Making space for diversity, equity and inclusion in the outdoors

ASJ has joined a growing list of large and small companies who have signed the Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge. These companies range in size from global companies like Adidas to local climbing gyms like Pacific Edge Climbing Gym and every size in between.

Other companies who have signed the pledge include BioLite, MooseJaw, Merrell, Outward Bound, KOA, Rumpl, Vasque, Toad & Co, Lifestraw, Mammut, Eddie Bauer, Burton, Smartwool, Outside, CamelBak, GoPro, POW, Backbone Media, People For Bikes and many more. For a complete list of participating companies go to insolidarityproject.com/partners.

In a nutshell, the Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge is all about committing leadership resources towards hiring a diverse workforce and presenting diverse representatives in advertising and marketing efforts. The pledge comes at a time when outdoor companies across the nation are looking to engage with issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the traditionally white outdoor recreation industry.

Long respected as leaders in the realm of environmental stewardship, US outdoor companies have spent the last year grappling with how to be leaders – or even just responsible and accountable – in the realm of social justice.

As outdoor publishers for over 20 years we have known for a long time that skiers, snowboarders, climbers, surfers, hikers, mountain bikers and other outdoor recreation enthusiasts in California and Nevada are disproportionately white and male.

Statistics and demographics don’t really tell the whole story as the conversation turns to who actually has the time, money, and freedom to enjoy the considerable mental, physical, and spiritual benefits of pursuing recreation on public lands. If we start with the idea that spending time in nature is a basic human need, we begin to grapple with the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in outdoor recreation.

We are excited to be a part of creating a more diverse and inclusive outdoors. Signing the CEO Diversity Pledge is an important first step.

Pick up our May/June issue to read more about Teresa Baker and the CEO Diversity Pledge, or read here.