Last month Hike it Baby invited me to participate in a diversity, equity and inclusion training hosted by DEI advisor Mante Malepo and sponsored by our long-term partner Joules. The goal of the two-part online training was not only to educate HiB staff (we’ve done several DEI trainings as a staff over the last few years), but also invite in our partners at Joules as well as HiB ambassadors to better integrate our learnings into the heart of HiB, our community—you. We want to show up and better support YOU.
Here are five takeaways from some of the participants that I encourage you to consider next time you head outside.
-Ashley Lo, Joules Marketing Manager
-Jen Grenter, HiB Branch/Data Team Captain and Branch Ambassador Southeastern PA
-Laura Miller, Branch Ambassador La Crosse, WI
-Linzay Davis, HiB San Diego volunteer
-Christine Lamphear, Branch Ambassador Reno-Tahoe, NV
Before the HiB team asked me to write this blog post about the training I was already feeling inspired to share what had happened during those meetings and it wasn’t actually part of the presentation (though I do have many of those takeaways that I’ll share below). It was the simple fact that so many HiB supporters showed up to do the work while also taking care of their children.
Throughout the four hours of training we all were muting and unmuting the joyful (and also not so joyful) screams of newborns, toddlers and kids in the background. My daughter ran into camera view more than a handful of times. At least three of us breastfed our babies. Yes, kids in the background can be distracting, but showing up is more important. And Hike it Baby being an incredibly inclusive organization, particularly for mothers, doesn’t just tolerate parents needing to parent but also celebrates it.
I understand why that might not be the case in a few spaces (bringing your child to work isn’t ideal if you’re a firefighter or nurse) but it was so incredible to experience how HiB was not only digging deeper into DEI learnings, but also embodying a piece of inclusion in this work. A big thank you to our partner Joules for sponsoring this event. To learn more about Hike it Baby’s thoughts on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, click here.
OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org
We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you.
But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.
Comments