94: Making the Outdoors Inclusive with Parker Bushman
Jun 3, 2024
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Parker Bushman, CEO of Ecoinclusive Strategies, discusses making outdoors inclusive for everyone, addressing disparities in access, racist roots in conservation, and elitism in outdoor communities. They emphasize breaking down barriers and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in outdoor spaces. Parker also shares insights on ableism, community engagement, and advice for finding enjoyable outdoor activities.
Access to nature positively impacts mental and physical health, but disparities exist based on race and socioeconomic status.
Historical segregation and systemic discrimination have led to unequal distribution of green spaces and health disparities.
Deep dives
Importance of Inclusive Outdoor Spaces
Creating inclusive outdoor spaces is vital, as access to nature positively impacts mental and physical health. However, disparities in outdoor access exist based on socioeconomic status and race, affecting life expectancy and quality of life. Historical segregation and systemic discrimination have led to unequal distribution of green spaces and health disparities.
Challenging Beauty Standards and Class Bias
Historically, outdoor work was associated with lower class, influencing beauty standards towards larger bodies and fair skin. In modern times, privilege is linked to indoor work and leisure time for outdoor activities, shaping beauty standards towards thinness and specific traits. Socioeconomic disparities impact who can access outdoor activities, perpetuating class divisions.
Historical Exclusion of Marginalized Groups from Outdoor Spaces
Racist roots in conservation history excluded Black and Indigenous individuals from public lands, reinforcing systemic discrimination. Jim Crow laws and biases limited access to outdoor areas, perpetuating the stereotype that certain groups do not engage with nature. The conservation movement's racist ideologies impacted who could recreate outdoors.
Promoting Inclusivity through Community Engagement
Promoting inclusivity in outdoor spaces requires community engagement that prioritizes relationship building and asset-based approaches. Organizations must move beyond informing to empowering communities, respecting their knowledge and needs. Addressing systemic issues like lead exposure, safety concerns, and access barriers is crucial for equitable outdoor engagement.
As usual, we are talking about all things mental health, wellness, and topics that matter to us both individually and systemically. I’m excited to be joined by Parker Bushman, the founder and CEO of Ecoinclusive Strategies and the Inclusive Journeys Guide. Ecoinclusive Strategies is a consulting firm that works with conservation-based organizations, environmental organizations, and nonprofits around diversity, equality, and inclusion. Join us!
Show Highlights:
Nature should be free and accessible to ALL!
The existing disparities in neighborhoods, tree cover, park access, and open spaces
Racist roots of the conservation movement
Messages of elitism among “outdoorsy” people
Things that have been baked into our ideas about who gets to be outside and enjoy it–We need to break down the barriers!
Thoughts about able-ism and outdoor spaces
Parker’s consulting work with organizations doing wildland restoration, community engagement, and DEI work
Building community through engagement, information, collaboration, and empowerment
Systemic issues that prevent outdoor access
Parker’s advice to everyone about finding outdoor activities that you enjoy
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