Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Field Guide: Stories of Lived Experiences

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Field Guide: Stories of Lived Experience was created to be used by leaders and practitioners in parks and conservation to outdoor and adventure education and beyond. This field guide is meant to be used experientially when working with groups to address challenges of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in their programs and organizations. Over 40 authors reflect on their personal experiences with racism, sexism, heterosexism, gender identity, ableism, and ageism. They provide counternarratives to some of the common embedded practices in outdoor and other professions using experiential education methodology.

The field guide was envisioned by Dr. Nina Roberts and Sky Gray as a tool that leaders could use in the field, classroom, or boardroom. It is a conversation starter, a source of inspiration, and a call to action. Readers are challenged to dig deep, engage, and listen to the voices with open hearts and minds to make personal and systemic program changes. In addition to personal reflections, the guide contains a glossary of terms and social justice quotes to help spark discussion, reflection, and action.

In the final stages of visioning this project, Nina's energy waned due to the progression of her cancer. Nina asked that her torch be picked up and her social justice hopes and dreams be captured in this project. Nina paved the way to invite those with shared passions to join in this quest and now her legacy, the Diversity, Equity Inclusion and Belonging Field Guide: Stories of Lived Experience is a reality.