Leaders, Groups & How to Help Diversify the Outdoors

· 1905 words · 9 minute read

Are you passionate about the outdoors but feel a disconnect? You’re not alone. For too long, outdoor spaces have lacked diversity, but a powerful movement is changing that. This guide introduces inspiring BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) leaders, groups, and initiatives working to diversify the outdoors and make it accessible and welcoming for all.

Feeling excluded from outdoor spaces? Discover how you can support BIPOC-led initiatives and contribute to a more inclusive outdoor community.

In this post, you’ll learn:

  • Why diversity and inclusion are crucial in outdoor recreation
  • About inspiring BIPOC individuals leading the charge
  • Organizations creating opportunities and safe spaces for BIPOC in the outdoors
  • Resources and scholarships to support BIPOC outdoor adventures
  • Actionable steps to become an ally and support BIPOC in the outdoors

Let’s dive in and explore how we can all contribute to a more inclusive and equitable outdoor community. Find BIPOC outdoor groups near you and discover inclusive outdoor gear brands!

Why Diversifying the Outdoors Matters: More Than Just Fairness 🔗

Creating a diverse and inclusive outdoor community isn’t just about fairness; it’s about enriching the experience for everyone. When people from different backgrounds connect with nature, they bring unique perspectives, knowledge, and traditions. This diversity fosters a deeper appreciation for the environment and promotes innovative solutions to environmental challenges.

Here are key reasons why diversifying the outdoors matters:

  • Equity and Justice: Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the benefits of nature, regardless of race, ethnicity, or background.
  • Environmental Stewardship: Diverse communities bring a wider range of perspectives to conservation efforts, leading to more effective and sustainable solutions.
  • Community Building: Shared outdoor experiences can bridge cultural divides and foster a sense of belonging and connection.
  • Health and Well-being: Access to nature is essential for physical and mental health, and everyone should have equal opportunities to enjoy these benefits.
  • Economic Growth: Diversifying the outdoor industry can create new opportunities for BIPOC entrepreneurs and businesses.
  • Breaking Down Barriers: Addressing historical and systemic barriers that have prevented BIPOC communities from fully participating in outdoor recreation.
  • Amplifying Voices: Ensuring that BIPOC voices are heard and valued in conversations about conservation, recreation, and environmental policy.

Inspiring BIPOC Leaders in the Outdoors: Paving the Way for Change 🔗

Many individuals are working tirelessly to break down barriers and create a more inclusive outdoor community. Here are just a few of the inspiring BIPOC leaders making a difference:

