Photo Credit: Alan O'Neill
Dedication to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice
Get Outdoors Nevada is committed to uplifting diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) in our work. We recognize that these are multifaceted and interconnected issues which should be tackled holistically to better engage and support our community. We also recognize that we, like many other organizations, have a lot of work to do.
We are committed to affecting positive change by building an inclusive organization that provides exceptional programs and meaningful outdoor experiences, reflecting and honoring the diversity of our community.
Listed below are examples of current activities that we are undertaking in support of our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice. While we are proud of our work in our community, we know there is much more to be done. We will hold ourselves accountable for setting meaningful goals, developing, resourcing and implementing action plans, and assessing our progress against our goals.
Land Acknowledgment and Sacred Places
As a step towards honoring the truth and the traditional Native inhabitants of the land, Get Outdoors Nevada integrates land acknowledgment practices and advocacy for sacred places into our communications and programs, such as:
We will open public events and gatherings with acknowledgment of the traditional Native inhabitants of the land on which we are hosting or facilitating programs or activities, such as volunteer service events, education programs and informal learning programs. In most cases, this will include acknowledgment of the Southern Paiute People, but may include any of the 27 tribes, bands, colonies and/or community councils in the current State of Nevada, as appropriate. (Starting June 2021)
We will include land acknowledgment information in key locations on our website and in other digital communications. (starting June 2021)
Get Outdoors Nevada stands on NUWU- Southern Paiute Land. Learn more about Paiute Nation history, the Las Vegas Paiutes and the Moapa Band of Paiutes. Visit here to learn more about Land Acknowledgment and moving beyond land acknowledgments to be in solidarity with Native nations.
Joining with a broad coalition of public lands advocates to support National Monument designation for Avi Kwa Ame. In addition to being a recreationally and ecologically significant area, Ave Kwa Ame is also considered sacred by ten Yuman speaking tribes as well as the Hopi and Chemehuevi Paiute. We have contributed to this effort by educating the community about Avi Kwa Ame including hosting an Indigenous youth intern whose project work focused on creating high-quality digital content to increase public awareness and support for National Monument designation for Avi Kwa Ame. (2021)
Representation and Inclusion in Program Curricula
We will undertake a systematic review of our education programs and curricula to identify gaps, inaccuracies, and biases to improve cultural competency and inclusivity, focusing on marginalized communities and perspectives, especially those of black, brown and indigenous people. (Starting Fall 2021 through 2022)
Workforce Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to building a more diverse and inclusive organization, including our Board of Directors. We believe that when our Board’s composition reflects the diversity of the community we serve, we will be better suited to serve our community and attract a diverse staff and volunteers to implement our programs. To that end, we will proactively build relationships to identify and encourage qualified candidates for Board positions from throughout our diverse community. Success will be measured through connections made, response to Board recruitment activities, and increased diversity among our Board. (Starting Summer 2021).