VOBA Diversity Statement

Photo Credit: Ming Poon

The Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance was established in 2018 to support the Vermont outdoor economy and the businesses and organizations that enable the pursuit of outdoor recreation opportunities across the Green Mountain state. As stated in our mission, VOBA is dedicated to the conservation of the natural landscape, stewardship of recreation infrastructure, and diversity, equity and inclusion in work spaces and outdoor places. 

We deeply appreciate the many organizations ensuring equity and accessibility and pursuing business ownership and career advancement in the Vermont outdoors, including but not limited to VOBA members Kelly Brush Foundation, Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports, and High Fives Foundation and VOBA partners doing important work in the outdoor space such as Unlikely Riders, Vermont Professionals of Color Network, Vermont Works for Women, and Mirna Valerio, The Mirnavator LLC. 

It would go against our principles to stay silent while members of our outdoor community - who are BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, migrants and/or refugees, people of all abilities, women and non-binary - are being impacted by recent federal policy actions and having to navigate numerous challenges. 

In 2020, VOBA formally committed to diversity, equity and inclusion recognizing the social and business imperative. VOBA took steps to better understand how we as an outdoor industry and nonprofit organization could not only advocate for communities and policies but also integrate aspects into our work. We took a three-pronged approach of mission integration, business best practices, and community partnerships. 

Five years later, joining forces to tackle barriers to the outdoor community has informed VOBA’s advocacy, business and workforce development and marketing initiatives. We recognize the outdoor businesses, organizations, and individuals who have long led the way and are proud of the progress by members, regardless of where they are on the journey. The industry has only begun to realize the economic growth potential from expanding products and tourism opportunities to serve all.

Championing diversity, equity and inclusion means an outdoors where everyone feels welcomed and valued – regardless of ability, gender identity, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or background – which also helps outdoor businesses grow stronger through innovation, new ideas, and new partnerships. 

We know that Vermont is stronger when we come together to uplift one another and face challenges unified as a community. From expanding access in outdoor places, to protecting and conserving land and recreation resources and responding to flood recovery we have witnessed the transformational power of caring for our fellow neighbors. We continue to support LGBTQ, BIPOC, Women and non-binary folks, New Americans, and people of all abilities who are facing unique/alarming challenges in this current moment in time. 

VOBA’s work alongside the State and partners over the next five years on Move Forward Together Vermont, a statewide vision and set of priority actions that is centered in equity, will encourage the outdoor recreation community in Vermont to collectively expand opportunities and reduce barriers so that all people feel welcome in Vermont’s outdoors. 

Let’s work together on transformational change. We invite businesses and organizations to join VOBA’s equity network and stand with our communities in their time of uncertainty, share resources, collaborate on our journeys, and make a difference. If you would like to get involved, connect with VOBA.