  • Jenny Bruso (Unlikely Hikers): Jenny Bruso is the founder of Unlikely Hikers, a body-liberation hiking group that creates a safe and inclusive space for people of all sizes, abilities, and backgrounds to enjoy the outdoors. Unlikely Hikers hosts frequent meetups and is expanding to include new hiking chapters around the U.S.
  • Syren Nagakyrie (Disabled Hikers): Syren Nagakyrie is the founder of Disabled Hikers, an organization that promotes accessibility and inclusion for disabled people in the outdoors. Syren has a lifetime of experience navigating the world through the lens of disability and chronic illness.
  • Luisana Mendez (Huellas Latinas): Luisana Mendez began the blog Huellas Latinas to create an engaged outdoor community that is inspired to explore their surrounding environment. She has created a hiking club and partners with local parks and outdoor organizations to host events around camping, climbing, kayaking, fishing, and more.
  • Catarina Rivera (Blindish Latina): Catarina Rivera promotes representation and educates on inclusive diversity, as well as through her travels on Instagram. She hosts events that promote ease of access in the travel industry.
  • Sana Ullah (Places You’ll Pray): Sana Ullah is a Multimedia Journalist, Program Officer at National Geographic Society, and founder of Places You’ll Pray. She works closely with the Storytelling Grants Program at NGS, where she and her colleagues have helped over 300 journalists around the globe secure funding for their projects.
  • Zahrah Mahmood (The Hillwalking Hijabi): Zahrah is a Scottish Muslim hillwalker empowering women, especially Muslim mums, to get outdoors. Zahrah can usually be found in the hills of Scotland with a hijab or some sort of head-covering.
  • Ambreen Tariq (Brown People Camping): Ambreen Tariq is the founder of Brown People Camping, an organization that promotes diversity and inclusion in outdoor spaces through storytelling and community building.
  • Sandy Oda Hernandez: Sandy Oda Hernandez is a Latina Park Ranger currently working at Cabrillo National Monument. Originally part of the volunteer program in Yosemite National Park, she later moved to a permanent role as a Lead Visitor.
  • Gowri Varanashi (Climb Like A Woman): Gowri Varanashi is a co-founder of Climb Like A Woman, an organization that provides women with a safe space to try rock climbing and break down cultural and gender norms.
  • Whitney Washington: Whitney Washington is a long-distance biker frequently using the Instagram hashtag #recapturinglife to document her outdoor travels through videos. She started biking long distance last year and has already racked up 4000 miles.
  • Jeri Yoshizu: Jeri Yoshizu is an adventurer and explorer who is planning to visit all seven continents. She uses her expeditions to inspire people to get outdoors and dream bigger.
  • Deborah J. Moore (Ch8sing Waterfalls): Deborah J. Moore is the founder of Ch8sing Waterfalls, an organization that embraces healing the BIPOC community by, “intentionally increasing the brown faces in green spaces, one adventure at a time.”
  • Fawzia Pasha: Fawzia is a Calgary-based Muslimah hiker and new mom who shares her adventures and travels through Instagram and YouTube. An immigrant from Bangladesh, Fawzia creates content on her new life in Calgary, her travel and outdoor experiences, and her journey with pregnancy and being a new mom.
  • Noami Grekin: Noami Grekin has found community and purpose through van life and traveling and hopes to bring as many people as she can into that community.

BIPOC Outdoor Recreation Groups and Organizations: Creating Safe and Inclusive Spaces 🔗

Numerous organizations are dedicated to creating opportunities and safe spaces for BIPOC in the outdoors. Here are some notable examples:

Climbing 🔗

  • Asian Bouldering Crew: Amplifies Asian Pacific Islander (AAPI) voices in climbing.
  • Brown Girls Climb (BGC): Facilitates mentorship, provides access, uplifts leadership, and celebrates representation in the outdoors and climbing for People of the Global Majority.
  • The Brown Ascenders: A nonprofit organization created for BIPOC climbers by BIPOC climbers.
  • Climbers of Color (CoC): An initiative to increase alpine and mountaineering expertise among People of Color (POC) outdoor educators and organizers.
  • BIPOC At The Front: A Salt Lake City, UT-based organization advocating for better access to the outdoors for BIPOC.

General Outdoor Groups 🔗

  • Vamos Outdoors Project: Bridges the gap between knowledge and access and provides a space for Latine folks to connect with the outdoors.
  • Diversify Outdoors: A coalition of influencers, bloggers, and organizations working to promote diversity in outdoor recreation.
  • Outdoor Afro: Celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature.

Scholarships 🔗

  • Valez Adventure Connect Scholarship: Helps provide experiences such as the Valdez Ice Climbing Festival and the Valdez Fat Bike Bash.
  • The Summit Scholarship: Breaks down barriers to entry to the big mountain realm for women from all walks of life.
  • BIPOC Backcountry Scholarship: Voile’s and Scarpa scholarship aim is to celebrate, amplify and inspire BIPOC presence in the mountain for backcountry skiing and snowboarding
  • Mountain Hardware Open Aperture Photo Clinic: A photography clinic for underrepresented groups within the outdoor community who are interested in learning more about climbing photography.
  • SJ Brooks Scholarships: Seeks to increase access, reduce barriers, and center voices specifically for BIPOC cyclists who are trans, woman, non-binary, intersex, two-spirit, and/or genderqueer.
  • REI’s Founded Outdoors: REI’s Path Ahead Ventures is a new initiative that will invest in founders of color.

