EQUITY STATEMENT

We believe ‘there is more in us than we know. If we could be made to see it, perhaps for the rest of our lives, we will be unwilling to settle for less.’

Outward Bound has settled for less for too long. The outdoor community was and is a part of the underlying structure of injustice that governs American society. We recognize Outward Bound’s role in this historical system, and we are deeply committed to dismantling inequities and working to write a new chapter. We believe this work will improve our programs, workplace, and communities to give more individuals a true sense of belonging in the outdoors.

Outward Bound’s mission is to change lives through challenge and discovery. We recognize that journey is different for everyone based on their identity and lived experiences.

We strive to create a culture where staff and students feel a sense of belonging and have the support they need to accomplish their goals.
We aim to teach everyone to work across differences toward mutually established goals, working together to create thriving communities.
We will examine and undo the systems and practices that inadvertently create or reinforce inequity. We commit to listening to our staff, students, and community, and acting on their feedback.

Please follow along on our journey of action toward a fair and equitable future for all.

Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion section is intended to be a living journal of the work we are doing every day toward our goals. We commit to reporting our progress every 6 months, to the public and to our leadership. This work is dynamic and its scope will be updated often, along with this list of relevant resources, so please check back.

Update: February 2024

Announcing: The 2024 Outward Bound USA DEI Action Plan

Settled into her role as Outward Bound USA’s Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Elyse has made significant progress in her equity-driven approach at both the national level and across the system.

We are excited to share that Outward Bound USA has created its own 3-year, equity-specific Action Plan (2024-2026) to reinforce the national Strategic Plan. Concurrently, each Outward Bound Regional School has been working closely with Elyse to create their own version of a regional-level Action Plan. Explore the 2024 DEI Action Plan below to learn more about Outward Bound USA’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts this year.

2024 DEI Action Plan

OUR DIFFERENCE

EQUITY STATEMENT

Update: February 2024

TO LEARN MORE, EXPLORE THE LINKS BELOW.

NAVIGATION

FEATURED CLASSIC FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL

FEATURED CLASSIC FOR HIGH SCHOOL

FEATURED CLASSIC FOR ADULTS

FEATURED PATHFINDER

FEATURED SEMESTER

FEATURED OUTDOOR EDUCATOR

FEATURED INTERCEPT

FEATURED AFFINITY GROUPS

FEATURED VETERANS

FEATURED ACTIVITIES

FEATURED SCHOLARSHIPS & ACADEMIC CREDIT

FEATURED COMMUNICABLE DISEASE PRACTICES

OUR DIFFERENCE

EQUITY STATEMENT

Update: February 2024

TO LEARN MORE, EXPLORE THE LINKS BELOW.

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NAVIGATION