Backyards and Beyond

The Backyards and Beyond initiative was first proposed by Jillian R. Ross as part of her Senior Thesis under the guidance of Dr. Sharon Shields at Vanderbilt University.

The name, the philosophy and the heart of the Backyards and Beyond concept were inspired by an Eleanor Roosevelt quote:

"Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home – so close and so small they can not be seen on any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of individual persons: the neighborhood, the school or college, the factory, farm or office. Such are the places where every man, woman and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerned citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world."

Backyards and Beyond Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Backyards and Beyond and what does it promote? A grassroots program which organizes a Gathering of community members in backyards across the nation to learn about and advocate for issues which promote education, advocacy, implementation, and vigilance surrounding social justice issues that are relevant to girls and women in sport.

Why was Backyards and Beyond created?  Backyards and Beyond was created following a model of community organizing to bring persons together around a common issue to achieve civility, equity, and the preservation of rights for girls and women in sport.

When did Backyards and Beyond become available? The Backyards and Beyond multi-level curriculum became available as of March 2007 at the AAHPERD National Convention, with the release of Unit One which focuses on Title IX. Subsequent levels and units of the Backyards and Beyond initiative are currently in development.

Unit One      Hosting      Resources    Program Goals    

Products     Reporting      What Else?