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Engaging BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Communities in Outdoor Spaces

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Chicago Adventure Therapy

Started in 2007

Adventure therapy in an urban setting

Around 1200 participants last year - primarily with people of color and other marginalized communities

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Noah Viner�He/Him

Graduated from Northland College
Loves Baseball (Go Phillies)
Degree in outdoor education
Loves to wander in all form that wandering takes
Apart of CAT staff since 2021

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Tiara Coats �She/her

Known as Tia
Attended Atlanta Clark University
Started off as a participant in 2014
Paddlesport coach
Loves reading, Self Care, and Fashion

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Zorbari Nwidor�She/her

The Associate Executive Director of Chicago Adventure Therapy
Graduate of Howard University
Holds certifications with British Canoe as a Stand up Paddle Board SW Coach, BCAB Coach Level 3, and a Three Star Award in Sea Kayak.
Passionate about creating a world where every young person, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of adventure and outdoor sports.

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Remember...

Come willing to listen, learn, & grow

Come

Start the conversation

Start

Stay committed & keep doing �the work

Stay

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Racism Happens in the Outdoors

Associating people of color (especially young people of color) with a specific lifestyle / socioeconomic level / mental capability�

Making assumptions about the skill level, ability, & seriousness of our paddlers �

Seeing people of color paddling as charity (“cute” / “needing to be saved”/ "Poverty Porn") �

Causing unintentional harm / Microaggressions�

Racial profiling�

We get stared at everywhere we go

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Homophobia and Transphobia happen in the outdoors

Representation and inclusivity in the LGBTQ community has always been an initiative and CAT continues to diversify its staff in all aspects. People's identity, sex, and gender are not factors that determine their accessibility. We continue to be an example of what an open and safe community looks like for everyone

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Be an Ally �

This maybe uncomfortable
It is important call out hateful/harmful language and actions
Before you say anything make sure that you have had a conversation with the people around you about how you can support them and be a better ally for them
You are not someones savior you’re their ally

(This may involve speaking up to people who may also be in a marginalized group about their actions towards another group)

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Participants often describe CAT as a safe, inclusive, �and welcoming community for all.

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Engaging BIPOC and LGBTQ+ �Communities in Outdoor Spaces

Invite people to show up
Do a good job
Keep people coming back

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INVITE PEOPLE TO SHOW UP

Awareness
Paddling is possible for All
Outreach: Go to communities of color (gyms, �playgrounds, parking lots, churches, community �centers, non-profit organizations, schools, �after school programs, park districts, etc.)
Provide information & resources
Make people feel safe

Noah

The first step is to get people to show up. These are some suggestions as to how to do that. Consider firstly that many people of color may not be aware that paddling is possible for them.

Paddling is possible for All: People don’t know you exist or that it’s a possibility for them “I’d never thought about paddling, it never crossed my mind. It was an experience I’d never heard of, didn’t realize it was a sport. Until we came to y'all at the park and went paddling for the first time. It was pretty cool.” (Anthony)
Outreach: Go to where they are: Go to their turf, not yours / Talk to people in the community (ideally in person)! not just flyers / go to & place information at gyms, playgrounds, parking lots, churches, community centers, non-profit organizations, schools, after school programs, park districts, etc. (Kendall could say this)
Provide information & resources: “they don’t know how to reach you” (Kelsey) / provide information with multiple ways to contact you / ways they can paddle without you (rentals, etc.)
Make people feel safe: one good way to do this is to take your boats and gear to the community, let people try on PFDs, sit in boats, talk about safety, see who you are�

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INVITE PEOPLE TO SHOW UP

Representation – Bridging the Gap

“He’s doing it, I bet I could do it too.” - JD

Appropriate Marketing: showcase people of color paddling

Tia
“He’s doing it, I bet I could do it too” - We all want to see people who look like us. The best way to show PoC that paddling is a possibility is by highlighting PoC paddling.

“I feel like it’s very important to see other people doing things like kayaking, feel more comfortable, obtainable. You think, ‘He’s doing it, I bet I could do it too.’” (JD)
“I had felt intimidated before meeting CAT to paddle in Chicago, as I’ve seen not many diverse groups in the water.… As a Latina, paddling isn’t a sport I see many Latinos partake on.” (Yessi)
“As a Latino you usually see your people play soccer as a sport. ‘In the movies, white people paddle’... People follow stereotypes. You grow up thinking ‘If you’re this, you don’t do this.’ Like with golf & swimming sports, a lot of POC don’t do those sports.” (Anthony)

Appropriate Marketing: marketing should include photos of PoC that are inspiring [paddling safely & correctly, having fun, not demeaning - for instance, not a photo with a white person rescuing them)

“You see a bunch of white people on the flyer - you’ll think ‘oh, I’ll be embarrassed, I’d be shy, I won’t fit in’ but if you see a bunch of different people on flyer, it would change your mind - I might check it out” (Kendall)
If you don’t have any pictures with POC paddling, consider reaching out to an organization that does and paying them for their photos.
If you have PoC in your organization, approach them about leading marketing: “POC should be the ones putting up the poster, otherwise you might think, “a white woman put that up to bring more black people to this thing”. If there’s someone of color who wants to take charge of this they need to be put in the front and given the opportunities and resources to move forward and take those next steps.” (Z)

