Photo by Tom Kloster
A safe and welcoming outdoors
TKO strives for all people to have safe access and feel that they belong in Oregon’s outdoor spaces by establishing a culture of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
We recognize that not everyone feels safe or welcome in the outdoors due to bigotry, bias, and hate; we have committed to being a part of the solution to changing that.
Our Vision
The goal of dismantling system inequity is liberation. Liberation is possible and will allow access to the outdoors to everyone. TKO’s vision is that Oregon’s trails are a place where people can go to connect with nature and one another. They are accessible and welcoming to all communities.
3 Types of Action
TKO works to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging with these three categories of action. Each category of work supports and advances the others, and they often happen concurrently.
Self Assessment & Reflection
Our Recurring Work
- Use the Harvard DEIB Explorer Tool to identify individual strengths and growth areas.
- Review post-event surveys and improve programming based on participant feedback.
What’s In Progress
- Build and review a guided resource library for staff and leaders to help structure difficult conversations.
Organizational Growth & Change
Our Recurring WOrk
- Collectively create and implement work around a four-part strategic plan: Prioritize DEIB Values, Provide Education & Training, Identify & Lower Barriers, Develop Lasting Relationships.
- Introduce all trail events with a safety talk that affirms participants’ safety and empowers them to address harm.
- Conduct Meyer Spectrum survey annually to identify progress and areas for improvement.
- Develop and implement a compensation philosophy to recruit and retain staff equitably.
- Develop DEIB-informed crew leaders with a peer-led workshop.
- Prioritize DEIB principles in all Board committee.
- Utilize a decision support process to gather input from teammates in a way that respects their time, contribution style, and and unique perspective.
What’s In Progress
- Improve training curriculum to match a wider variety of learning styles.
- Expand car-free and ride sharing options for volunteer events.
External Outreach & Impact
Our Recurring Work
- Partner and share resources with communities and organizations dedicated to equity in the outdoors.
- Host trail parties that center affinity groups and build community for diverse groups.
What’s In Progress
- Expand accessibility information on OregonHikers.org.
Photo by Vicente Harrison
Photo by Susan Schen
Trails are for Everyone
Trails are for all of us. Whether you’re here to volunteer, learn new skills, or simply enjoy a well-maintained path, you belong. TKO is committed to making trail stewardship inclusive and welcoming to people of all backgrounds and abilities. If you need accommodations to participate, let us know—we’re here to support you.
The outdoors is more important than ever for mental health, recreation, and connection to nature. Let’s rally together and make a difference. By working alongside our partners—land managers, volunteers, and outdoor advocates—we can keep Oregon’s trails open, accessible, and welcoming for all.
