our ad-hoc group gathered to discuss DEI in Outdoors
October has been a whirlwind month for Kenji Consults, starting with the Doug Walker Memorial Retreat in the North Cascades National Park. Assembled were a diverse group of leaders from around the country, representing the conservation, media, industry and land management communities.
The North Cascades Institute Environmental Learning Center played host to the group, where open discussion and fireside chat was broken up with field trips to iconic landscapes, visitor centers and some wet rainforest exploration.
The group was put together to celebrate our collective body of work, and to spur further collaboration amongst the traditionally siloed sectors. We also had a group discussion on diversity and inclusion with the Institute’s board of directors and senior staff, who were interested in learning more about how to recruit and reach new communities not currently taking advantage of the amazing setting and facilities, despite the proximity to major metros (2 hrs. from Seattle).
‘Close to home’ recreation opportunities, outreach methods, alternate communication channels, recruitment channels for industry, and participation optics were all recurring themes. Just getting out and in nature together has already yielded collaborative programs and energy going forward. If you are interested in hosting one of these thought-leader community gatherings, please contact kenji@kenjiconsults.com or glenn@thetrailposse.com .
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