This summer, I’m participating in Explore-a-thon to raise funds for Justice Outside — and you can join me!

Why I am doing this:

Outside is where my family is happiest. I cannot imagine childhood without the joyous freedom found in nature — access to wide open fields for running, trees for climbing, sand for digging, and lots and lots of mud. We need nature, and I believe it is a fundamental right for all people to feel empowered, safe and welcome in the outdoors. Yet we know this is not the reality for many communities of color. As a white family with lots of privileges, including a beautiful urban nature park on our doorstep, I recognize that we are in a unique position to advocate for more inclusive and equitable outdoor spaces.

Justice Outside’s mission is to advance racial justice and equity in the outdoor and environmental movement: shifting resources to, building power with, and centering the voices of Black, Indigenous and People of Color. I am proud to support Justice Outside’s incredible staff, program graduates and grantees in creating a just world where communities of color experience safety, health, and abundant joy through meaningful relationships with one another and the outdoors. You can check out their inspiring stories here:  https://justiceoutside.org/

My commitment:

Over the next few weeks, I will be getting outdoors to walk, hike, bike or run 5 miles every day. It’s going to be fun!

Come join me! I would love to connect with you on a trail or for a picnic — in person, in spirit or even by phone.

If you can, please consider donating $41 (in honor of my upcoming birthday!) to support Justice Outside’s work. Dave and I will match all gifts up to $1,000 by July 23. 

Please reach out to me with any questions about other ways to get involved. 

Thank you.