Policies, power dynamics, perceptions and other long-standing conditions can create barriers for local leaders looking for ways to bring the benefits of nature to all children in their communities. This is why achieving real and lasting change requires a holistic or a systems change approach to dismantling systems of inequity.
This toolkit, developed by Cities Connecting Children to Nature (CCCN), a joint initiative of the National League of Cities and the Children & Nature Network, includes resources to help your city understand, drive and measure systems-level changes in creating equitable access to nature.
Toolkit Materials
Systems Change Discussion Paper
This discussion paper, used to lead internal discussions among CCCN member cities, provides guiding questions and examples of effective systems-level changes to inspire and spur action in local government.
Advancing Equity in Children’s Connection to Nature
Equity is at the core of CCCN’s systems change efforts. In this brief, CCCN outlines definitions and principles for advancing equity and provides examples of programs’ progresses and actions local leaders can take to increase children’s access to nature.
How Jacksonville is Building Partnerships and Supporting the Early Childhood Workforce to Create Quality Services
- Annika List
Use Your Remaining ARPA Dollars to Fund Workforce Scholarship Programs
Empowering Small Cities with the Nature Everywhere Community Action Challenge
- Melanie Robinson
- Andrew Moore
On Your Mind: Commissioner Amber Sellers of Lawrence, KS Discusses How Early Childhood Investments Support Community Wellbeing
Stressed Parents, Stressed Cities: Understanding the Surgeon General’s Advisory on Parental Stress
- Lara Burt
- Sarah Weller-Pegna, MPH
4 Steps Dearborn, MI Took to Invest in Economic Development and Public Health Through Green Schoolyards
Learn more
Find more resources for local leaders in the Cities Connecting Children to Nature Resource Hub.