Adventure travel has historically lacked diversity. Organizations like Outdoor Afro, Brown Girls Climb, Unlikely Hikers, and Black Girls Trekkin' are actively working to create inclusive spaces. They provide opportunities, resources, and community for people of color, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment in the outdoors, thereby reshaping the landscape of adventure travel.
The adventure travel industry, with its stunning vistas and adrenaline-pumping activities, has historically painted a very specific picture of its participants: overwhelmingly white. This lack of representation not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes but also creates barriers for people of color who may feel unwelcome or excluded from exploring the great outdoors. The industry is slowly waking up to this problem, and thankfully, several organizations are actively working to dismantle these barriers and create more inclusive and accessible spaces.
Why is Representation Important in Adventure Travel?
The absence of representation in adventure travel sends a powerful message. It suggests that these spaces are not "for" people of color, reinforcing the false narrative that outdoor activities are primarily enjoyed by white individuals. This can lead to feelings of alienation, discouragement, and a reluctance to participate. Furthermore, diverse perspectives are vital for shaping the future of the industry. When people of color are included, they bring unique insights, experiences, and cultural understandings that can enrich the adventure travel experience for everyone.
Beyond individual feelings, a lack of diversity perpetuates systemic inequalities. Many people of color face historical and ongoing challenges related to access to resources, financial constraints, and systemic racism, all of which can hinder their ability to participate in adventure travel. By actively working to address these barriers, the industry can contribute to a more equitable and just society.
4 Organizations Championing Diversity in Adventure Travel
Here are four organizations dedicated to increasing the participation of people of color in adventure travel and creating a more inclusive outdoor community:
Organization Name |
Mission |
Key Activities |
Impact |
|---|
Outdoor Afro |
To connect Black people to nature, where they can be themselves and lead the way. |
Organizes outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and kayaking, led by trained volunteer leaders. They also run advocacy campaigns. |
Has engaged thousands of Black people in outdoor experiences, fostered a sense of community, and raised awareness about the importance of diversity in the outdoors. |
Brown Girls Climb |
To promote and increase the visibility of climbers of color. |
Offers climbing clinics, mentorship programs, and community events specifically for women and gender-expansive people of color. They also provide scholarships and resources. |
Creates a supportive and empowering space for climbers of color, addresses barriers to participation, and challenges stereotypes within the climbing community. |
Native Women's Wilderness |
To inspire and raise the voices of Native women in the outdoors. |
Organizes outdoor expeditions, cultural workshops, and educational programs that connect Native women to their ancestral lands. They also advocate for environmental justice and indigenous rights. |
Empowers Native women to reconnect with their cultural heritage through outdoor experiences, promotes environmental stewardship, and amplifies indigenous voices in the outdoor community. |
Unlikely Hikers |
To create a radically inclusive hiking community for people of all sizes, ages, abilities, genders, races, and backgrounds. |
Organizes group hikes, offers body-positive resources, and promotes inclusivity through social media and storytelling. It also provides gear to remove barriers. |
Creates a welcoming and accessible space for individuals who may feel excluded from traditional hiking communities, challenging stereotypes and promoting body positivity in the outdoors. |
How You Can Support a More Inclusive Adventure Travel Industry
Creating a truly inclusive adventure travel industry requires a collective effort. Here are some ways you can contribute:
Support these organizations: Donate your time or money to organizations that are actively working to promote diversity and inclusion in the outdoors.
Amplify diverse voices: Share stories and experiences of people of color in adventure travel on social media and in your personal networks.
Challenge your own biases: Be mindful of your own assumptions and biases about who belongs in the outdoors.
Demand representation: Call on adventure travel companies and organizations to feature more diverse faces in their marketing materials and leadership positions.
Be an ally: Speak up against discrimination and create welcoming spaces for people of color in outdoor activities.
The Future of Adventure Travel: A More Inclusive Horizon
The movement towards a more inclusive adventure travel industry is gaining momentum. By supporting these organizations, amplifying diverse voices, and challenging our own biases, we can create a future where everyone feels welcome and empowered to explore the wonders of the natural world. The work being done by Outdoor Afro, Brown Girls Climb, Native Women's Wilderness, and Unlikely Hikers is paving the way for a more equitable and vibrant outdoor community – one where the beauty of adventure is shared by all.
