Members of the UT Martin chapter of NAI gather around a campfire for their semester trip | Photo / Lily Yates
A big open fire, a sky full of stars, and a day well spent getting to talk to local Tennessee state park rangers while working outdoors with your friends. For members of UT Martin’s National Association for Interpretation, this kind of night is a regular event.
“NAI is a non-for-profit professional organization dedicated to advancing the profession of heritage interpretation,” said Lily Yates, President of the NAI UT Martin chapter.
Originally founded at UT Martin as the Park and Rec club, the organization officially changed to the National Association for Interpretation- UT Martin Chapter in 2014, as well as achieving its distinction as part of the national organization for interpretation.
Similar to that of the Tennessee State Park system, the mission behind NAI is to give college students the opportunity to gain professional skills and experience to effectively preserve and protect their local natural, cultural, and scenic areas for future use, as well as providing unique, safe, and encouraging outdoor experiences for other people who may not be as comfortable or familiar with being in nature. This is where “interpretation” comes into play.
“Interpretation means being able to share our resources in engaging and meaningful ways,” said Meghan Dodd, Vice President of the NAI UT Martin chapter. “We want to create a lasting, positive memory with the people we speak to.”
Members of NAI enjoy a wide variety of engaging activities, both fun and somewhat challenging, to further develop these professional and communicative skills. “We at least once a semester meet with park rangers to hold mock interviews for getting a job into parks,” said Dodd.
“We also do lots of volunteer projects with state agencies as well as camping trips to state parks,” said Yates. Other group activities include assisting in park cleanup and trail building events, first aid and CPR certifications — and the occasional field frolic with friends.
Creating a sense of community in inspiring others to enjoy learning about the outdoors is just as important to members of NAI as engaging in professional development. Students who want to join the club don’t have to be seeking a career in state parks, but rather have a love and curiosity for the outdoors and want to help others do the same.
NAI chapter meetings are currently held every Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Brehm Hall, room 202.
