ANNUAL REPORT
OUR IMPACT “The emphasis in OM is about the possibilities. There are a million ways to appreciate whatever good health we have. It might be cycling across a continent solo. Or it might be going for a full moon walk with friends. Either way, it is about taking each and every second, and making it count. Why go out and enjoy the full moon? Because you can.”
2020 “I just want to get as many people out doing as many super fun things as possible. I really want to get the Outdoor Mindset Organization out there in the public eye. So many people can benefit from this organization, and I want them to hear about it!” Amanda - Denver, CO
Jesse - Edwards, CO
“People in the Outdoor Mindset Community are changing the perception of diagnosis from
“Outdoor Mindset is a great example of living life to its fullest despite having a neurological disorder. Using a safe environment, this organization shows you can still lead an active lifestyle, pursue your dreams, and be an everyday person, while living with a neurological disorder. Don’t give up your goals and dreams, because I guarantee there is a solution that allows you to keep your hopes up.”
limitation to opportunity.”
Channing - Cincinnati, OH
To hear more stories of impact, click here.
WHY WE DO IT
WE ENVISION
A global community of people positively impacted by the outdoors.
WE STRIVE
To enhance quality of life for people affected by neurological challenges by uniting and empowering our members through a common passion for the outdoors.
Our Story
In 2010, thirteen individuals came together inspired by a mutual friend’s determination to make something positive come from a recent diagnosis of a brain tumor. Everyone shared a link to a neurological challenge and their experiences ranged from personal diagnosis to supporting diagnosed family members and friends. The group also shared a passion for the outdoors, an unyielding enthusiasm for life, a drive to overcome hardship and focus on quality of life. These commonalities inspired the idea of Outdoor Mindset (OM) and promote the ongoing connections made by our members.
WE BELIEVE
In the power of community and the outdoors to enliven mind, body and soul.
IMPACTS
We all know someone who has faced a neurological challenge. Each year in the United States: • Over 100,000 people are diagnosed with a primary or metastatic brain tumor • 181,000 people are diagnosed with epilepsy • 10,400 people are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis • 50,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease • 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury
Social connections positively influence health.
Information is helpful; however, according to researchers and healthcare providers, personally connecting with others has a significant positive impact on patient health.
Getting outdoors and being active helps.
Exposure to the natural environment of the outdoors directly correlates to improved neuropsychological function and behavioral attitudes toward managing challenges in diagnosis. Research has shown physical activity to be a significant factor in improving quality of life indicators among diagnosed individuals.
HOW WE DO IT OM Community
An outdoor-focused community for people affected by neurological challenges. The OM Community is available for anyone that shares our passion for the outdoors and has been affected by a neurological challenge.
OM Meetup Groups
Regional meetup groups strengthen connections and empower people in the OM Community to get outside with others in their local area.
OM Adventure Scholarship
This scholarship encourages people in the OM Community to live big through a funded adventure of their choice.
LOOKING FORWARD In 2020, we created a new board and continued to meet virtually in the midst of change. To check out our board members, click here. In 2021, we are excited to announce that one donor will cover all overhead costs and the rest of donations received will go to programs. We want to continue to increase our outreach and meetups in 2021.
Outdoor Mindset
Outdoor Mindset
2020 Geographical heatmap of all OM United States Meetup Groups
2020 Geographical heatmap of all OM United States contacts WA
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Colorado Meetup Groups: Fort Collins; Denver; Montrose; Summit County, CO Texas Meetup Groups: Austin, TX Michigan Meetup Groups: Grand Rapids, MI Ohio Meetup Groups Findlay, OH
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California Meetup Groups: San Diego, CA
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