Merrell renewed its commitment as lead partner of Outdoor Nation, an outdoor movement led by members of the Millennial Generation, for the third year in a row.
“Outdoor Nation is a unique, game changing program that we are proud and excited to support,” said Stephanie Ofili, marketing manager at Merrell. “Together we can inspire a new generation to unplug and re-connect with friends and families in the best and biggest playground the outdoors. We hope our continued support and work with delegates will inspire more people to get outside with the long term goal of increased outdoor participation.”
The 2012 Summits will be held in Boston, New York, Washington DC, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Austin, Denver, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Each two-day Summit will bring together the next generation of outdoor activists, ages 16 to 28, to identify pressing outdoor issues, discuss and develop strategies to address these barriers and commit to taking action together. In addition to tackling the issues that are keeping their generation indoors, participants will receive training from top experts, covering such topics as community organizing, media relations and fundraising.
Building on last year’s success, Merrell’s nationwide search for delegates will identify the best and brightest leaders of the Millennial Generation who have a passion for the outdoors and an interest in inspiring peers and other youth to get outside. In 2012, the brand will sponsor up to 35 delegates who will not only attend the Summits but also serve as outreach ambassadors working as a team to share experiences from the Summits as well as subsequent project updates. Last year, Merrell sponsored 25 delegates who are actively spearheading on-the-ground efforts to connect a new generation with the outdoors. Interested individuals should visit www.outdoornation.org/2012merrellregistration.
“Thanks to the amazing support from Merrell, Outdoor Nation Summits offer an opportunity of a lifetime for any young person who has a love for the outdoors and a commitment to inspire others to get outside,” said Mike Defenbaugh, 2011 Merrell Delegate. “From providing gear and apparel to covering travel costs, Merrell sponsored one greatest weekends of my life enabling me to join a community of amazing young people who are making a huge difference in communities and on campuses across the country.”
“Outdoor Nation invests in the passion, energy and ideas of young leaders,” said Chris Fanning, executive director of The Outdoor Foundation, the organization that launched Outdoor Nation. “With the support of Merrell, we are excited to activate and empower outdoor champions and change makers, inspiring the Millennial Generation to get outside and active.”
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About Merrell
Merrell® is a brand within the Outdoor Group, a division of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. that also includes Chaco and Patagonia Footwear. Merrell believes in encouraging everyone to get outside, be active and have fun. The Brand’s mission is to increase youth participation in the outdoors through causes like Outdoor Nation. Wolverine World Wide, Inc. is headquartered in Rockford, Michigan. The company’s portfolio of highly recognized brands includes: Bates®, Chaco, Cushe®, Hush Puppies®, Merrell®, Sebago® and Wolverine®. The Company is also the exclusive footwear licensee of the following popular brands: CAT®, Harley-Davidson® and Patagonia®. The Company’s products are carried by leading retailers in the U.S. and globally in nearly 180 countries and territories. Merrell, 9341 Courtland Drive, Rockford, Mich. 49351. Phone: (800) 789-8586; Fax: (888) 746-3329. FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/merrell TWITTER: @merrelloutside.
About The Outdoor Foundation / Outdoor Nation
The Outdoor Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and growing future generations of outdoor enthusiasts. Through groundbreaking research, action oriented outreach, and education programs, the Foundation works with partners to mobilize a major cultural shift that leads all Americans to the great outdoors. In 2010, the Foundation launched Outdoor Nation, a pioneering initiative that aims to empower young leaders to champion the outdoors on campuses and in communities across the United States. For more information visit: OutdoorFoundation.org and OutdoorNation.org.
