WEA Strategic Plan Sets Stage for Outdoor Leadership Curriculum Accreditation 

Bloomington, IN; July 18, 2008 – The Wilderness Education Association (WEA) Board of Trustees has approved a three year Strategic Plan that focuses mission and vision to set the stage for developing and implementing Outdoor Leadership Curriculum Accreditation.

The development of the 2008-2010 Strategic Plan examined the vision and the mission of the WEA, resulting in a turning point for the organization. The revised mission and vision for the WEA provides a natural progression of work for the WEA and strives to fill the industry wide need for the professionalization of Outdoor Leaders.

WEA Mission:

The mission of the WEA is to promote the professionalism of outdoor leadership through establishment of national standards, curriculum design, implementation, advocacy, and research driven initiatives. 

WEA Vision:

WEA will become the governing body in the professionalization of the Outdoor Leader by establishing a strategic alliance with key stakeholders of the industry to create credible national outdoor leadership standards, curriculum accreditation, and establishing a database for professionals to be vetted and recognized as certified outdoor leaders.

The WEA will shift its focus from being a ‘course provider’ to curriculum development and implementation through a curriculum accreditation program. Accreditation levels will be determined by the depth of curriculum the accrediting institution covers during their programs. Additionally the WEA will establish a database that will track professional development portfolios for current and aspiring professionals in the industry. The program aims to implement in 2009.

For additional information on the Wilderness Education Association please visit www.weainfo.org and sign up for the email newsletter to receive updates. The complete three year strategic plan is available on the Member News page. 

About the Wilderness Education Association:

The Wilderness Education Association was formed in 1977 by Paul Petzoldt and a group of outdoor educators who shared a common vision concerning the development of outdoor leadership and the role of education in the preservation of this country’s wild land areas. Convinced that the survival of the American Wilderness and the safety of those seeking to enjoy it would require a massive educational effort, the WEA was founded. Born from this vision was the WEA, designed to train leaders with the judgment and decision-making skills to safely lead and teach the public in the appropriate use of wilderness areas.