Hi, everyone! Today marks the end of my blog writing journey (for now at least) as I’m nearing the end of my public relations class. Since we’ve come so far and learned so much, I thought it would be fitting to write my outro post as not a goodbye, but rather one filled with steps to keep learning and where we should go from here. We’ve explored how nonprofits, corporations, influencers and new public relations theories have helped to further inclusivity and accessibility in the outdoor world in a way that I hope has inspired you. So with that in mind, here are a few ways that we all can hold on to that inspiration and turn it into action moving forward.
Support business and nonprofits that share the vision
- Where we put our money and time matters, and choosing to purchase from places that value outdoor inclusivity shows
- See this list to explore non profit organizations centered on inclusive outings and trips.
- See this list to find outdoor brands that support diverse size ranges and this one that has a ton of brands with gender neutral clothing lines
Support local endeavors
- While national groups, organizations and companies are beneficial, support local groups in your town that are also working to get everyone outside. For example, I’m writing from Eugene, and some of the programs here are the Adaptive at Hilyard Bike Program, Eugene Parks and Rec classes and the Eugene Parks Foundation. Organizations will vary based on your location and interests, but finding ways to get involved locally supports your community and can help identify where gaps to access and barriers still exist.
Tell the full stories
- Whether or not you work in public relations, it’s crucial to learn and share the full stories of the American outdoors and how it historically has marginalized people.
- If you’re in a position where you work with this, hire historians to write backstories of outdoor spaces and create storytelling-driven memorials that show the whole story.
- If you aren’t in this position, you can still learn about this through finding and supporting media created about it. For example, this PBS series is shifting how we talk about nature and our relationship to it by elevating stories of others on their terms.
Help make open spaces more representative and culturally relevant
- Even if people have the means to access nature, they often don’t do so because they don’t feel welcome and creates a feeling of uncomfortably.
- Work to diversify images in marketing and public relations campaigns, and re-imagine parks as places that can be a venue for cultural events.
Use social media to share what you’ve learned
- Talk about what outdoor retailers and organizations are or aren’t doing to help diversify the industry. In that process, it will get others to think about things they may have never realized, and show people (and brands) that our voices do matter, and they belong in outdoor spaces.
Well, there you have it folks. My few final tips to get you moving as I wrap up my blog. I hope if you all take anything from my posts, it’s that you matter and you have a place in the outdoors and in nature – whatever you want that to look like for you. It’s been a pleasure, and I’m signing off now. Now go get outside!
April Winz 