In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.– Eleanor Roosevelt
If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.— Dalai Lama XIV
We're finally here!
It's Week 10 of the Inclusive Community Outdoor Challenge! View the full challenge here, where you can view past weeks and navigate via the table of contents. You'll also be able to find transcripts for all the weeks' audio on this page.
-Challenge
What is at least one step you will take toward building a more inclusive outdoor community?
-Questions/Reflections
- What are the nuggets of wisdom that you will take away from this challenge experience? In what way do you look at things differently or feel changed from your experiences? Where did you find unexpected joy? Where and with whom did you experience community?
- Where do you plan to focus your attention going forward to build a more inclusive outdoors? With whom will you be in community around this work?
-My Experience
As the last week of our challenge ends, my short audio is more about reflection than experience. You can listen to how I processed the 10 weeks of this challenge along with a few thoughts about stepping up to build a more inclusive outdoors.
One part of my personal experience of stepping up involved finding a local outdoors organization with a strategic commitment to social justice and equity and then working to support them. One of the organizations I learned more about during this challenge was Conserving Carolina. Listen to my conversation with Rose Lane of Conserving Carolina and see what impressed me about their approach and why I remain committed to supporting their work.
How was I able to step up with Conserving Carolina? I started with a small financial contribution, supported and attended events they were hosting, and used my small platform to recognize and lift up their work through the podcast. Along the way, I also lent my hands in community with others on a hot summer Wednesday to weed and tend their native plant garden - small steps, for sure, but a place to begin.
-Additional Thoughts
I mentioned that some of the leaders in the outdoor industry are stepping up and helping build community around this work of social justice and equity.
You might enjoy this REI video about the Friends of Anacostia Park about what one neighborhood has been able to do. Then, explore some of the ways you can participate with REI on their Outside in 5 Initiative.
Patagonia has also created a broad engagement initiative they call Action Works. Check it out.
Thank you for being part of this challenge. Even our small steps can make a difference.
Great acts are made up of small deeds. - Lao Tzu
The small things we practiced together in these ten weeks to build a more inclusive outdoors can also help us to grow and serve us well on our longer and broader journey to build a more inclusive community.
Thanks for reading. If you're interested in building a more inclusive community and world, I'm sure you know others who are too. Please share this newsletter with a colleague or friend.
This newsletter is a publication from State of Inclusion.