Off and Out

Abstract

Description: Turn Your Phone OFF and Get OUT” is a public health initiative I developed in Spring 2025 in partnership with the Spokane Regional Health District to reduce screen time among Spokane Public Schools youth. The program increases equitable access to outdoor recreation by using underutilized Gonzaga Outdoors equipment, RFC resources, and Gonzaga property during the summer. By removing barriers to transportation and gear access, the project models purpose-driven leadership through community partnerships, shared resources, and authentic connections between Gonzaga students and Spokane youth. I will introduce resources such as the Mayo Clinic that offer fun, accessible outdoor activities for folks of all backgrounds, providing a foundation for how important and well-researched this topic of turning phones off and getting outside is. Following that I will introduce my work with GU outdoors, CCE, and the insurance office that aims to use GU equipment to remove barriers for Spokane students to get outside