Rita Yerkes – författare

A catalyst and tool to support groups in their journey towards diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in the outdoors and beyond featuring stories of lived experiences.

​​The Association for Experiential Education invites you to utilize the The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Field Guide: Stories of Lived Experience as a tool to engage groups working in the outdoors, classrooms, or boardrooms in DEIB training. It is a conversation starter, a source of inspiration, and a call to action. The guide includes personal reflections by over 40 authors in the areas of: 

Outdoor and Adventure ProgramsCommunity EngagementParks and RecreationCamps Adventure TherapyAdvocacyExperiential EducationCollege and UniversitiesTraining and DevelopmentYouth DevelopmentSocial and Environmental JusticeAnd more

These individuals share their lived experiences with racism, sexism, heterosexism, gender identity, ableism, and ageism. They provide counternarratives to some of the common embedded practices in professions using experiential education. Readers are challenged to dig deep, engage, and listen to the voices with open hearts and minds to begin to make personal and systemic changes. The guide contains a glossary of terms and social justice quotes to help spark discussion, reflection, and action.

Envisioned by Dr. Nina Roberts to be used by those in need of a resource for DEIB training, this guide is Nina''s legacy. In the initial stages of this project, Nina''s energy waned due to the progression of her cancer. Nina paved the way for so many people to advance diversity and inclusion in the outdoors. She strove for equity and belonging for all. She asked that her social justice torch be carried forward. Please lift up her torch and use this book to continue her work.