On today’s episode, we’re talking with someone who has been making a big impact in the larger outdoor industry for a while now. Teresa Baker, founder of In Solidarity Project, is an outdoor enthusiast focusing on community engagement, creating events that encourage people to venture outdoors responsibly, and learning about our open spaces and what it takes to protect them.

Teresa’s commitment to creating outdoor experiences that speak to culture, environmental responsibility and inclusion is something to be admired, and she is a staunch advocate for bringing underrepresented communities into the conversation and the work.

Teresa has led various organizations and initiatives that support this work, such as The Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge, the African American National Park Event and the Outdoorist Oath, to name a few. We were so thrilled to have the privilege of talking with Teresa to learn more about her determination to make a difference in the work of diversity and inclusion in outdoor spaces.

And, as 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act and the Wilderness Act, Teresa has created a campaign encouraging everyone to get outdoors, doing whatever they enjoy, between now and July. Be sure to share photos of you and your community getting outside on social media using #CivilRightsAct60 – the photos will be turned into a collage of the country celebrating and honoring the anniversaries.

Tune in to our full conversation below to learn more about Teresa and how her work may support your efforts to build more equitable, inclusive spaces and programs in your community. You’ll also learn:

· How Teresa’s work in this space began with a call to the National Park Service to tell them, “you have a diversity problem”

· How to have difficult conversations and get out of your comfort zone

· Why partnerships are key to pushing diversity, equity and inclusion work forward

· How to spend time outdoors (however works for you!) and be aware of your environmental impact

· And much more!

Related Links:

· Follow Teresa on Instagram

· Connect with Teresa on LinkedIn

· In Solidarity Project

· Outdoor Diversity Alliance

· The Outdoorist Oath

· The Outdoorist Oath on Instagram

· Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge

Have feedback about this episode or Open Space Radio overall? Share it with us! If you enjoyed this episode or learned something that might help you make a positive impact in your community, please consider donating to NRPA to not only support our storytelling efforts, but also our mission to advance parks, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all at nrpa.org/donate.

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