The RV Industry Association (RVIA) and Go RVing have joined outdoor coalition Together Outdoors, the RVIA announced on Wednesday. The coalition aims to create a more welcoming and inclusive outdoors for everyone.
Under ORR’s wings, Together Outdoors comprises businesses and organizations in the outdoor recreation industry committed to justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion (JEDI/DEI) in the outdoors.
ORR announced members of the advisory council and governance council last week. The advisory committee holds the responsibility of making suggestions to the Together Outdoors team on programming and projects. The council will also help organize workshops and educational sessions for the coalition.
The Advisory Council members include:
- Ambreen Tariq, Founder, Brown People Camping
- Briana Blanchard, Strategic Partnerships Manager, Access Fund
- Crystal Egli, Co-Founder, Inclusive Journeys
- Jahmicah Dawes, Owner, Slim Pickins Outfitters
- Dr. Jose Gonzales, Assistant Professor in Recreation and Tourism, Cal State University-Northridge
- Lydia Parker, Founder, Hunters of Color
- Syren Nagakyrie, Founder, Disabled Hikers
- Yvonne Leow, Founder, Bewilder
In the same manner, the governance council will aid ORR in providing direction for the alliance’s mission and values, program design, communications, fundraising, partnerships, and access.
Members of the Governance Council include:
- Bob Ratcliffe, Chief of Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Programs, National Park Service
- Dan West, Director of Public Policy, Rivian
- Danica Carey, Director of Marketing Operations, Seirus Innovation
- Dr. Jose Gonzales, Assistant Professor in Recreation and Tourism, Cal State University-Northridge
- Jil Littlejohn Bostick, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Winnebago Industries,
- Kevin Williams, Vice President of Marketing, National Marine Manufacturers Association
- Mary Mitsos, President and CEO, National Forest Foundation
- Michal Rosenoer, Government and Community Relations Manager, Hipcamp
- Mollie Hansen, Chief Marketing Officer, Airstream
- Renee Jones, Senior Director of Marketing, THOR Industries
According to the coalition’s previous press release, THOR Industries conducted listening sessions last year with under-represented individuals outdoors and other Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) leaders.
“Based on their lived experiences, the common learning was that under-represented people often feel unwelcome in the outdoors. With increased awareness and understanding, THOR partnered with ORR to establish a coalition to help impact all sectors of outdoor recreation. The coalition has been and will continue to be designed, operated, and informed by close partnerships with experts and others on the frontlines of creating a more inclusive outdoor experience for all,” the release read.
Learn more about Together Outdoors here.
Did you know that the RV Industry Association (RVIA) and Go RVing are teaming up with Together Outdoors to promote justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion in outdoor recreation? This cooperative effort aims to create a more supportive outdoor environment for everyone.