Our work to create Champions of Nature through education and inspiration cannot be achieved without racial and social justice as well. We stand in solidarity with those seeking justice and change, and are committed to doing our part to ensure diversity, equity and inclusion are at the forefront of our work. Everyone should feel welcome and safe to enjoy the outdoors.
We recognize we have work to do. It is not news that environmental organizations often lack in diversity, ourselves included. We are not a leader in this movement, but our goal is to be an ally. We are showing up by listening and educating ourselves, as well as taking action to be more inclusive and equitable in our work. In July 2019, we began a multi-year staff training and educational program in diversity, equity and inclusion. We are continuing those necessary and important conversations and applying what we learn in the work we do. We continue to ask ourselves what we can do to combat racism and inequality and are taking steps to diversify our opportunities and programming.
We’ve created this blog — and will be regularly updating it — to point to resources, articles and other applicable information that may help guide us in our work, amplify melanated voices and highlight disparities in diversity in the outdoor industry.
READ
Why Every Environmentalist Should Be Anti-Racist by Leah Thomas for Vogue
Bad Things Happen in the Woods: the Anxiety of Hiking While Black by Candice Pires for The Guardian
It Matters Who You See in Outdoor Media by Carolyn Finney for Outside Magazine
We’re Here, You Just Don’t See Us by Latria Graham for Outside Magazine
Diversity in the Great Outdoors: Is Everyone Welcome in America’s Parks and Public Lands? by Reyna Askew and Margaret A. Walls for Resources Magazine
Black Bodies, Green Spaces by Taya Miles for New York TImes Op-ed
Photographing Nature While Black: One Man’s Quest to Make Green Spaces Less White by Kate Yoder for Grist
Black Communities are Reclaiming Space Outdoors, From Backyard Gardening to Mountain Climbing by Carla Bell for Yes! Magazine
31 Children’s Books to Support Conversations on Race
A Diverse Summer Reading List for Kids
28 Great Black History Book Month Books for Kids
LISTEN
WATCH
Birds of North America with Jason Ward (YouTube)
RESOURCES
Your Kids Aren’t Too Young to Talk About Race – Resource Roundup
CR metro library resources on anti-racism
Center for Diversity & the Environment resources
Dismantling racism, a resource book
Avarna – Insights & Resources for Environmental & Outdoor Leaders & Their Organizations
