News
By Laura Ackerman
This coming legislative session will be unlike any other. As the first all-remote legislative session, communication between constituents and their legislators will be both more accessible and more challenging. It's important for us to let our legislators know that a healthy climate, clean water and environmental justice are key to the kind of pandemic recovery and economic rebuilding we need to see in Washington state.
Maia and Maggie love Spokane, especially the beautiful, natural environment and the numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. Because they are both committed to protecting the environment, they love working with The Lands Council. They plant trees, restore riparian habitats, and educate others about the region's ecosystems. As Spokane and the surrounding region’s population grows, Maggie and Maia believe bold action is needed to address environmental injustice, housing, and climate change.
What is intersectional environmentalism?
An inclusive version of environmentalism that advocates for both the protection of people and the planet. It identifies the ways in which injustices happening to marginalized communities and the earth are interconnected. It brings injustices done to the most vulnerable communities, and the earth, to the forefront and does not minimize or silence social inequality. Intersectional environmentalism advocates for justice for people + the planet.
The outdoors should be a welcoming and safe place for everyone - and we are committed to advocating for greater racial equality and inclusion in the outdoors. To do so, we are listening, reading, and showing up to learn more about these programs, their mission, and how we can be involved. Here are some examples of amazing outdoor groups:
A challenge where you will gain physical fitness, mental well-being, make new friends, explore new places, and connect with family, friends and yourself through nature.
Growing and supporting a community of women of color who share a passion for cycling. We champion efforts to introduce the joy of cycling to all women, but especially, black women and girls.
Encouraging African-American women to make fitness and healthy living a priority.
Promoting diversity in outdoor spaces where people of color, LGBTQIA, and other diverse identities have historically been underrepresented.
Pioneering a health movement for African-American women and girls grounded in civil rights history and principles through walking campaigns, community leadership, and health advocacy.
Providing young indigenous, rural, and urban leaders with cross-cultural community building skills, leadership development training, civic engagement opportunities, and resources for innovative youth and community-led action - all grounded in the healing power of nature and culture.
Amplifying the call of nature that lives within each of us by sharing stories, providing programming, organizing expeditions, and supporting outdoors education for marginalized communities.
Inspiring, connecting, and engaging Latino communities in the outdoors and embrace cultura y familia as part of the outdoor narrative, ensuring our history, heritage, and leadership are valued and represented.
Celebrating and inspiring Black connections and leadership in nature. We help people take better care of themselves, our communities, and our planet!
Creating a space to explore and celebrate diversity, nature, and life. By bringing together people of all ages and recreation levels we, the people, can meet the needs of a diverse and inclusive community.
Working to connect families to environmental education opportunities through fundraising, outreach, and partnerships with local organizations.
Cultivating the power of diverse young women* to be creative leaders and courageous changemakers through transformative programs within a collaborative community of belonging.
Dear Lands Council Members and Supporters,
Our hearts have been hurting for the last two weeks as police brutality has once again exposed the deep-rooted systematic racism that is so prevalent in this country. We are outraged by the racial injustices occurring and we are frustrated with the response from our leaders and the media. It is heart-wrenching to watch police brutalize black and indigenous people, and those who are standing up to racialized oppression. Our hearts go out to all who are hurting, grieving, angry, and exhausted during this time.
