published Feb 26, 2021

The House of Representatives has Passed the Outdoors for All Act!

Public Lands and local parks play a vital role in the physical, social and economic well-being of our communities. The Outdoors for All Act will help underserved communities access parks and public lands, protect areas sacred to Indigenous peoples, ensure clean and safe drinking water, and promote the outdoor recreation economy.

posted Jan 22, 2021

Effective Programs to Improve Access and Use of Trails for Youth from Under-Resourced Communities

This webinar will identify trail studies and existing programs that may effectively promote and increase the use of trails among youth, especially those from under-resourced neighborhoods or communities.

published Oct 22, 2020

Identification of Effective Programs to Improve Access to and Use of Trails among Youth from Under-Resourced Communities

The primary purpose of this paper is to identify and review studies evaluating the effectiveness of programs to increase access to trails and trails use (physical activity) among youth from under-resourced communities.

published Jun 1, 2020

Crises as a Catalyst

by ProInspire

Times of crisis challenge social sector leaders in extraordinary ways. The unprecedented circumstances brought forth by COVID-19 and recent acts of police brutality call on each of us to individually reflect, collectively support, and intentionally adapt our work to meet the urgent needs of this moment.

published Jan 1, 2018

Inclusionary Trail Planning Toolkit

by Pennsylvania Environmental Council (Harrisburg Office)

This report will discuss how community organizing principles and practices can help organizations and agencies connect with the communities they are working in to achieve comprehensive community engagement. As a lack of resources is a common obstacle to achieving an inclusive process, Section Three of this report outlines low cost outreach methods and emphasizes the importance of leveraging existing community based resources.

published Jun 8, 2020

Historical Perspective on Racism in the Outdoors and Looking Forward

Putting the continued fight for equity in the outdoors into historical context, and finding ways to move forward.

published Jun 5, 2020

Ever Wonder How to Become a JEDI Knight?

It likely comes as little surprise that our trails community does not currently include the full spectrum of people it could. Charles Thomas, executive director of Outward Bound Adventures, is the Obi Wan of JEDI Trail Knights with 40 years of experience bringing more diversity to our trails. At the 2019 International Trails Symposium he spoke about the understanding and motivation to help make trails a transformative place for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

posted May 27, 2020

Balancing Recreational Area Use with Homelessness and Vagrancy

This webinar will share how the City of Modesto, CA, dealt with the challenge of homelessness and vagrancy in their parks and trails.

published Nov 22, 2019

11 Questions Answered About Trail Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Q&A from the American Trails webinar for JEDI with the purpose of creating a map that can help you identify priorities for your organization and areas where you need more support.

published Oct 29, 2019

Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (JEDI): Part 1 (The What and Why of JEDI)

by Taylor Goodrich with American Trails

Justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) are all hot topics in the outdoors world, getting more attention than ever, and increasingly being recognized for their importance.