Outward Bound USA 2020 Impact Report

Page 4

Last year, we leaned into teamwork, connection, service to others and above all, compassion, to create a world that was Resilient Together.

OUTWARD BOUND IS RESILIENT BECAUSE OF... » INNOVATION

» COMMUNITY

» YOUR SUPPORT

INNOVATION IN PROGRAM DELIVERY

COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION

SERVICE TO ONE ANOTHER

YOUR SUPPORT THROUGH ADVERSITY

Five regional Outward Bound Schools launched The Thriving Classroom— virtual experiential learning programs for educators and youth—in response to the unique educational needs of 2020 made urgent by the pandemic.

Northwest Outward Bound School (NWOBS) launched a 7-week pilot program with Hacienda Community Development Corp, to safely re-build the community after a year of pandemic-related distance and disconnection.

Driven by a fierce desire to be of service to one’s self, family, community, and crew, regional School staff across the country came together to do just that. Being resilient together asked each of us to give when we felt able, accept when we should focus inward, and show each other compassion, above all else.

OBUSA’s Resilient Together Fund raised $2.8M from individual donors, alumni, friends, family members, corporate sponsors, corporate partners and foundations. This outpouring of support sustained Outward Bound during the long gap of in-person programs and prepared the national network to resume programming with students when conditions allowed. Supported the delivery of a virtual Wilderness Risk Management Conference.

Philadelphia Outward Bound School supplied masks for volunteers at local food distribution sites and delivered meals to their recreation center

Transformed its annual benefit gala into a Virtual Benefit Gathering on November 18, 2020. This special event raised more than $250,000 to support OBUSA and the national network of regional Schools.

Thompson Island Outward Bound School provided supply boxes of food, hygiene kits, books and laptops to Boston public school students

Provided equity, inclusion, and diversity. Instructors redoubled their efforts to ensure all programs foster a culture of belonging. Several regional Schools developed equity plans that include financial commitments for equity audits and new positions to support the work. OBUSA’s staff and Board of Directors participated in equity training led by Justice Outside consultants.

SERVED MORE THAN 10,000 STUDENTS NATIONWIDE

6

» SERVICE

“It’s been inspiring to watch our staff lean into a new method of program delivery; to watch them stretch their comfort zones and find success. They’ve approached virtual [learning] with true open-mindedness and curiosity.”

“It’s been a very tough year of isolation for all of us. We’ve seen that helping students find commonality and humor while building community through peer connection—seeing that we are all alike in a lot of ways, as we are different—has been incredibly powerful for them in the given circumstances.”

— SARAH GOLDMAN, Virtual Program Director at NCOBS

—MAYRA CHAVEZ, INSTRUCTOR AT NWOBS

2020 IMPACT REPORT

Outward Bound California delivered groceries weekly to individuals and families through local food banks

OUTWARD BOUND USA

7


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
Outward Bound USA 2020 Impact Report by Outward Bound - Issuu