Reflections from Coalition Members on Together Outdoors’ 1 Year Anniversary

"Learning together - through Together Outdoors - is what we find the most powerful aspect of this coalition,” said Jeannette Stawski, Executive Director of Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education. “There is an open invitation for all industry leaders to participate.  From the person starting to increase their awareness to someone looking for support to amplify their advocacy and allyship - Together Outdoors has proved to be an ongoing work in progress so all can be together, outdoors."

“The Together Outdoors Coalition has helped inform the American Sportfishing Association’s (ASA) work engaging new and potential anglers,” said Mike Leonard, Vice President of Government Affairs at American Sportfishing Association. “ASA is committed to making recreational fishing welcoming for all and will continue to advance this work as a member of TO.”

“We are proud to serve on the Together Outdoors Governance Council, which has allowed Brunswick Corporation a distinct opportunity to work collaboratively with our peers across the outdoor industry to promote our shared goals of ensuring equitable access to our public lands and waters,” said Lee Gordon, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs for Brunswick Corporation.

“Together Outdoors’ mission to celebrate and share the joys and experiences found in the great outdoors with communities from different walks of life, experiences, and backgrounds is just the first step toward creating a more inclusive and welcoming outdoor recreation space,” said Kevin Williams, Vice President of Marketing at the National Marine Manufacturers Association and Together Outdoors Governance Council Member. “As we celebrate our one-year anniversary, this milestone marks the exciting next step in nurturing an environment where all are welcome and we look forward to continuing our partnerships with leaders across diverse spaces, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and historically marginalized people to create a better, more inclusive outdoor space.”

“As an organization striving for inclusivity, we are committed to fostering diversity and respect in and around Louisville’s Olmsted Park,” said Sarah Wolff, Olmsted Parks Conservancy. “Each park area has unique needs, and our goal is to serve park users through targeted events, amenities, and advocacy. Participating in conversations and programs as part of the Together Outdoors Coalition has provided our team with tools and insights, we need to help make park experiences more inclusive and truly welcoming for all, so that we may better connect nature and neighborhood, and strengthen our community’s well-being.”

“Together Outdoors has been a great resource for Polaris, as we focus on engaging with new diverse customer audiences and inviting them to participate in Powersports,” said Tommy Hillman, Senior Marketing Director at Polaris. “Together Outdoors has provided a forum that allows us to engage with other outdoor-focused organizations that are on a similar journey, where we can learn from each other’s experiences and discuss best practices.”

“The first year of Together Outdoors was an impactful bringing together of many insightful voices throughout the outdoor landscape,” said Danica Carey, Seirus Innovation, Director of Marketing Operations. “Now moving into their second year, I am very hopeful that the strong leadership, supported by the team at ORR will be able to continue to grow this network of resources and collaboration. There is great foundation here for the community building needed to bring forward the cultural shift that is crucial for all of us to thrive into the future.”

“Spending time in the outdoors is a balm to many of the challenges we face today, and has a transformational effect on the health, resiliency, and well-being of communities everywhere,” said I Ling Thompson, Senior Vice President at Trust for Public Land. “That’s why it’s essential we make the outdoors accessible and welcoming to all. That effort requires matching strategic investments with expertise in breaking down barriers and is why we are thrilled to partner with Together Outdoors to make real progress on connecting everyone to the outdoors.”