BUILD
GROW
CONNECT
Outdoor Equity Coalition
Remove Barriers to Participation in Nature
One of the goals of environmental justice is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or background, has equal access and opportunity to enjoy the benefits of nature.
However, many barriers exist that prevent BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities from participating fully in nature-based activities, such as hiking, camping, birdwatching, gardening, and more. These barriers include historical and systemic racism, discrimination and harassment, lack of representation and inclusion, economic and social inequalities, and cultural and linguistic differences. To remove these barriers, we need to take action at multiple levels: individual, interpersonal, institutional, and societal.
We need to educate ourselves and others about the issues and challenges faced by BIPOC communities in relation to nature.
We need to create safe and welcoming spaces for BIPOC people to engage with nature and share their perspectives and experiences.
We need to advocate for policies and practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in environmental organizations and initiatives.
We need to support and amplify the voices and leadership of BIPOC environmentalists who are working to protect and restore our natural world.
Join us!
Outdoor Equity Coalition
Reco Bembry, President
Reco Bembry has also worked as a senior consultant at NRPA, where he helped create career pathways for underserved Black communities. He was involved in expanding the Totally Cool Totally Art program, which teaches teens about art and culture. He also worked on addressing teen dating violence, creating healing centers, and developing hub strategies in Providence RI., Seattle Washington Community Passageways, and Evanston Illinois. Reco Bembry has published several journal writings and articles on topics such as principles to practice in the 21st century, workforce development leavers and stayers, and youth development strategies. He is a respected leader and organizer who has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless young people.
Reco Bembry is a veteran in the field of youth development, with over 40 years of experience and impact. He is the founder of the Seattle Teen Programming Unit, which provides a variety of programs and services for young people in the city. One of his most notable initiatives is the Late-Night Recreation program, which offers safe and positive activities for teens during the evening hours. He is also the co-founder of the Teen Summer Musical Program, which showcases the talents and creativity of youth through theater and music. In addition, he created the National Youth Congress Program, which is a nationally acclaimed model of youth leadership and civic engagement.
Reco Bembry has also served as a senior consultant at the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), where he developed career pathways for underserved Black communities. He expanded the Totally Cool Totally Art program, which teaches teens various forms of art and expression. He also worked on issues such as teen dating violence, healing centers, and hub strategies in different cities, such as Providence RI, Seattle WA, and Evanston IL. Reco Bembry has published many journal writings and articles on topics such as principles to practice in the 21st century, workforce development leavers and stayers, and more.
Reco Bembry’s work has spanned decades of service delivery, institution building, and organizing. He is a respected and influential figure in the field of youth development and has inspired many young people to achieve their full potential.