FAQ
Q: WHO IS MEO FOR?
A: MEO was founded by and exists for people who have been historically excluded from outdoor spaces or are directly impacted by environmental racism. Our programs are for Black and brown youth and youth of limited resources, and our intention is to create spaces for BIPOC community and connection to land. This means that our programs aren’t intended for white youth with access to economic resources, who have historically benefited from the greatest access to safe and healthy outdoor experiences.
Q: HOW CAN I SIGN MY YOUNG PERSON UP FOR MEO PROGRAMMING?
A: The best way to stay up to date on current sign-up opportunities is to follow MEO on Instagram. When program enrollment is happening, sign-up links are available on our Linktree page. If you’re interested in a specific program but can’t find a sign-up link, or if you want to inquire more generally about available programs, please email us at info@meoutdoorsri.com. We’ll be happy to arrange a time to speak with you about which program is right for your young person.
Q: I AM INTERESTED IN BEING AN EDUCATOR FOR MEO. HOW CAN I APPLY?
A: MEO is not currently hiring full-time educators, but we’d always love to hear from local educators who are interested in part-time seasonal or contract-based work! We’re especially excited to hear from educators, youth facilitators, and curriculum writers who are Black, Indigenous, or people of color. If this sounds like you, please contact us! We’d love to get to know you, what you’re looking for, and whether you might be a good fit for MEO.
Q: CAN MY ORGANIZATION PARTNER WITH MEO TO RUN A PROGRAM?
A: MEO often collaborates with youth-serving community partners whose missions and values align with our own to provide customized experiences for their youth. If you’re interested in running a program for your organization through MEO, please visit our Inquiries page. Please also note that certain outdoor activities—such as rock climbing, swimming, and white water rafting—fall outside the scope of MEO’s work.
Q: HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED IN SUPPORTING MEO’S WORK?
A: MEO exists thanks to an incredible grassroots community of folks who have poured their time, love, and resources into our movement—and we’re deeply grateful for any support you can give, no matter what form it takes. A few ways to support us: 1) Donate money, 2) Donate equipment, 3) Volunteer, 4) Buy merch, and 5) Stay in the loop. We particularly encourage financial and equipment donations from people who have personally benefited from the systems of white supremacy and settler colonization that have historically removed people of color from the land. If you have access to economic resources or have benefitted from whiteness while experiencing the outdoors, help us redistribute!
Q: MY YOUNG PERSON WANTS TO PARTICIPATE IN A MEO PROGRAM. HOW CAN I KNOW THEY’LL BE SAFE?
A: Facilitators for MEO are provided with the training necessary to ensure participants’ safety in outdoor settings—including Wilderness First Aid/Wilderness First Responder certifications, water safety training, and Outdoor Leadership Training through the Center for Outdoor Learning and Leadership of the Appalachian Mountain Club. Facilitators are trained educators who come to MEO with prior experience working with youth and are talented at fostering educational settings defined by trust, care, and comfort. For all programs, we ensure that at least two facilitators are present. If you’re concerned about the safety of your young person, have questions about risk management, or would like to better understand the activities involved in MEO programming, please reach out to us at info@meoutdoors.com or 401-314-9247—we’d love to answer any questions you have.
