Inclusivity in the Outdoor Recreation Economy

We start by creating a safe space for deep learning, honest exploration, and open dialogue. This course will expand your knowledge and understanding around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Everyone has the right to be treated fairly with dignity and respect. These are our human rights. Building a community, work environment, and society that is diverse, inclusive, equitable, and just requires a foundation from which to develop. DEI is an ongoing learning process and requires commitment, personal leadership, and accountability. This course will enable students to be a part of developing an inclusive foundation for their respective organizations and communities with knowledge, tools, and best practices from global leaders within the outdoor recreation economy and beyond. The course sets the intention to be a stepping stone to help break down the barriers to entry and participation, while creating a more inclusive natural environment where all people can not only feel welcome but encouraged to become active participants as outdoor enthusiasts, industry professionals/leaders, and stewards dedicated to the protection of the land.

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Describe what Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is and explain why it matters in organizations, communities, and society at large.
• Be familiar with DEI concepts and language.
• Evaluate the business benefits which arise from maintaining a diverse workforce and ORE industry.
• Examine the key challenges for DEI within the ORE and understand possible solutions (inclusive of barriers to entry and participation)
• Understand legal frameworks that can help strengthen an inclusive foundation in the workplace.
• Conduct an inquiry-based process to advance DEI-forward policies and operations in the workplace.
• Have awareness of their own implicit biases and learn ways to consciously build more inclusive environments.

Research shows that promoting diversity alone does not ensure a culture of inclusion and belonging. In this course, we work to create a secure and supportive environment for deep learning, honest exploration, and open dialogue. Belonging is a fundamental aspect of human existence and plays a crucial role in creating inclusive environments. This course aims to enhance your understanding and knowledge of how to center belonging as a part of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts in organizations (the workplace), communities, and within. Finally, this course explores the importance of accountability by focusing on 3 of the 5 success factors for DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) integrated work: Having a meaningful definition of success, accountable and invested business leaders, and rigorous tracking and course correction.

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Define and explain the importance of what it means to belong in organizations, communities, and society.
• Demonstrate familiarity with DEI concepts and terminology (summarized from Foundations of Inclusivity Course).
• Recognize the limitations of promoting diversity alone in establishing a culture of inclusion and belonging.
• Analyze the primary challenges associated with creating environments where people feel they belong and explore potential solutions.
• Develop personal awareness of their own identity, sense of belonging, and ability to foster inclusivity within their respective communities and environments.
• Comprehend the five critical tenants and pillars for cultivating belonging in organizations and be able to apply strategies to foster a sense of belonging within those organizations.
  • Five Tenants: Psychological Safety, Empathy, Acceptance, Connection, Embraced
  • Five Pillars: Welcomed, Known, Included, Supported, Connected
    
• Understand how accountability contributes to the success of establishing inclusive environments where no one feels their inclusion is questioned and all are welcomed.
• Learn methods for measuring accountability through trackable and measurable metrics.
  

In this course, we strive to create a secure and nurturing environment that fosters deep learning, honest exploration, and open dialogue. Through the practice of inclusive and conscious leadership, we shift our focus from "I" to "We," igniting interconnectedness across all aspects of life and work. The journey begins with the self-awareness to drive meaningful change. The course specifically concentrates on vital areas that inclusive leaders must cultivate to drive conscious change within their domains effectively. It provides a framework for transitioning from inclusive leadership to intentional and transformative change within organizations, communities, and personal growth journeys. This course offers ample opportunities for personal growth and introspection, equipping students with the necessary skills to spearhead impactful change initiatives. Additionally, it examines how leadership contributes to the five fundamental success factors of DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) integration: Nuanced understanding of root causes, meaningful definition of success, accountable and invested business leaders, solutions designed for context, rigorous tracking, and course correction.

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Acquire a comprehensive understanding of conscious and inclusive leadership principles.
• Develop the essential skills and behaviors to lead impactful change initiatives and identify personal growth opportunities.
• Understand how self-management/leadership precedes effective leadership externally.
• Recognize the influence of leadership on the fundamental success factors of DEIB integration.
• Engage in critical reflection of traditional leadership approaches, embracing inclusive methods to address barriers and challenge assumptions that sustain exclusivity.
• Foster an inclusive and positive working environment.
• Understand the impact of personal leadership and communication styles on productivity and the cultivation of positive working relationships.
• Be equipped to effectively lead the change leadership process and communicate the benefits of inclusive leadership.