Together Outdoors (TO), a coalition committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in all aspects of the outdoor recreation experience, commemorated its first anniversary with a look back at a year of progress, and a look ahead at new efforts to make the outdoors more accessible and welcoming for everyone.
More than 100 organizations joined TO in its first year, with an initial focus on educating coalition members on the history of exclusionary practices in the outdoors and the challenges that remain for members of under-represented groups that seek to enjoy America’s outdoor spaces. TO’s debut learning tool was an eight-module online training program for outdoor companies, nonprofits and land management agencies. Topics included insights into, and best practices for, hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, implementing DEI at all levels of the organization and improving accessibility for the disabled.
“Together Outdoors was born as the result of outdoor industry leaders asking how they could help provide education and drive desperately needed change. TO’s first year was one of reflection, strategic planning and learning,” said Coalition Lead Gerry Seavo James. “With the support of our funders, member organizations, Governance Council, and Advisory Council, we have built a solid foundation and developed effective programs to help make the great outdoors great for everyone. We are proud of everything Together Outdoors has accomplished in its first year and are excited for what’s to come.” Read more of Gerry’s reflections on TO’s first year here.
Together Outdoors’ new efforts build on 12 months of work made possible by foundational and multi-year support from THOR Industries and the guidance of our Advisory Council and Governance Councils.
TO’s next phase is focused on helping members put what they’ve learned into practice, as well as launching more tools and programs to support its mission and to provide ways for the public to become involved with the coalition’s efforts.
Together Outdoors’ new initiatives include:
- Resource Hub Beta Launch– This online database provides a wealth of curated information about building an outdoor community where everyone belongs. These materials include books, articles, research papers, videos, podcasts and toolkits. Additionally, the hub includes a directory of inclusion-related outdoor organizations, a grant opportunity directory and the ability to host web-based training programs. The platform will be launched as a Beta with user feedback providing the basis for upgrades and improvements.
- Inclusive Spaces Program– Together Outdoors, in partnership with the Trust for Public Land, is piloting a program to help recreation space operators and public land management agencies improve accessibility and inclusion in their spaces. Findings from the pilot program, conducted in the Chattanooga, Tenn. region, will be used to develop best practices in every area of outdoor space operation, including the design of physical facilities, staff trainings, storytelling, and language used in printed materials and signage.
- Branding and Merchandise– Together Outdoors unveil its new logo, which visually conveys the coalition’s message of accessibility and inclusion. The new online store offers logoed clothing that allows people to show their support for TO and a more accessible and welcoming outdoors for all people.
- Grant Program– TO debuted a grant program designed to support organizations on the front lines of building a more accessible and welcoming outdoor ecosystem thanks to support from THOR Industries and Winnebago Industries. To help offset the history of exclusion of marginalized communities in the grant-making process, TO’s criteria will give priority to individuals from those communities, as well as organizations run by members of those groups.
For more information, visit https://www.togetheroutdoors.com/
