Color My Outdoors

Without historical context, one might believe the stereotype that People of Color inherently don’t enjoy the outdoors. To begin to dismantle this stereotype, we must consider how the overwhelming combination of economic inequality, legalized segregation, and historical and present-day racial violence has perpetuated the diversity gap in the outdoors. We must understand and accept that our nation’s public and private land systems are rooted in racist and exclusionary practices.

Changing the outdoor narrative will not happen by goodwill alone. Change requires intention.

At Color My Outdoors, our mission is to change the outdoor narrative to celebrate People of Color. We envision a future where People of Color feel welcomed and empowered in the outdoors.

Our work has a national reach, with a focus on the southeast—those states formerly known as the Jim Crow South.

To create a more racially inclusive narrative, Color My Outdoors’ plan of action includes the following programs:

CHANGING PERCEPTION: Color My Outdoors storytelling efforts aim to 1) address historical injustices that erased the story of People of Color in the outdoors and created collective fears; 2) highlight People of Color who already occupy this space; and 3) welcome People of Color into the outdoors for the first time.

BUILDING UP LEADERS: Color My Outdoors provides scholarships to individuals pursuing certifications and higher education that could propel them to outdoor leadership positions.

SKILL BUILDING & EMPOWERMENT: Color My Outdoors creates immersive workshops and multi-day learning opportunities that allow a participant to become confident in a new outdoor skill.

COLLABORATING TOWARD CHANGE: Color My Outdoors facilitates collaborative opportunities for diverse-led outdoor organizations to engage with one another. And we help the gatekeepers of the narrative find meaningful ways to invest in relationships with these organizations and their leaders,

These four program areas have potential to create generational change and system impact. By providing access to training and education for people of color to pursue a career in the outdoor industry or engage in outdoor activities, we are inviting more people of color to feel welcomed and empowered in the outdoors.

To do this work, we need change-makers, like you, who are ready to take action to confront the racism that continues to exclude People of Color from the outdoors. Your contribution will support one of the programs above and create the means for racial equity in the outdoors.

By changing the narrative, we change the future.