Photo courtesy of Kaden Apparel and photographer Ashley Rosemeyer

Justice, equity, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION RESOURCES

In the spring of 2020, VOBA joined outdoor businesses and organizations across the nation in standing with Black Lives Matter and calling for an end to the racism, discrimination, and inequities towards black people. We also recognized the need to support indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ, all ability, and women communities within our industry.

Since that time, VOBA’s Board of Directors, the JEDI Work Group and Members have been working to advance justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in outdoor work spaces and outdoor places. VOBA has prioritized its organizational aspirations for mission integration, education and networking with outdoor businesses, and building relationships with community organizations. 

We’ve passed the second anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, we’ve experienced the murder of transgender Vermonter, Fern Feather and growing rhetoric and policy proposals that negatively target the LGBTQ+ community, especially athletes and youth, in our state and across the country.

We acknowledge progress in building a more equitable Vermont in a new law allowing changes to birth certificates to reflect gender identity and in last year’s banning of the LGBTQ panic defense in court. VOBA’s LGBTQ+ members and allies alike hold solidarity with LGBTQ+ Vermonters across the state, and we encourage the outdoor sector to support organizations like the Pride Center of Vermont and Outright Vermont that provide community, services, safety, hope, and power to marginalized Vermonters. VOBA applauds outdoor organizations such as Pride Rides VT and the initiatives of many businesses and events that foster inclusivity in the outdoors.

We’ve expressed support for Vermonters and Vermont businesses impacted by the overturning of Roe vs Wade. Ensuring that Vermont is a place for all people and that outdoor recreation is an inclusive space means: affirming the rights of people who have the capacity for pregnancy to health care decisions; supporting their economic independence to create and lead businesses and advance their careers; and, providing opportunities to experience the joy and wellbeing from being in the outdoors.

VOBA applauds the initiatives of many Vermont businesses that have published statements affirming reproductive rights and ensured access to health care for employees by expanding worker benefits. We encourage the support of Vermont organizations working to advance gender equity and assure access to services and opportunities for Vermonters such as Planned Parenthood of Vermont, The Pride Center of Vermont, Vermont Commission on Women, Vermont Women’s Fund, and Vermont Works for Women. 

VOBA acknowledges that there is much more to be done to ensure that outdoor work places and outdoor spaces are welcoming, equitable, and accessible for all. We appreciate all those who have helped us learn. We have valued working together to bring about change over the past year.

To date, VOBA’s work has included:

  • Board workshops with diversity educator Carolyn Finney.

  • Development of and progress on organizational aspirations for mission integration, education and networking, and relationship building.

  • Signing the Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge.

  • Conducting a survey and publishing recommendations on Vermont industry JEDI best practices with UVM’s SIMPACT.

  • Hosting networking events, including the 2021 JEDI in the Outdoors workshop and 2022 Outdoor Economy Sessions. 

  • A marketing collaborative of brands, organizations, and the Vermont Dept of Tourism and Marketing (10/13 press release and 11/5 Times Argus story).

  • Quarterly meetings of VOBA's JEDI work group to connect on efforts in the workplace and in outdoor spaces, share resources, and develop partnerships and mentorships.

We invite more outdoor businesses and organizations to join our efforts in to:

  • Expand an outdoor sector best practices inventory.

  • Continue VOBA’s organizational mission integration, embedding JEDI to our mission, purpose, functions, and strategies.

  • Integrate inclusive hiring and human resources into outdoor workforce and career advancement and expand business ownership.

  • Continue to develop relationships with, and be an ally to, individuals and organizations.

  • Organize meetings and trainings with VOBA members.

  • Explore professional diversity support for VOBA’s leadership and membership.

  • Engage in policy advocacy that leads to environmental justice and economic impact.

To get involved in VOBA's 2023 JEDI work group: info@vermontoutdoorbusinessalliance.org

VOBA’s Fall 2021 Networking Event on JEDI in the Vermont Outdoors - Listen to the recording to hear perspectives from businesses (Burton Snowboards, Orvis, The Alchemist, Turtle Fur, and Outdoor Gear Exchange) and athletes (Vasu Sojitra) on building equitable relationships in the outdoors, specifically on:

  • Advancing organizational work and developing specific programs and products;

  • Building relationships with BIPOC, LGBTQ, all ability, and women communities; and,

  • Cultivating an inclusive work environment and hiring for diversity.

VOBA’S Spring 2021 Networking Event - Listen to the recording (passcode: a81*fBK%) to hear from industry leaders that are leading the way in inclusivity practices used for hiring, trail construction, and partnerships with outdoor organizations including Burton Snowboards, Timber & Stone, LLC, REI, and Outdoor Gear Exchange.

VOBA’s Fall 2020 Networking Event on Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Work Spaces and Outdoor Places - Listen to the recording (passcode: 7sw@+g34) to hear from a panel of athletes and industry leaders including Mirna Valerio, Outdoor Gear Exchange, Darn Tough Vermont, CRAG-VT & Unirondack, Skida Headwear & Accessories, and Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports.

VOBA’s Spring 2020 Networking Event on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Listen to the recording (passcode: 6r!&=9m&) to hear from a panel of leaders including Outdoor Gear Exchange, Vermont Glove, Skida, and the Green Mountain Club.

The following statements and resources by Vermont outdoor companies, VOBA members and partners support ongoing education, communication, collaboration, and action for the outdoors community. To add resources to this list: info@vermontoutdoorbusinessalliance.org.

Vermont Organizational Resources

Vermont and global businesses

Access, Funding and Youth & adult Programs (Vermont and national)

national Organization and Business Resources

Hiring, Workforce, and entrepreneurism Resources

Athletes/Ambassadors/Diversity Professionals/Consultants

Reading & Resources