Social justice issues are intertwined with environmental issues. There is no just and equitable future for all unless everyone feels safe and welcome in traditional and nonformal educational settings. Educators and education providers are responsible for their students’ content knowledge and hard skills development, as well as the development of their soft skills, which includes critical thinking, adaptability, and—yes—social-emotional well-being. At NAAEE, we believe that education is a pathway for students to become lifelong learners, stewards of their communities and the environment, and confident change agents who can advocate for the sake of themselves, others, and the environment.

Read the full article about supporting LGBTQIA+ youth by Stacie Pierpoint at NAAEE.