. Their knowledge of self-sustainability should be passed on to others in less fortunate situations as a type of "survival guide" through the use of organizations such as community gardens, building houses or even something as simple as sewing on a button. In addition to this, DIYers love to contribute. Many try to cut back on waste, cost, oppose consumerism and find alternative means to answer problems. What better issue to address than helping someone that is in immediate need?

2. what are its causes?

However, specifically addressing those in need or, more specifically, those that find themselves in poverty might contribute poor economic standing, politics, lack of education, cutbacks and countless others instances to the cause of their current situation. Those that are in need but not at the poverty level would benefit from the knowledge or help of the DIYer caused by a lack of a lack of education.

3. what are detrimental effects to individuals? to greater society?

Some DIYers might feel that they are self-sustaining and may not want to share either their skills or special knowledge with others. Some might take a self-righteous role and think that those in poverty are lazy and should be able to help themselves just as the DIYer has done. This is detrimental to the individual because they too benefit from collaborating with others to improve and change, not only the environment that they share, but also other people's lives. The greater society is affected in a positive way by the skill sets brought by DIYers.

4. what are preventative measures?

DIYers prevent consumers from buying cheaply manufactured items, overspending, and unnecessary help when one can "do it themselves". They beg for efficiency and frugality by creating their own solutions to problems in spite of poor economic conditions.

5. how does this issue relate to your sub-culture?

This particular subculture is environmentally conscious and are extremely interested in self-sustainability as well as the efficiency of materials, cost and time. In that, they are able to spend money wisely and make sensible decisions that benefit them on an economic level. In addition to this, DIYers put practical application to use in various areas of their lives that would benefit others. Not only would sharing skills with others be beneficial to the DIYers themselves, but volunteering to help those in need would put, not only their knowledge, but time, secret tips and physical skill to a use that benefits everyone.

6. what organizations have a vested interest in this issue?

A Kansas City event called Sustainability Sundays encourages the audience can learn skills to save money and the earth using their DIY skills. One interesting organization called the Haiti Sewing Project which is funded by the Mercy Outreach Ministry International in which the program trains women in sewing and clothing construction to help gain economic independence and strengthen their families. Another specific program from Planet Green specifically uses DEYers to help in Haiti. Even large government programs POWG and SEEP would benefit from volunteers like DIYers. The Global Poverty Project, Habitat for Humanity, and Americorps are among the many opportunities that are organized to confront this issue.

7. what organizations have a vested interest in your sub-culture?

Websites such as Etsy encourage DIYers to share artifacts that they have made with others as well as outlets such as "ReStore" which is developed by Habitat for Humanity. The Kansas City Motuv group contributes with environmentally based projects as well as the New York's Fixer's Collective. Magazines like Popular Mechanics and Mechanix Illustrated, Time-Life and Better Homes and Gardens. Television shows such as HGTV or DIY Network are also directed towards the DIY subculture. Others include; Bazaar Bizarre, Craft, Craftster, CrimethInc., Make, Microcosm Publishing, Popular Mechanics, ReadyMade, and Techshop.

8. what public service campaigns have previously addressed this issue?

I am a little unsure of where to begin with answering such a large issue with specific campaigns. I will go over one example of a Habitat for Humanity
campaign that involved raising public awareness of Habitat through community activities, announcements and fund-raising. They built structures, faith relations, and families. Other campaigns are initiated by Americorps, CHUO, and HFHI among many others.

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