The North American Association for Environmental Education, founded in 1971, is a nonprofit network for professionals and students working in the field of environmental education. It claims to be the world's largest association of environmental educators, with members in the United States and more than 55 countries. The organization's stated mission is to "go beyond consciousness-raising about these issues. [It] must prepare people to think together about the difficult decisions they have to make concerning environmental stewardship, and to work together to improve and try to solve environmental problems." It advocates a cooperative and nonconfrontational approach to environmental education.

NAAEE conducts an annual conference and produces publications, including a member newsletter, the Environmental Communicator, and a Directory of Environmental Educators.It also operates a Skills Bank and numerous programs. Several of these programs focus on community-based activities. The VINE (Volunteer-led...