The Outdoor Equity Coalition of Washington is a group of passionate and committed individuals who want to make a difference in the outdoor recreation sector.
We believe that everyone should have access to the benefits of nature and the opportunities for personal growth and social connection that it provides.
Our vision is to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive outdoor recreation community that reflects the rich diversity of our state and nation.
**The nature gap** is a term that describes the unequal distribution of nature& benefits—and the effects of its destruction and decline—by race, income, and age in America.
According to a report by the Center for American Progress, people of color, families with children, and low-income communities are most likely to be deprived of the benefits that nature provides, such as clean air, clean water, public parks, beaches, biodiversity, and open spaces.
The report also found that these same communities are more likely to live in places with fewer natural resources, more environmental hazards, less public investment, and less political representation. The nature gap is a result of historical racial discrimination, systemic racism, cultural differences, socioeconomic barriers, and lack of access and inclusion in the outdoor recreation sector.
We welcome anyone who shares our values and vision to join us in our efforts to create a more unified and inclusive outdoor recreation community.
Our mission is to:
Reduce, Support, Amplify, Collaborate, Advocate
Some examples of marginalized communities are people of color, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, low-income people, immigrants and refugees, and indigenous people.
Who can Join?
We welcome anyone who shares our values and vision to join us in our efforts to create a more unified and inclusive outdoor recreation community. Some examples of marginalized communities are (BIPOC) people of color, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, low-income people, immigrants and refugees, and indigenous people.
Upcoming Meetings All are hosted remotely via zoom unless otherwise noted.
Next Meeting June 24 -25, 2024 Date, time and location to be determined.
History
April 26, 2024 Remote meeting
February 9, 2024 Remote meeting
December 11, 2023 Initial Meeting Harbor House, Olympia, WA Pre-Meeting Hike, Squaxin Park
December 8, 2023 Incorporated as a not for profit 501c3 organization Secretary of State