Representation in the outdoors is hugely important. Of course. Yet it's severely lacking. One of the absolute easiest ways to help change this is to follow and support Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) athletes, advocates, creatives, collectives, and organizations within the outdoor space. This index of BIPOC-owned outdoor collectives is a "living document," created and updated seasonally as a resource for all nature lovers, whether you're looking to connect with fellow outdoorists of color or hoping to find more diverse organizations to support in general.

Before we dive in it's important to acknowledge the power of increased representation and the detrimental effects of a homogenous outdoor culture. A lack of visibility can lead to a lack of understanding of and empathy for different people and different cultures. This rings true for the company we keep, the media we consume, and the accounts we follow on social media. Exclusively showing white people (usually white men) participating in outdoor activities promotes a false narrative of what a competent “outdoorsman” looks like, while also perpetuating stigmas in underrepresented communities that nature is not for them.

On the other hand, seeing people of different backgrounds enjoy the same activities that you identify with can help erode implicit biases and strengthen a sense of community through shared interest. It also, hopefully, invites us to see our beloved activities from an alternate perspective.

Following a couple dozen BIPOC outdoorists isn’t going to solve systemic racism. Educating ourselves and encouraging allyship is a step in the right direction—donating to BLM affiliated organizations, bail funds, and police reform initiatives, and promoting BIPOC activist voices is hugely encouraged too.

The following are BIPOC outdoor organizations, collectives, nonprofits, and general community-focused group accounts to follow and connect with to help build a more inclusive and inviting outdoor community. Curated by Field Mag editors, contributors, and Luisa Jeffery aka @youdidnotsleepthere.

Also see: 101 BIPOC Outdoor Athletes to Follow & Support

BIPOC General Outdoor Organizations

BIPOC Climbing Collectives

BIPOC Surf Clubs & Collectives

BIPOC Youth Outdoor Organizations

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Focused