Through AORE, members gain the ability to interact with and affect decisions made by public land managers and the human-powered outdoor recreation industry.
Once a loosely knit group of professionals hosting conferences on outdoor recreation, the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE) was founded in 1993 at the International Conference on Outdoor Recreation as a grassroots organization dedicated to advancing the field of outdoor recreation and education.
Developed by and for outdoor recreation and education professionals and students, the nonprofit corporation is dedicated to serving the needs of these professionals. Through AORE, members gain the ability to interact with and affect decisions made by public land managers and the human-powered outdoor recreation industry. AORE aims to promote ecologically sound stewardship of the natural environment and is a collective voice for members on topics of regional and national concern.
In its Identity Statement, AORE states that it:
- Is guided by the strategy of occupying the intersection of the outdoor industry and outdoor recreation and education.
- Advances its mission of empowering leaders to connect people to the outdoors through recreation and education experiences.
- Seeks a vibrant community where everyone can connect to the outdoors.
- Serves current and aspiring outdoor recreation, education and industry professionals and organizations.
- Works in the United States through advocacy, professional development, networking and career advancement.
Advocacy is a big part of what AORE does, and the association leverages its influence to advocate for critical issues that affect its membership, working to ensure that current and aspiring professionals are informed on the latest news, research, best practices and funding opportunities.
Areas of advocacy include inclusive outdoor recreation; access and permitting; diversity, equity and inclusion; environmental stewardship; research; and more.
Currently, AORE is made up of more than 600 outdoor recreation professionals, enthusiasts and students across the nation and abroad. The association unites current and aspiring outdoor facilitators from: colleges, universities and junior colleges; the military; for-profit organizations; and nonprofit organizations.
Members get plenty of benefits, from access to news and message boards to job posting, networking opportunities and the ability to attend educational workshops and conferences at a discounted rate.
Through its annual conference, as well as a variety of training events, mentorship, summits and more, AORE connects its members to programs, tools, training and certification opportunities in a range of learning formats.
This year’s annual conference took place in person, Nov. 1 to 4 in Myrtle Beach, S.C.. The conference provides a way for the association to offer high-quality education; build and strengthen professional skills and knowledge; provide networking opportunities; educate attendees on its advocacy and public policy efforts; raise awareness of the value and impact of outdoor recreation; and empower attendees to connect people to the outdoors through recreation and education experiences.
For more information, visit www.aore.org. RM
