Rewriting the Nature Narrative: Color My Outdoors’ Pillars of Impact
From Staff Reports
Color My Outdoors’ mission is clear: to honor the truths and contributions of Black and Brown communities by rewriting nature’s narrative. Our organization has the privilege of telling the stories that reflect their leadership, creativity, and resilience – stories that have been overlooked for far too long. By embedding the rich stories of Black and Brown cultural heritage, we are transforming how the outdoors is seen, experienced, and celebrated. Black and Brown folks are too often underrepresented and misrepresented in the story of the outdoors. Color My Outdoors amplifies the voices of leaders, adventurers, and changemakers who are blazing trails and redefining their relationship with nature. While our impact has a national reach, our work is deeply rooted in the Southeastern United States, which is where Black and Brown communities have endured a long, complicated history of exclusion from outdoor spaces.
At the same time, these communities have a profound relationship with nature as the original stewards of the land. We celebrate these ties while confronting the narratives that have ignored their impact and contributions. At Color My Outdoors, we’re not just imagining a more inclusive future, we’re building it. Every story we share, every community we influence, every stereotype we dismantle, and every barrier we break is a step toward a world where everyone feels welcome in the outdoors. This work is multifaceted and demands a collective effort. To achieve our mission, our programs and activities align with one of four Pillars of Impact:
CHANGING PERCEPTIONS
Representation matters. When Black and Brown communities see themselves reflected in the outdoor story, they begin to reclaim their rightful place in it. Through the Changing Perceptions pillar, we challenge stereotypes and reshape narratives in the outdoor industry by celebrating the diverse contributions, experiences, and stories of People of Color. By amplifying these voices, we foster an inclusive outdoor culture where all perspectives are recognized, valued, and celebrated. This pillar not only honors the profound impact Black and Brown communities have had in outdoor spaces but also reimagines their relationship with nature for future generations. At the heart of this work is our Digital Storytelling Program, powered by award-winning Creatives of Color who research, document, and share authentic stories through our website and social media channels. These dynamic storytellers thoughtfully document nature narratives that represent authentic Black and Brown experiences. We’re excited to feature these deeply moving stories that will (re)connect audiences to cultural narratives throughout the Southeast, the region we call home. From online campaigns to intentionally crafted personal and place-based features, our storytelling initiatives bridge the past and present, creating space for Black and Brown people to see themselves in nature.
CULTIVATING LEADERS
In the outdoor industry, People of Color remain significantly underrepresented, particularly in leadership roles. To address this disparity, our Cultivating Leaders pillar is dedicated to diversifying the outdoor industry by equipping Black and Brown individuals with essential qualifications for impactful careers. A cornerstone of this effort is our Wilderness Medicine Scholarship Program (apply here), which provides financial support to help People of Color obtain their Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification. By removing financial barriers, we support aspiring leaders in their goal to pursue careers in outdoor recreation or education, fostering a more inclusive and representative industry. We believe that when the leadership within the outdoor industry reflects the rich diversity of our communities, it not only changes the face of the industry but inspires broader participation among underrepresented groups. By supporting these leaders, we are actively working toward a future where everyone feels welcome and valued in outdoor spaces.
BUILDING SKILLS & CONFIDENCE
Breaking generational cycles of exclusion from the outdoors starts with fostering joy and connection. Through the Building Skills & Confidence pillar, we help adults reclaim their connection to nature by equipping them with the skills and confidence to embrace outdoor exploration and share it with their families and communities. By transforming the way adults see themselves in outdoor spaces, this pillar begins the powerful work of letting go of internalized stereotypes and creating lasting change. Our programs bring families together to discover the outdoors in meaningful ways. The Parent Orientation Program partners with third-party organizations that take Kids of Color into outdoor spaces. These sessions help parents feel comfortable with their children adventuring outdoors by addressing concerns, answering questions, and building foundational outdoor skills. Parents leave with both the confidence to support their kids’ adventures and the tools to recreate these opportunities on their own. These moments extend into our Family & Friends Outdoor Days, where families put their skills into action. Parents watch their children bravely try new activities, then they create new memories together. These programs foster a sense of belonging, create joyful outdoor experiences, and nurture a love for nature that ripples across generations. Keep an eye on our Instagram and Facebook for announcements about upcoming events so you can join us.
COLLABORATING TOWARD CHANGE
The outdoor industry is on the brink of transformation, and diverse-led organizations are at the heart of that change. Through the Collaborating Toward Change pillar, we’re building tools and connections that empower Black and Brown leaders to thrive in a $1.2 trillion outdoor industry. By addressing systemic barriers and providing the resources businesses need to succeed, we’re fostering a collective movement for equity and inclusion in outdoor spaces. This spring, we’re excited to launch our Southern Directory of Diverse-Led Outdoor Organizations. Thanks to the generous support of the Cisco Foundation, this pioneering online, searchable, and interactive directory will connect Black and Brown communities with outdoor organizations that reflect their identity and values. More than just a resource, the directory is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of diverse-led organizations and create safer, more inclusive connections between communities and the great outdoors. We’re inviting diverse-led outdoor organizations to become a beta tester by registering here. As a beta tester, you’ll showcase your business (at no cost to you) while helping us refine a tool designed to increase representation in outdoor spaces. You’ll also gain access to the Color My Outdoors network – a community that provides opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and support. Through the network, organizations and individuals can participate in virtual and in-person gatherings, access a multimedia toolkit with practical strategies for business growth, and become part of a movement that changes the outdoor narrative through collective action.
Together, we’re creating a future where Black and Brown communities lead, innovate, and thrive in the outdoors. If you’re ready to join us in creating a more inclusive and equitable outdoor industry, we’d love to partner with you. Support our movement here. Whether you’re an organization, business, or individual passionate about fostering representation and change, Color My Outdoors offers opportunities to collaborate and amplify our collective impact. United, we can build a thriving outdoor culture where everyone feels welcome.
