Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Overview
Our organization falls short of being diverse Rather than make excuses or rationalize why this is the case, we are channeling our energies into making North Park Trail Runners a diverse organization, one that fosters equity and inclusion.
Work in progress:
1. Expanding group-run locations which allows for greater accessibility to a wider range of people.
2. Outreach: creating and maintaining relationships with diverse individuals and organizations in the Pittsburgh area.
3. Collaboration: soliciting feedback and input from minorities and marginalized groups. Listen and learn. Ask questions.
4. Looking inwards by ensuring our existing group runs and events foster inclusivity. What can we do differently?
Timeline / Activities
June 2020: concept of D.E.I. committee was formed; participation from members was solicited.
July 2020: first committee meeting took place with participation of nearly 30 members.
September 2020: North Park Trail Runners hosted the workshop: "The Undercover Outsiders." The learning objectives were: 1) define the impact of discrimination on invisible minorities 2) formulate action plans for creating micro-cultures of inclusion.
September 2020: The City Series Runs are launched! Located throughout the city, these group runs are aimed at reaching a broader and more diverse running community. Runs are posted on our Facebook Page and our website Event Calendar.
November 2020: #OptOutside Kids Hike in Riverview Park. This annual event has taken place in Hampton Township (north hills) for the past four years but was moved to Riverview Park for 2020 in an effort to make the event more accessible and inclusive to a wider demographic. UPDATE: cancelled due to COVID.
February 2021: Urban Jog - in celebration of Black History Month, sponsored by Venture Outdoors. (Post event update: 100% of the attendees were NPTR runners)
May 2021: Riverview Park trail workday. North Park Trail Runners partnered with City Parks to host a trail workday at Riverview Park. The goal: let's give back to a city park; channel efforts toward a community outside of our own.
August 2021: Outdoor story time and hike, kids' event. Books: The Hike by Alison Farrel and Let's Go On A Hike by Katrina Liu.
September - June 2022: Group runs in City Parks each month.
July 2022: Support South Side Park's Annual Goat Fest. NPTR & RCTC hosting a group run (Goat Trot) on July 30 in conjunction with Goat Fest. More information: click here.
Winter 2023: We kicked off the new year with a City Series run in Frick Park on January 15, 2023! Next up: Homewood Cemetery Run on Sunday February 12 at 9:00 a.m. Location: 1599 S Dallas Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217.
March 2023: Let's celebrate Women's History Month! Join us on Sunday, March 12th, for a group run in the city where we celebrate and learn about some remarkable women trailblazers in the running world. Women's History Group Run details: CLICK HERE.
Ongoing, every month: City Series Group Runs. Check our Group Run Calendar for details.
If you would like to join our D.E.I. committee, have questions or comments, please contact Amy Nelson at Amy.NLSN@yahoo.com
Resources / Events (local & national)
Free to Run: Empowerment Through Running
Outdoor Inclusion Coalation, Pittsburgh's Venture Outdoors
Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy D.E.I. Committee
Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC)
Five Ways to Make the Outdoors more Inclusive, "The Atlantic"
A Race's New Policies Target Gender Equity and Inclusion, "Women's Running Magazine"
"Do What's Right: Why Ultrarunning Needs to Solve Its Gender Inequity Problem Now" Trainright.com
Free to Run: Empowerment Through Running
Outdoor Inclusion Coalation, Pittsburgh's Venture Outdoors
Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy D.E.I. Committee
Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC)
Five Ways to Make the Outdoors more Inclusive, "The Atlantic"
A Race's New Policies Target Gender Equity and Inclusion, "Women's Running Magazine"
"Do What's Right: Why Ultrarunning Needs to Solve Its Gender Inequity Problem Now" Trainright.com
