What is the DEI Taskforce?
The America Outdoors Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI) Task Force mission is to support outfitters, members, and organizational leadership to learn and grow their DEI practices and efforts. The Task Force works to facilitate opportunities for DEI education and resources to the AO membership community.
Why is America Outdoors Working on DEI?
Letter from the Executive Director:
America Outdoors knows how transformational an immersive experience in the great outdoors can be. The outfitters and guides who sustain our association have been facilitating these experiences, some for over 100 years, enriching lives through their unique offerings, and creating memories that last a lifetime. With guidance from our member-driven Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion task force, we are working ensure that outdoor experiences and careers in the outdoor recreation industry are available to all.
Through these efforts, America Outdoors will connect our members with the thought leaders and resources that will help outfitters create opportunities and pathways for those underrepresented in these spaces and to ensure that the cultures we build within our organizations embrace inclusivity and diversity.
This will be a learning process for all, but we firmly believe our organization and our membership can rise to meet this opportunity through thoughtful conversations and ongoing education. We invite you to join us in this conversation as we seek to include everyone who has an interest in enriching their lives through the authentic experiences outdoor operators can provide.
Sincerely,
Aaron Bannon
DEI RESOURCES AND CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
The task force works to facilitate opportunities to learn and grow your business through education and resources. This list of resources will expand as we develop programming for the outfitter membership. We invite you to be a part of these efforts. Please send resources and opportunities as you find them.
WHAT ARE ALL THESE LETTERS?
How does this apply to outfitters?
The Business Case for Diversity & Inclusion
Background History and Current Experiences in the Outdoors Industry
Organizations to Help Your Journey