My husband, Jeff, and I backpacked the South Island of the Te Araroa trail and want to exchange our kilometers for racial justice. We plan to raise at least $1,312 for Justice Outside to support their ever growing impact. Why such a specific number one may ask? It is roughly the distance of the TA in kilometers of the South Island which we can attest is a long trail :)

Justice Outside envisions “a just world where Black, Indigenous, and Communities of Color experience safety, health, and abundant joy through meaningful relationships with one another and the outdoors.” The work they do ensures that more BIPOC have higher levels of engagement, participation, and leadership opportunities in the outdoors. The organization has six programs that collectively provide “outdoor professionals with the skills necessary to transform the environmental field into a more equitable and culturally relevant sector.”

Exploring the outdoors free of barriers shapes our relationship with the natural world and within ourselves; we believe that this is a sacred right for everyone. While barriers still exist today among people of color, it does not mean that they have to persist for decades to come. To dismantle barriers and help make this dream become a reality, we hope that you consider donating to Justice Outside. When we orient our actions toward justice and work collectively, we transform the outdoors to foster belonging, regardless of one’s identity.

Last but not least, Jeff will dye his hair ANY color that gets the most votes. If you donate, you get to vote whatever color your heart desires and your donation amount equals your voting power. If you donate $50 and vote for pink, your vote counts 50x for the color pink.

We appreciate your commitment to extending the joys of what this beautiful world has to offer, thank you for your support and generosity!

Sincerely,

Sarah and Jeff

Who is Justice Outside?

Justice Outside is a Black-led, woman-led organization with a diverse and experienced staff. Justice Outside centers the voices and leadership of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color as they work to ensure a future where the healing benefits of nature are accessible to everyone.

What is Justice Outside’s mission?

Formerly named Youth Outside, Justice Outside’s mission is to advance racial justice and equity in the outdoor and environmental movement. They shift resources to, build power with, and center the voices and leadership of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color because the health of current and future generations demands it.

What do they do?

Justice Outside has an unwavering commitment to promote racial justice and transform systems within the outdoor movement through grantmaking, anti-racism training, career pathway development, and capacity-building.