Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: 26 Ways (& More) to be an Ally in the Outdoor Industry

First, let me give you the disclaimer:

I’m in no way an expert on human behavior and psychology when it comes to the ideal manner of being an ally on the issue of diversity, equity and inclusion. The following comments are suggested approaches towards becoming an effective and authentic ally to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in the outdoor industry based on my twenty plus years of dealing with DEI in another industry (legal) that has been historically devoid of diversity, equity and inclusion.  The measures below emanate from my own personal experiences, observations and lessons learned from an industry that once experienced a drastic shift towards DEI.

Clearly, the outdoor industry is experiencing a similar shift that requires as many allies as possible to affect real change.  The Canadian outdoor company, MEC, issued a statement on the lack of diversity on their marketing campaigns.  Companies are signing onto the CEO Outdoor Pledge created by Teresa Baker.  Camber Outdoors has expanded its scope beyond addressing gender alone. It has acknowledged the need to address DEI on multi-levels.  REI has diversified the people in its catalogues and social media.  For sure, there are more changes to come.

If you work within the outdoor industry, you will come face to face with having to decide as to your position on DEI.  Whichever way you decide, it’s prudent to allow yourself to learn the ways to become an ally on such a complex issue.

Read more.