At Outdoors Empowered Network we believe that all young people should have regular opportunities to recreate outside with their friends, family, and community.

Unfortunately, cultural and institutional racism too often claim the outdoors as a “white space”. Outdoors Empowered Network stands in solidarity with communities for whom this form of white supremacy causes significant and lasting harm. Our DEIJ Framework focuses on increasing intersectional diversity, using actionable language in our programming and communication, trauma-informed programming, power-with culture change, and industry leadership.

OEN is committed to cultivating inclusive and equitable culture change in outdoor recreation. Read more about our DEIJ commitment in our Strategic Framework

Theory of Change

However, simply stating that we care about equity and inclusion doesn’t actually make the changes required to dismantle systems of oppression. The change we want to support takes practical, measurable steps, including access to appropriate gear, training, and best practices for risk management and cultural inclusion.

OEN has divided this work into four primary areas, predicated on access to public open space, intersectional allyship, honest history, and community support.

• Gear

  A primary barrier to getting outside, outdoor gear can cost thousands of dollars for a first-time camper.

• Training

  Lack of skill and experience in the outdoors can be a primary barrier if you don’t know how get the training you need to be safe.

• Safety

  Working with generational trauma, addressing real & perceived lack of safety, and paying attention to power dynamics.

• Inclusion

  How are we including culturally informed activities and cultural sharing?