DEI
AMC’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The outdoors is for everyone.
As a nearly 150-year-old organization, AMC acknowledges the history of exclusionary practices rooted in its policies, values, traditions, and physical infrastructure. Today we are critically assessing what we do, how we do it, and what assumptions underlie “the way things are.” As a leader in the conservation and recreation communities, AMC hopes to set an example for inclusive and equitable practices while working with and learning from our partners and peers. We know that our mission cannot succeed without engaging a broader community of people from wide-ranging backgrounds and experiences who love and want to care for the outdoors. We rely on a cross-organizational DEI Committee that includes staff and volunteers, which works alongside a Board of Directors DEI Committee to help us identify opportunities for improvement and learning. Constructive feedback from our community is welcome and helps to shape our work.
Our DEI efforts are both a priority and a work in progress. Highlighted below are some key areas of focus:
Representation
Thanks to funding provided by AMC’s Boston, Worcester, and Western Mass chapters, this year we are hosting a series of DEI speakers who talk about the intersection of the outdoors, exclusion, and inclusion. Presentation topics have focused on the experiences of BIPOC hikers, queer representation in the outdoors, and a conversation about land acknowledgements. At AMC we are supporting affinity groups as avenues of connecting historically underrepresented communities in the outdoors.
Upcoming DEI presentations and trips
Previous presentations can be viewed in our speaker series showcase and resource page.
Training
AMC staff and volunteers are learning about inclusive practices, recognizing and interrupting bias, allyship, and taking steps to increase equitable access to programs, gear, and engagement. A key resource maintained by volunteers and staff is our reference guide, A Common DEI Language.
Infrastructure
We are committed to assessing AMC’s buildings, including offices, front country lodges, huts, and campsites, to create gender-inclusive bathrooms and lodging options. We continually upgrade our physical infrastructure to be more accessible and have been hard at work creating an All Persons Trail at Cardigan Lodge.
Course correction
We must ensure that safe spaces exist within AMC. We are committed to upholding our Code of Conduct and responding to reports of misalignment. The Code of Conduct includes affirmative standards of conduct that apply to all of AMC’s constituents, from staff to volunteers to participants and guests. It defines equitable and inclusive norms and values, and it sets expectations for how we respond to reports or concerns about misalignment from within our community. AMC embraces a coaching and mentoring response that supports a culture of feedback to help us all learn. We also want to do more to help people interrupt bias in the moment. As with our infrastructure and training, we continually review the Code of Conduct and its implementation. To submit feedback on the Code of Conduct, please email [email protected].
Other Resources
Supporting individual learning and cultural change:
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Learning and Self-Assessment Resources
The Troubled History of Inclusion in American Outdoor Spaces – Outdoors Bulletin. April 29, 2021. AMC Staff