Children today spend as much as 90% of their time indoors, much of it on screens – a trend that has serious implications for their health and well-being. Leaders and activists working to reverse this trend will gather in Atlanta May 9-12, 2022 for the Inside-Out International Conference. The four-day event, taking place at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, will feature Dr. Jane Goodall and Yolanda Renee King,  and will highlight programs, policies and practices for creating equitable access to healthy outdoor experiences for children, families and communities.

“Research increasingly tells us that regular time in nature makes children healthier, happier and more successful in school,” says Sarah Milligan-Toffler, president and CEO of the Children & Nature Network, producer of the conference. “The Inside-Out conference brings together a broad range of experts working to turn the trend of an indoor childhood back out to the benefits of nature, with a focus on increasing equitable access to outdoor learning and play.”

The Inside-Out Conference is timely, following a recent U.S. Surgeon General advisory stating an “urgent need to address a youth mental health crisis” brought on by the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, war, social unrest and more. “There are dozens of studies indicating the power of nature to reduce stress, improve mental health and help young people recover from trauma,” continues Milligan-Toffler. “Children need time in nature now more than ever. The work that children and nature leaders are doing to dismantle systemic barriers to nature is critical.”

Dr. Jane Goodall, via live remote from England, will join author and Children & Nature Network co-founder Richard Louv in a conversation about how a connection to nature is essential for the health and well-being of children, animals and the planet – both today and for generations to come. A diversity of other experts will participate as well, including an inspirational appearance by Yolanda Renee King, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s granddaughter and a youth activist. The conference will also feature keynotes, panels, workshops and field trips covering policy and public sector leadership; green schoolyards and outdoor learning; youth development; family engagement; equity and inclusion; community health and more. Registration for the conference and details about the program and presenters are available at childrenandnature.org/inside-out/.  “Anyone interested in connecting children, families and communities to the benefits of nature is encouraged to attend,” says Milligan-Toffler.