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INVITE PEOPLE TO SHOW UP

Invite People in Groups First�

Fear of being the only one
Tokenism
Cultural Assimilation

Zorbari

Fear of being the only one: bring in people of color in groups instead of by themselves. For all humans, it’s so much easier when you know someone else and there are other people who look like you

“...not knowing who would be down to go for a paddle, I didn’t want to go by myself.”
“I remember a few times at symposiums that I was the only black person in that space…You get looks, feel tension, pressure, uncomfortable.”
Tokenism: inviting only one or two PoC is the bare minimum, and sort of insulting

Assimilation: It’s asking a lot if there are only one or two PoC there. The more people who are like you, the more you can be yourself. Otherwise, PoC may feel forced to assimilate or adopt your paddling culture (ex: music during camping/car rides, topics/manner of conversation)

“Don’t ask us to join you and then assimilate” (Julie)

Cultural Assimilation – the process in which a minority group or culture comes to resemble a society’s majority group or assume the values, behaviors, and beliefs of another group.

Tokenism - the practice of making only a perfunctory or symbolic effort to do a particular thing, especially by recruiting a small number of people from underrepresented groups in order to give the appearance of sexual or racial equality within a workforce

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Cost - Paddling is Expensive, so Make it Free

Privilege to Play - Why it must be free

We hear, “If you don’t charge something for it, then people won’t value it.”

FALSE!

INVITE PEOPLE TO SHOW UP

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How to Make Paddling Free

Pool your resources
Use volunteers
Get donations
Get the support of paddling clubs
Set up scholarships
Reach out to outdoor companies (start local)
Apply for grants [501c3 - under fiscal sponsor]
Include people of color in the fundraising
Think about all Costs
Reach out for help

Tia
Pool your resources - someone you know has an extra boat, or PFD, or paddle...
Use volunteers - not just for paddling. Help with marketing, transportation...
Get donations - people will donate even if you’re not a registered non-profit / for example, use GoFundMe
Get the support of paddling clubs - if you’re an individual / other clubs in the area?
Set up scholarships - for training & certification
Reach out to outdoor companies for gear or donations (start local)
Apply for grants [501c3 - under fiscal sponsor] - There are grants out there (ACA has some). To apply you may need to be a 501c3. We’d be happy to talk to you more about that. If you do it under a “fiscal sponsor” it’s even easier.
Include PoC in the fundraising - it empowers people and gives people a sense of ownership to take part in fundraising for something they are doing or a part of.
Think about all Costs: cost of transportation, clothing, snacks or meals. Can you provide these things?
Reach out for help - Reach out for volunteers, donations, etc. Are there other organizations doing this work that can help you out? Can an outfitter give you a deal?

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Engaging BIPOC and LGBTQ+ �Communities in Outdoor Spaces

Get people to come
Do a good job
Keep people coming back

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DO A GOOD JOB

Barriers Unique to your Paddling Area

Transportation

Weather

Water conditions

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History of your Put ins / Paddling Locations

Are there visible signs of bigotry? (Confederate flags, lack of accessibility etc.)
What groups of people are recreating there? Is there diversity?
Is it an area of painful events or history for people? What happened there? (EDUCATE yourself about what happened)

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Paddling Locations

AAHWT being a part of history that’s been reclaimed and should be shared with black communities due to its significance and importance to the Paddlesports community. Is it an easily accessible place for people to paddle or is it an area that is having improvements made currently? Jackson Park inner harbor is also a location that's become a well-known place that POC frequent and somewhere they see our programming quite often.

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DO A GOOD JOB

Barriers Unique to your Population

Cultural norms
Language barrier – literal & figurative
Be mindful of the language you use
Be Aware of Code switching�

Noah
Cultural norms - What cultural norms may be barriers to getting people into paddling? Examples might be: not wanting to get hair wet, needing paddling clothing to cover your head or ankles, beliefs about being active while menstruating, etc.

Be prepared to respectfully meet these needs. Bring long sleeve shirts & pants. Don’t push people to get their heads wet if they don’t want to. Allow plenty of time for people to use the restroom & take breaks.
“As a black woman specifically, it feels incredibly freeing to get my hair wet, and feel cool water on my scalp. Post-paddle hair care is a full ordeal for someone with my hair type; sometimes the daunting task prevents me from wanting to get my hair wet at all. Learning different wants to care for my hair while engaging in water adventures has been an important process in my journey of self love.” (Margaret)

Language barrier – literal & figurative

Literal: If the population you want to welcome speaks a different language, then reach out for volunteers who can translate and/or create materials in other languages. Use body language, speak slowly, and use silent demostrations
“My family in particular wouldn’t get in the water due to feeling there may be a language barrier for instructions.” (Yessi)
Figurative: Paddling has its own terms and vocabulary. Keep yours simple. You don’t need to know it’s called a cockpit to be able to sit in it.

