tl;dr -- I turn 32 in two weeks and hope to raise at least $3,200 for Justice Outside.... donate here!

Over the past two years, I’ve had the opportunity to join Justice Outside as a volunteer and supporter.

What is Justice Outside’s mission?

Formerly named Youth Outside, Justice Outside’s mission is to advance racial justice and equity in the outdoor and environmental movement. Like me, Justice Outside knows that the environment has the power to alter lives and that’s why its mission is to ensure that everyone has access to it.

What do they do?

Justice Outside has an unwavering commitment to promote racial justice and transform systems within the outdoor movement through grantmaking, anti-racism training, career pathway development, and capacity-building.

Who are they?

Justice Outside is a Black-led, woman-led organization with a diverse and experienced staff. Justice Outside centers the voices and leadership of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color as they work to ensure a future where the healing benefits of nature are accessible to everyone.

Why do I care?

It’s impossible to overstate how integral the outdoors is to my well-being. I haven’t hiked every 14’er or visited every national park. I don’t win races. I took an AIARE course last year but haven’t put on a pair of backcountry skis since. But every step I take outside, whether it’s a brisk uphill stride as I doubt my ability to reach the summit or a still moment in Golden Gate Park as I notice the way the light's shining that day, nature consistently grounds me, strengthens me, and fills me up. But, we know I hold vast privileges that I have yet to fully understand. And we know countless barriers exist that prevent People of Color from accessing meaningful experiences in nature and professional growth in the outdoor movement. I believe Justice Outside’s capacity building programs, leadership development work, and other systems-changing efforts are building a future where Black, Indigenous, and Communities of Color experience health and joy through meaningful relationships with the outdoors.