CONNECTING THE OUTDOOR RECREATION ECONOMY TO ITS POTENTIAL
3,856 Members
WEDA is comprised of Extension Directors and Representatives
17 states and territories
WEDA is represented throughout the continental US and beyond
96 Years
The Western Extension Directors was created in 1924, making it 96 years old.
A new kind of industry partnership
Oregon State University's Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy emerged from extensive conversations with industry leaders.
These industry partners described a growing skills gap and challenges in recruiting and retaining a truly diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce.
Through research, partnerships and industry-informed technical skills and leadership training programs, we’re dedicated to meeting these needs and connecting the outdoor recreation economy to its full economic, social and environmental potential.
Understanding the outdoor recreation economy
An unrecognized powerhouse In terms of its contribution to the GDP, the outdoor recreation industry rivals high-profile sectors like mining, agriculture and big pharma.
Grounded in local communities With outdoor businesses in communities of every size and region, outdoor recreation economy contributes to the quality of life for rural and urban communities.
Supporting a small business renaissance At a time when business consolidation is increasing inequality in the United States, the outdoor recreation economy is an engine for small business growth.
2.2%
the outdoor industry's direct contribution to the national GDP
The outdoor recreation economy has the potential to be an even greater driver of positive economic, social and environmental change. Here’s the to-do list.
Make outdoor recreation accessible to all, regardless of background or ability by understanding and removing barriers to full participation.
Create a pipeline of highly skilled workers from all backgrounds, foster clear pathways for inclusive career advancement and cultivate culturally literate, equitable standards and practice at all levels.
Establish standards around core competencies to raise performance industry-wide, to support opportunities for skilled workers, and to empower employers to recruit from outside of existing networks.
Develop and deliver 21st century workforce and professional development training that leverages the full possibilities of existing and emerging technology to create inviting, accessible and highly effective learning experiences for all.
Explore our research and programmatic priorities to learn more about how we are working to help advance this bold agenda.
Land Acknowledgement: Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR is located in the traditional territory of the Chepenefa ("Mary's River") band of the Kalapuya. After the Kalapuya Treaty (Treaty of Dayton) in 1855, Kalapuya people were forcibly removed to what are now the Grand Ronde and Siletz reservations, and are now members of Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon (https://www.grandronde.org) and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians (http://ctsi.nsn.us).
2.2%
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