Diversity Equity and Inclusion Statement

The Bower Climbing Coalition strives to bring together climbers of all race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, age, socioeconomic status, and outdoor experience and ability in inclusive community events and gatherings. 

The BCC recognizes the implicit cultural and social-structural gap of access to outdoor recreation in our community and on a greater national scale. Some demographics and socioeconomic groups are underrepresented in outdoor recreation and education, specifically in regard to climbing. 

In an effort to close this gap, the Bower Climbing Coalition will strive to do the following:

  • We will seek out and welcome people from all communities to our membership, and encourage them to participate in the affairs/events of our organization as volunteers, participants, and members of the BCC.
  • We will encourage our members to be inclusive in the climbing community and to serve as stewards of the outdoors to facilitate and grow a diversifying demographic of climbers and outdoor adventurers. 
  • We will reflect on the ways in which our community has excluded people from marginalized backgrounds, and strive to reduce the barriers faced by these individuals through direct outreach and other means.
  • We will establish an expectation of mutual respect in the interactions that happen across our organization.
  • We will look for opportunities to promote diversity and inclusion in our relationships with other organizations and within our leadership.
  • We will continue to be a community minded organization dedicated to maintaining, expanding and preserving Inland Northwest climbing for all people. 
  • We will value the perspectives and contributions of all people to our organization. 

BCC Board