Mountain Mentors’ positionality statement has three components. First, we are identifying a problem by examining the industry in which we work, and by understanding the problems that exist in our own program. Second, we want to critically situate ourselves, as an organization and as members of this organization, within the identified problem by examining how we contribute to this problem. Third, we would like to display our commitments honestly, publicly, voluntarily, personally, explicitly, and in alignment with our program’s vision.
In Reflection
Since 2016, Mountain Mentors has supported women in their outdoor and self-development pursuits. We are active beneficiaries of the systems of oppression that exist in the outdoors. We have not been actively anti-racist nor actively inclusive towards Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral, unceded territories we operate and recreate on, People of the Global Majority, LGBTQI2SA+ people**, gender non-conforming people, non-binary people, and people with disabilities. We acknowledge this failure.
Mountain Mentors is committed to growing confident leaders, to fostering reciprocal education, to leading with gusto, and to creating and holding space for growth. We believe that these commitments are at the core of fulfilling experiences in the backcountry and beyond; however fully achieving these commitments is not possible in an environment where discrimination and exclusion exist.
Our Vision
This vision necessitates that we transform outdoor spaces, increase advocacy for representation, and both honour and respect the land upon which we operate, work, and recreate. In practice, this looks like dismantling the structures of power and prejudice that are central to the persistence of an outdoor demographic that is primarily white, male, cis-gender, and able-bodied. In order to acknowledge, unlearn, inform, dissemble, and dismiss the overt and covert expressions of discrimination and exclusion, Mountain Mentors is committed to the following principles and actions. These commitments guide our focus on the work we can do, while collaborating with others for the work we cannot do alone.
Commitments
Deliberate design of our programming, materials, community events, and organizational strategy with representation, inclusivity, safety, and justice front of mind
Critically situating ourselves on kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo, Tsawwassen, xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), S’ólh Téméxw (Stó:lō), St̓át̓imc Tmicw (St’at’imc), and Líl̓wat (Lil'wat) territories
Working to address and undo harmful histories associated with settler-colonialism
Learning from Indigenous Peoples about stewardship of the lands, waters, and air
Partnering with local organizations to learn, collaborate, amplify, share, center, and offer support
Fair compensation of justice, equity, diversity, decolonization, and inclusion consultants, advisors, and other contractors
Contributing to economic justice by sourcing from local businesses owned, operated, and lead by People of the Global Majority when possible
Sponsor memberships for People of the Global Majority
Providing opportunities for feedback, community engagement, and relationship building
Diversification of leadership and staff
Providing, supporting, and subsidizing Mountain Mentors leadership and staff with justice, equity, diversity, decolonization, and inclusion training and opportunities for learning, unlearning and the opportunity to challenge each other and hold each other accountable
Continued learning of and alignment with anti-racism work
Critically reviewing and adjusting our acceptance criteria and guidelines to address lack of diversity in the outdoors
In Acknowledgement, Respect, and Appreciation
We are, and will always be, learning. Mountain Mentors is privileged to exist in a space where resources for unlearning, learning, reflection, and development are available. We would like to acknowledge and express a deep appreciation to the individuals and organizations who have, knowingly or unknowingly, lent, gifted, taught, and who instill within us thought, language, practice, prompts, reflections, and questions.
Fulfilling our commitments requires our continued learning, improvement, and accountability. If you would like to offer feedback, please do so here.
If we have used language that is discriminatory or insensitive, or if you feel we have missed the mark, please reach out through this form. You are invited to remain anonymous or provide us with your contact information so we may follow up. We thank you in advance for holding us accountable and for offering us an opportunity to do better.
If you would like more information on the specifics of our learning, please reach out through the form below.