SHIFT for the Planet Presenters Announced

 SHIFT for the Planet Connects Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Initiatives with Funders

—SHIFT and 1% for the Planet sponsor unique pitch event at 2017 SHIFT Festival—

September 19, 2017 (Jackson, WY)—The fundamental challenge facing nonprofit organizations in the conservation and outdoor recreation communities is often securing the funding necessary to do their work.

SHIFT for the Planet, taking place November 1 at the 2017 SHIFT Festival, tackles this challenge head-on by connecting potential funders with organizations diligently working to leverage outdoor recreation for conservation gains in one of seven categories: non-profit leadership, business leadership, public land-management innovation, technology, adventure athletes, and youth engagement.

“For three years, SHIFT has awarded individuals and nonprofit organizations doing unique, important work to unite communities with outdoor recreation and the conservation of public lands,” said Christian Beckwith, founder and director of SHIFT. “But this year we’re excited to give some of them a stage to spotlight their work and connect with leaders who may provide the extra guidance and funding needed to grow and enhance their efforts.”

Designed in partnership with 1% for the Planet, Silicon Couloir, George B. Storer Foundation and Blue Sky Funders Forum, SHIFT for the Planet has pre-vetted a selection of nonprofit organizations who are doing the most impactful, innovative conservation work in the country this year. Their work will be spotlighted in a series of presentations that highlight the work’s focus, impact, and a central challenge facing its ongoing success. The presentations will be made to an audience of business members, private and corporate funders, individual donors, and peers.

2017 SHIFT for the Planet presenters include:

• Hispanic Access Foundation: Executive Director Maite Arce will present the foundation’s work on Latino Conservation Week, an opportunity for Latinos and the broader outdoor community to create events and activities designed to engage Latinos with a passion for outdoor recreation and encourage their stewardship to our nation’s public lands.
• Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership: Deputy Director Coby Tigert will present a multi-pronged Sportsman’s Access campaign to organize sportsmen and women in fierce opposition to public lands threats.
• Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Gary Thorson, Assistant Director of Information and Education, will present the CPW’s Executive Summit Coalition, which works to bring together representatives from outdoor recreation, industry, land trust, conservation, sportsmen/women, and land management organizations and agencies (federal, state, and local) to share perspectives on how to best balance outdoor recreation and sustainable management of wildlife in Colorado.
• Utah Diné Bikéyah: Gavin Noyes, Executive Director, will present on the work of Utah Diné Bikéyah (UDB), a Native American-led nonprofit working toward “healing of people and the earth by supporting indigenous communities in protecting their culturally significant ancestral lands.”
• Wylder Goods: Founders Jainee Dial and Lindsey Elliot will present Wylder, the first female-owned—and the only Utah-registered—benefit corporation, whose mission is to create rapid transparency and drive both demand and production towards sustainable and innovative consumerism.
• Powderhook: Co-Founder and CEO Eric Dinger will present Powderhook’s Digital Mentoring Program, a localized message board which connects users with a community of hunters and anglers who provide local expertise. The program has helped thousands of hunting and fishing users get out on to public lands more often.
• WILDCOAST: Conservation Coordinator Cory Pukini will present WILDCOAST’s Youth Engagement Programs, which allow students from underserved, park-poor and indigenous communities to engage with Marine Protected Areas in San Diego County to discover and learn about coastal and marine ecosystems and wildlife.
• Miho Aida: Adventure athlete Miho Aida will present her plans to showcase her film “1,000 Miles for 1,000 Allies” via bike tour, to show the world that one woman, one bicycle and one film can make a difference.

Following the event, a private gathering will be hosted by the George B. Storer Foundation for funders and conservation stewards to network, allowing opportunities to discuss challenges and opportunities, and learn from leaders about ways to align and enhance the impact of their funding strategies.

The 2017 SHIFT Festival explores The Business Case for Public Lands. In the days that follow SHIFT for the Planet, funders and nonprofits will have the opportunity to continue their interactions with other businesses, organizations and individuals working to protect our public lands.

Tickets for the 2017 SHIFT Festival are on sale now. For more information, visit www.shiftjh.org.

ABOUT 1% FOR THE PLANET: 1% for the Planet is a global network of businesses, nonprofits and individuals working together to accelerate smart environmental giving. To date, it has facilitated more than $150 million dollars in support for the environment.

ABOUT SHIFT: SHIFT (Shaping How we Invest For Tomorrow) is an annual festival that explores issues at the intersection of conservation, outdoor recreation and cultural relevancy. It is a project of The Center for Jackson Hole, whose mission is to strengthen the coalition of interests devoted to our public lands.

 

 

 

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