Be mindful of the language you use: Think seriously about the terms you use to describe the groups you paddle with. Ask people how they like to be described. Our youth hate it when someone calls them special needs, at-risk, or kids.
Be Aware of Code switching - PoC may feel the need to change the way they speak, dress, and act around white people. Everyone does this - you wouldn’t speak to your boss the way you speak to your best friend. This is normal, be aware & don’t make a big deal if people do or do not code switch.

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Paddling Requires...

Guidance from someone who �has experience�
A supportive community to �learn with

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Intersectionality

Intersectionality is the idea that a person is not just one aspect of themselves. People are complex and have many societal identities that all work together to create you. You're not just your economic status or your race or sexual orientation. You are a complex combination identity that creates you. Example: wealthy black queer women

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Can People of Color Trust You?

Can LGBTQ+ People Trust You?

Trust is earned. Why should people of color trust you?�
Trust takes time and consistency�
When trust is broken: recognize it, name it, �make amends, and do better next time

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At CAT these are the things that people have said make us trustworthy, and make them feel safe & welcome:�

Check-ins �
Care about their lives�
Honesty & Authenticity �
Admit when you’re wrong�
Be open minded & Don’t make assumptions �
Treat others with respect & in the way you �want to be treated

Tia

At CAT these are the things that people have said make us trustworthy, and make them feel safe & welcome:

Check ins - Asking people questions before getting on the water. “Share how their week has gone, brings up things you might have in common. Lays a positive groundwork that can only go up after that beginning introduction.” (Emily)
Care about their lives – Care about the person as a person, not just as a paddler. Build deep personal relationships.

CAT staff always checking in with us (Henri)

Honesty & Authenticity - just be yourself

“Don’t try to be someone else - you are genuine when joking with me or talking to me, you’re not thinking ‘he’s black, let me be nice to him’” (Kendall)

Be open minded & Don’t make assumptions

use open-ended questions instead of asking in a way that means you’re making assumptions about people
people can be more accepting by giving different people a chance instead of having an idea of people & stereotyping them. Actually get to know them...What people can do generally, no matter what color, get to know them & be more accepting instead of having an idea of what they should be like, instead of assuming things, getting to know them. (Rox)
Look from someone else’s perspective, you never know what they’re thinking, or what their past is experience (Henri)
have patience and understanding for the people you do bring into the group, their level and comfort level and where they are coming from (Z)

Treat others with respect and in the way you want to be treated

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Is it safe? – Physically & Emotionally

Is it safe? – Physically & Emotionally For that Group?

Historically people of marginalized communities have been targeted and harmed sometimes even killed in natural spaces. That fear is real and warranted.

“There is a history of Black folks feeling as if they are not allowed to physically be able to even do these sports because we have been largely conditioned to believe that even getting in the water itself is a detriment to our health (i.e. death by drowning, state of water making us sick, affecting the health of our hair because it has been treated).” - Nahiege

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How to Help People feel Safe�

Find out people’s comfort level & fears �
Go into the community �
Don’t add additional barriers �
Tailor the session to the group

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Fun!!!�You get one shot at this. Give people a reason to come back.�

If they’re making it work, let it go.�
Meet THEIR goals (not yours)�
Remove the intimidation factor�

��For more ideas about making paddling fun, �contact Chicago Adventure Therapy.

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Engaging BIPOC and LGBTQ+ �Communities in Outdoor Spaces

Get people to come
Do a good job
Keep people coming back

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KEEP PEOPLE COMING BACK�

Provide a Path Forward �

“One & done” is not increasing diversity, it’s tokenism�
Provide a way for further involvement from �the very first session�
Dream big �
Leave participants with tools to go their own way

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�Opportunities for Real Leadership

Start giving people leadership & responsibility from the second time they come �
**Train, equip, certify, & hire paddlers of color �
Amplify black and brown voices�
Listen to & follow the lead of people of color �
Same level, different style �
“The leadership doesn’t have to be people of color if they are welcoming, but...

Keep People Coming Back

Tia

Another way to ensure that people continue to be apart of the outdoor community is to provide opportunities for real leadership

Start giving people leadership / responsibility from the second time they come: something as small as helping others put on lifejackets puts people in a position of leadership
Train, equip, certify, & hire paddlers of color – This is really important for the future of paddling. (reach out to the ACA, British Canoeing for help making certification happen)
Amplify black and brown voices - encourage PoC to lead and be in the forefront
Listen to and follow the lead of PoC - What are their goals? What are their ideas? What role do they want you to play?
Same level, different style: there are many types of leaders and leadership styles. Just because someone leads differently than you, or in a different direction, doesn’t mean their leadership is less real, valid, or important.
the leadership doesn’t have to be POC if they are welcoming, but ** see above** - “the leadership doesn’t have to be POC if they are welcoming, but we should encourage POC to become coaches. I’ve only been paddling a couple of times, but I could see myself in a few years, the more I learn, the better I get, I could be a coach….You can be black and be on a kayak. Breaking those norms. (Kendall)

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�Chicago Adventure Therapy

www.chicagoadventuretherapy.org

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Q&A