paving the way for Equity & Progress
the color my outdoors impact
This work toward equity is a journey, not a one-time event. Together, in a collaborative effort with other diverse-led organizations and our allied organizations, we pursue a future where the outdoors is a space of belonging, healing, joy, and empowerment for all. We invite individuals, organizations, and communities to join us on this journey as we pave the way for a more equitable and just outdoor industry for generations to come.
Here's how we demonstrate our commitment to equity...
Representation
We strive to show diverse voices and perspectives in our leadership, staff, and board. Color My Outdoors is led by a Black, Southern woman and fiscally managed by a board of directors that reflects the diversity we promote. We actively seek individuals from different backgrounds to ensure diverse viewpoints are represented in our decision-making processes.
Safe & Inclusive Spaces
Color My Outdoors prioritizes creating safe and inclusive spaces for all participants involved in our programs and activities. We partner with diverse-led organizations (or strong allies with intentional equity practices) and promote affinity groups/events. Through these meaningful partnerships, we foster an environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves, sharing their stories, and participating fully in outdoor experiences.
Storytelling
A key factor contributing to the underrepresentation of People of Color in the outdoors stems from the fact that our nation’s history lessons and the outdoor industry have excluded all but the white male from the stories told about the outdoors. Our storytelling is intentional and captures the honest outdoor experiences of Black and Brown people, and their relationships to American South waterways, wildlife, and lands.
Financial Aid Opportunities
Color My Outdoors seeks to alleviate financial barriers for People of Color to access the outdoors. Financial aid opportunities include fiscal sponsorships and mini-grants for diverse-led, mission-aligned organizations; individual scholarships for conferences, leadership development training, and wilderness medicine or water safety certifications; and discounted pricing on gear/events through partnerships. We are also open to collaborative grants with diverse-led organizations.
Partnerships
Color My Outdoors collaborates with diverse community organizations, nonprofits, and stakeholders. While allyship is imperative to our success, we prioritize relationships with other diverse-led organizations. When considering partnerships with cis-gender, white, and/or male-led ally organizations, we employ a vetting process to ensure our allies are mission-aligned and will actively support our equity goals. This approach helps to create meaningful collaborations and maximize the positive impact on racial equity and diversity in the outdoor industry.
Language
We are constantly listening to our supporters and adjusting our language so it’s reflective of what is welcoming and inclusive. As a practice and in conversations with individuals, we trust that the best language to describe that person is the term they use to describe themselves. In our content, we make an effort to steer away from language that is controversial, ambiguous, or dismissive. We deliberately choose to ignore grammar rules and we ALWAYS capitalize the first letter when speaking about those people who have historically been marginalized. We most often refer to our audience as “People of Color” or “Black and Brown” folks.
Join The Movement
Equity is not a destination but an ongoing journey. By joining forces with diverse-led organizations and allies, we’re working toward a future where everyone can find belonging, healing, and joy in the outdoors. Your support makes this vision possible. Together, we can ensure the outdoors is a space that welcomes and uplifts all. Donate today to help us keep moving forward.
Donate to the Mission
join us & our Mission
This work toward equity is a journey, not a one-time event. Together, in a collaborative effort with other diverse-led organizations and our allied organizations, we will pursue a future where the outdoors is a space of belonging, healing, joy, and empowerment for all.