Breaking Barriers in Outdoor Recreation: Dionne Daley & the BIPOC Outdoor Gear Library

This week, I sat down with Dionne Daley, founder of the BIPOC Outdoor Gear Library, to talk about breaking barriers in outdoor recreation. We discussed the importance of diversity in outdoor spaces, the challenges of launching a non-profit gear library, and how community support can make outdoor activities more inclusive and accessible.

Dionne Daley is the visionary behind the BIPOC Outdoor Gear Library, a non-profit dedicated to providing outdoor equipment access to Black, Indigenous, and people of colour (BIPOC) communities. With a passion for nature and a deep understanding of the barriers many face in accessing outdoor spaces, Dionne founded the library to create opportunities for connection, adventure, and representation in the outdoor industry.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

• Access to Outdoor Gear is a Major Barrier – The BIPOC Outdoor Gear Library was created to provide free access to essential outdoor equipment, ensuring more people can enjoy nature without financial obstacles.

• Community Engagement is Key – Building a strong network of volunteers, donors, and participants is essential for the success of initiatives like the gear library.

• Starting a Non-Profit Takes Time and Planning – From securing funding to establishing a board of directors, Dionne shares insights on what it takes to launch and sustain a non-profit organization.

Q&A Highlights

Q: What inspired you to start the BIPOC Outdoor Gear Library?

• A: Dionne shared that her own experiences as a minority in outdoor spaces, along with a lack of representation, motivated her to create a solution that would make nature more accessible for BIPOC communities.

Q: What challenges did you face in launching the gear library?

• A: Funding and non-profit registration were some of the biggest hurdles, but having a strong support system and community donations helped bring the vision to life.

Q: What’s next for the BIPOC Outdoor Gear Library?

• A: Future goals include expanding the library’s inventory, hosting more outdoor events, and collaborating with local experts to enhance programming.

  
  

Where to Listen & Connect Catch the full episode on Spotify and follow the BIPOC Outdoor Gear Library at www.instagram.com/bipocoutdoorgearlibrary

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