BIPOC Outdoor Media Companies 🔗

  • Melanin Base Camp: A storytelling platform that promotes diversity in the outdoors.
  • Natives Outdoors: Empowers indigenous communities through their products and storytelling for a sustainable world.

BIPOC Travel 🔗

  • Black and Abroad: A cultural collective dedicated to encouraging and celebrating Black travel.
  • Black Travel Summit: The year-round event experience celebrates travelers & travel industry professionals of color.
  • TravelNoire: A digital media company serving millennials of the African Diaspora.
  • Muslim Travel Girl: The go-to website for Muslim-friendly holidays and DIY Umrah, helping Muslim Millennials explore the world in style without breaking the bank.

BIPOC Outdoor Tour Guides 🔗

(This section could be expanded with specific examples of BIPOC-owned tour guide companies and resources for finding them)

How to Support and Get Involved: Becoming an Ally 🔗

There are many ways to support the movement to diversify the outdoors. Here are a few ideas:

  • Follow and amplify BIPOC voices: Seek out and follow BIPOC leaders, organizations, and influencers on social media. Share their content and help amplify their voices.
  • Support BIPOC-owned businesses: Patronize outdoor gear companies, tour operators, and other businesses owned by BIPOC entrepreneurs.
  • Donate to organizations: Support organizations that are working to create opportunities for BIPOC in the outdoors.
  • Advocate for inclusivity: Speak up when you see a lack of diversity or inclusion in outdoor spaces. Encourage organizations and businesses to prioritize diversity and equity.
  • Educate yourself: Learn about the history of exclusion and discrimination in the outdoors and how it continues to impact BIPOC communities.
  • Be an ally: Show your support for BIPOC outdoor enthusiasts and create a welcoming environment for everyone.
  • Attend Workshops and Training: Participate in workshops and training sessions focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the outdoors.
  • Promote Inclusive Language: Use inclusive language in your communication and challenge others to do the same.
  • Challenge Stereotypes: Actively challenge stereotypes and assumptions about who belongs in the outdoors.
  • Support Policy Changes: Advocate for policies that promote equitable access to outdoor spaces and resources.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for an Inclusive Outdoors 🔗

Diversifying the outdoors is essential for creating a more equitable, sustainable, and enriching experience for everyone. By supporting BIPOC leaders, organizations, and initiatives, we can all contribute to a more inclusive and welcoming outdoor community. Let’s work together to break down barriers, amplify diverse voices, and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to connect with nature.

FAQ Section 🔗

  1. Why is it important to diversify the outdoors? Diversifying the outdoors promotes equity, environmental stewardship, community building, health and well-being, and economic growth.

  2. What are some barriers that prevent BIPOC from participating in outdoor activities? Barriers include lack of access, financial constraints, cultural stereotypes, and feelings of unwelcomeness or safety concerns.

  3. How can I be an ally to BIPOC in the outdoors? Educate yourself, amplify BIPOC voices, support BIPOC-owned businesses, donate to relevant organizations, and advocate for inclusivity.

  4. What are some organizations that support BIPOC in the outdoors? Examples include Outdoor Afro, Brown People Camping, Unlikely Hikers, and Disabled Hikers.

  5. How can I find BIPOC-owned outdoor gear companies? Search online directories and social media groups that highlight BIPOC-owned businesses.

  6. What are some ways to make outdoor spaces more accessible? Improve trail accessibility, provide inclusive signage, offer diverse programming, and address safety concerns.

  7. How can I encourage my local outdoor organizations to be more inclusive? Offer suggestions for improvement, volunteer to help with diversity initiatives, and advocate for change within the organization.

  8. What are some resources for BIPOC who want to get involved in outdoor activities? Check out organizations like Outdoor Afro, Latino Outdoors, and Native Outdoors for events and resources.

  9. How can I learn more about the history of exclusion in the outdoors? Read books, articles, and research papers on the topic, and listen to BIPOC voices who share their experiences.

  10. What is the role of social media in promoting diversity in the outdoors? Social media can amplify BIPOC voices, showcase diverse experiences, and create online communities for support and connection.

Diversity Find Your Tribe