ABOUT
The Outdoor Diversity Alliance (ODA) is a group of outdoor industry businesses and organizations working together to build the outdoor industry of the future - one that is long lasting, prosperous, and relevant to the society in which it lives.
There is a lack of forward progress of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the outdoor industry, and it is felt most deeply by the communities who are underrepresented in this space. Despite the changing demographics of current and future generations and those who participate in the outdoors – across gender, race & ethnicity, physical ability, sexual orientation – representation and inclusion of these communities continues to be inequitable. Individuals from underrepresented groups have shared it will take a collective effort to re-think and reshape the industry at a systems/ecosystem level.
Company leaders are seeking allies and community, and a space to collaborate free of judgment. People are very curious about what other companies are doing, how they are doing it, what mistakes they have made, and what is effective. Creating a community that will provide support and coaching if a company is called out or makes a mistake will build confidence and encourage action. Sharing successes and failures encourages collaborators to feel more comfortable and secure in the work. Similar to other systemic challenges like sustainability, climate, and conservation, a collective group can do more than what any one company can accomplish on their own.
At the intersection of what underrepresented communities recommend to drive change and what companies need to purposefully grow and evolve, is the opportunity for a central force to connect the two.
The Outdoor Diversity Alliance is the central force bringing the collective together.
MISSION
Catalyze the outdoor industry in addressing systemic issues related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through collective action and centering historically underrepresented communities across gender, race & ethnicity, physical ability, and sexual orientation.
VISION
A joyful, vibrant, and prosperous outdoor industry and community that reflects the diversity of the world we live in.
CORE PRINCIPLES
Commitment to Learning: We will stumble forward in meaningful action, with the understanding that discomfort will be part of the journey.
Collaboration: Members work alongside each other because we are stronger collectively than as individual businesses and organizations.
Action Oriented: We focus our work on tangible outcomes.
Progress: We expect members to take responsibility for driving equity work within their company or organization.
System Focus: We drive structural change by tackling root causes.
Follow the Experts: We will follow the voices from underrepresented community leaders and experts to guide our work
DEFINITIONS
Diversity: Diversity is colorful, vibrant, and beautiful. In a diverse industry, employees at all levels of a company, customers, and outdoor participants reflect different identities across gender, race & ethnicity, physical ability, and sexual orientation. Diversity means anyone can say, "I see people from all backgrounds throughout the company" and "I'm no longer the 'only' in this space."
Equity: Equity is leveling the playing field. In an equitable industry, individuals have access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed and feel a sense of belonging, regardless of their background or identity. Equity means anyone can say, “I know I have the same opportunities as everyone else.”
Inclusion: Inclusion is open conversation, active listening, and mutual respect. Inclusion is an industry where people can celebrate their love and be their full authentic self. In an inclusive outdoor industry, individuals from underrepresented communities feel welcome, respected, and valued. Inclusion means that anyone can say, “I can’t wait to invite people that I love into this community.”
STRATEGY
We released our 2025-2027 Strategic Plan in October 2024. The plan was developed with input from ODA advisory board members, Community Advisors, and member companies. Click here to download our Strategic Plan.
PRIORITIES
Help business leaders listen to and understand the true needs of the communities, employees, and customers they hope to serve.
Influence and guide the Outdoor Industry. We will source best practices relevant to the outdoor industry by following the lead of outside experts.
Identify and address systemic barriers to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Outdoor Industry.
Create opportunities for ODA members and community advisors to connect and collaborate.
Design initiatives for ODA members, rooted in community advisor feedback, that result in a positive impact on business and underrepresented communities.
Hold individuals and companies accountable for their commitments.
Founded by Industry Experts
In early 2023, Teresa Baker, founder of the In Solidarity Project, convened outdoor industry CEOs and business leaders for discussions on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Following the meeting, a smaller group formed and began to translate their meaningful discussion into tangible action. The group, now known as ODA’s Advisory Board, collectively founded the Outdoor Diversity Alliance.
In 2024, we recruited 17 companies to join ODA and hired two part-time co-directors. We disbursed scholarships, gathered in person, built our first strategic plan, and wrote the “Business Case for Equity in the Outdoors”. Click here for a list of member companies and individuals who helped build ODA in 2024.
