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

To create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive outdoor recreation community that reflects the rich diversity of our state and nation.

Understanding the Nature Gap

The nature gap is a term that describes the unequal distribution of nature’s 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.

Our Mission: Five Pillars of Action

We are committed to closing the nature gap through five core strategies:

🌱 Reduce

Reduce the nature gap by increasing the participation and representation of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities in outdoor recreation activities and leadership roles.

🤝 Support

Support small outdoor recreation businesses that serve and employ BIPOC and other marginalized communities and help them thrive in a competitive and changing market.

📢 Amplify

Amplify the voices and stories of marginalized communities in the outdoor recreation sector and celebrate their contributions and achievements.

🔗 Collaborate

Collaborate with outdoor recreation agencies at all levels to ensure compliance with DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) goals and objectives, and to share best practices and innovative solutions.

⚖️ Advocate

Advocate for legislative policies that promote environmental justice, climate action, land conservation, and outdoor recreation for all.

Communities We Serve

We are dedicated to serving marginalized communities, including:

• People of color
• LGBTQ+ people
• People with disabilities
• Low-income people
• Immigrants and refugees
• Indigenous people

Who Can Join?

Anyone who shares the Outdoor Equity Coalition’s values and vision is welcome to join us in our efforts to create a more unified and inclusive outdoor recreation community.

Together, we can bridge the nature gap and ensure that all communities have equitable access to the healing, joy, and connection that nature provides.