Climbing For Change
JULY 2024
Climbing For Change is a non-profit organization helping underserved communities gain access to outdoors and climbing.
Founded by Kai Lightner, professional climber, Climbing For Change also helps bridge the gap between persistent funding issues and DEI initiatives.
COMMUNITY OF THE MONTH - JULY 2024
What is the mission of Climbing for Change?
To build relationships and empower underrepresented minorities in the outdoor industry. The overarching goal is to create a more diverse, fair, and inclusive environment for everyone, from athletes to industry leaders and beyond.
What is a recent accomplishment by Climbing for Change and/or its members?
Recently, those associated with C4C fought to maintain a climbing wall within an underrepresented community south of Atlanta. Kai Lightner, the founder of C4C, spoke up for the community and advocated that access to such an activity is paramount for this community.
Through tension with certain members of the local city government and unwarranted expressions of concern about safety (when no evidence suggested legitimacy of these concerns), Kai was able to rally more public outreach and overall support for the wall to stay put. Ultimately, C4C was committed to doing exactly what aligned with their mission - empowering underrepresented minorities by giving them a voice and helping them have a place in the world of outdoor adventure activities.
What other ways does Climbing for Change encourage an “Outdoors for All” approach?
Climbing for Change has a directory on their website that specifically aims to connect DEI communities. The link to this page on their website can be found here: DEI Connections. Here, you can search communities by location and read descriptions on how each community aims to serve current and prospective members.
In addition, Climbing for Change has several grant programs that aim to give more outdoor opportunities to those within BIPOC communities, including rock climbing! More information about their grant initiatives can be found here: Grant Programs.
If you’d like to learn more about Climbing for Change’s backstory and longstanding action towards diversity and inclusion in the outdoor space, you should check out the provided list of articles on their website. Link here: C4C in the News.
