The Outdoor Equity Coalition offers complimentary membership through December 2025. Members commit to promoting justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in outdoor spaces, especially for marginalized communities. To join, you must complete a pledge affirming these values and opt into further communications if desired. For more details or to sign up, visit the official Outdoor Equity Coalition membership page. Our vision is to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive outdoor recreation community that reflects the rich diversity of our state and nation.

In case you missed it our October 11 newsletter is now archived on our timeline tab. In this issue is request for member feedback; BIPOC Communities; Research Notes; and Big Tent Sustainability, along with our new briefing document.

Mark your calendars for the 1st Black Developers PNW Conference happening August 8th & 9th at Evergreen College Tacoma! This groundbreaking event is designed to empower and connect black developers from across the Pacific Northwest. Expect:

• Meaningful discussions on critical topics within the tech industry.

• Actionable plans to strengthen and uplift the Black developer community.

• Opportunities to network with peers and industry leaders.

Key Tech Labs is excited to announce the third edition of the Burien Solar Punk Festival. This event celebrates culture, technology, and sustainability, showcasing the best of Burien. It will feature business expos, job fairs, and entertainment, all focused on business, arts, and culture.

Key Tech Labs is seeking vendors who align with the festival’s themes of community, technology, and environment. Local, sustainable companies or BIPOC-led businesses are especially welcome to join the Pop-up Farmers Market.

The Solar Punk Festival envisions a future where sustainability, community, and technology coexist. Vendors who share this vision are encouraged to sign up and be part of this innovative event.

For more information and to sign up as a vendor, please fill out the Vendor Sign-up Form. Key Tech Labs looks forward to seeing everyone at the festival.

There were several Big Tent Board members at the event including Ted Jackson, Reco Bembry, Rob Sendak, Conor Marshall, (and ex-officio members) Andrea Martin, Brock Milliern, Owen Rowe and Joel Sisolak. We felt this was very productive time and value the opportunity to convene to learn about the challenges and opportunities ahead for outdoor recreation and equity.

Samish Island Nature and Adventure Camp offers an opportunity to disconnect from the stresses of daily societal racism and micro-aggressions and reconnect with rest, health, peace, each other, and nature. Executive Chef Wayne Johnson manages the kitchen, which becomes a place of discovery, where culturally significant dishes are prepared with love, offering a taste of home and a sense of belonging. The meals we share help make Camp a place where memories are made, friendships are forged, and the spirit of the Black and Brown outdoor community is alive and well. Samish Island Nature and Adventure Camp is the only all-inclusive sleepover summer camp of its kind in the region. It’s a place where culture, adventure, and the natural world come together to create a nourishing, life-affirming experience for everyone present.

As April drew to a close, the Zoom squares of the weekly Big Tent policy call were full of smiles. Advocates were thrilled to see strong support for outdoor recreation during the 2021 Washington State Legislative session. After a roller coaster of a year where we expected budget cuts to outdoor programs, the strong support for outdoor recreation was a welcome surprise. Legislators clearly saw the need to invest in outdoor recreation and education following the pandemic, and as a result, our priorities saw near record support.

Join for a celebration of the outdoor recreation community’s resilience and successes during legislative session. We’ll salute those who have driven our community forward and enjoy an evening with each other and those working hard to support our outdoor spaces. And hang around for some trivia, prizes, and a night away from the hustle of quick zoom check-ins. [2021 Sponsor Fact Sheet] Free to attend. Save the date and [R.S.V.P. HERE.]