RIDC May 2024 Newsletter
Running Industry Diversity Coalition
Envisioning a running industry committed to racial justice where people of color are welcomed, valued, and amplified.
Recently, a friend celebrated her birthday, and several times, she was asked, "Is this a milestone birthday?" Each time, she couldn’t help but respond, "Every birthday is a milestone." It’s a reminder of our unique journey, filled with moments worthy of celebrating.
Change and progress are always occurring, but we don’t always pause to celebrate along the way and take stock of the efforts put forward by so many. Every action taken to improve inclusion, visibility, and access for Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) is a significant step forward. Each effort, whether small or big, is a milestone worthy of attention.
Below are some milestones our team has observed so far this year...
We know there is much more happening, so we want to hear from you!
We want to know about the milestones you've observed from the RIDC organization and throughout the running industry. Please take time today to?share your insights for our impact survey.
As we reflect, let's celebrate each milestone like a birthday—each marking progress and our shared commitment to meaningful change. Every step forward in racial diversity, equity, and inclusion, every community initiative, and every leadership adjustment contributes to our ongoing journey toward more inclusive running and outdoor industries.
Here's to celebrating these milestones not just as isolated achievements but as crucial parts of our collective effort for change. Thanks in advance for filling out our survey!?
In service with you,
Kiera Smalls, Executive Director of the RIDC
RIDC Updates
Find Your Path: Running Industry Career Summit - June 15!
The RIDC, in partnership with Charlotte Running Co., is excited to host a 5K run/walk and career summit in Charlotte, NC. Committed to broadening access to the running industry, we're bringing our mission to the streets! Attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the running industry, discover a wide range of career possibilities, and enjoy shopping at a local run specialty store while gaining valuable insights.
P.S. This is the final week to express interest in?sponsoring the event. If you prefer to support the RIDC and our programs more broadly, you can make a one-time donation?here.
Remember, attending the event is completely free! Register to attend.
Our First Charity Team for the TCS New York City Marathon 2024
We're thrilled to announce our first charity team for the TCS New York City Marathon 2024! Thanks to everyone who showed interest—over 20 of you! We wish we could have included everyone, but we had just 6 spots. Congratulations to our six runners who will raise awareness and funds for our mission. Stay tuned for their journey and support them as they train for this incredible challenge!
Your support for this team is appreciated.?Visit the RIDC website to learn more about our runners and?donate to their fundraisers.
Boston Marathon Through the RIDC Lens
We had a blast in Boston, thanks to the many BIPOC-led events leading up to the 26. True Marathon and the B.A.A's Boston Marathon. While in the past, there wasn't a?single organization that captured all the amazing moments, don't worry—we've got you covered this year! Dive into the Boston Marathon weekend with?our photo gallery?to relive the excitement!?
RUN THE BLOCK Last Call!
Listennnn. Getting RUN THE BLOCK into a major Black platform like ESSENCE?was at the top of our goals list for media surrounding this program, and it happened! This is just in time for our final reminder about the grant opportunity.
Don't miss out on the chance to be a part of something truly innovative! Submit your application for RUN THE BLOCK this week.?Apply Today.
领英推荐
RIDC Member Spotlight: Feetures
Just In Time For Global Running Day
Introducing the Limited Edition RIDC x Feetures sock in support of our partner, the Running Industry Diversity Coalition."
"This sock embodies the diversity of humanity—celebrating our myriad shapes, sizes, abilities, and colors. Each unique element contributes to its individual charm, but when woven together, they form a breathtaking mosaic, a testament to the beauty of our collective unity,” says Emily Glenn, the talented designer behind this 360-printed sock. ??
RIDC Community Spotlight: AAPI 5K
The AAPI 5K is a community run celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The run will highlight the incredible AAPI organizations that work year-round to create a safe community.
The 5K will occur in?Houston, Los Angeles, New York City, Boston, and West Hartford. Visit the website for more information.
RIDC Media & Events Round Up
As we gear up for the Find Your Path Running Industry Career Summit, we want to remind employers and leaders in the running industry that a diverse and inclusive workforce is a must and remains a priority!
With that said, we pulled a few resources to help keep inclusion in the running industry top of mind.
What Else Is Happening In the Running Industry?
Running clubs help amplify, celebrate Boston diversity. “It was something I thought I would never be able to do,” Kordis said. “Definitely not fast enough to qualify, the fundraising barriers can be extensive. If it weren’t for the Equity and Inclusion Cabinet, I would not have gotten my fourth star and run the Boston Marathon.”
Brooks & Damon Brown Celebrate BIPOC Running Community. "The fresh take on the beloved Ghost Max offers bold hues of blues and yellows, capturing the progressive movement of Black American run culture and celebrates past and present Black runners who’ve supported in the advancement of the sport. Damon Brown’s designs seek to inspire diverse communities to run their path and amplify voices of spaces created where safety, fellowship, and belonging are the norm."
RunGrl Founder Ashlee Green Wants All Black Women to Go the Distance. "The conversations that she was having post-runs with other Black women — whether on how to find the best running tights for curvier figures or how to deal with hypersexualization while running — those topics weren't being covered mainstream."
Catch our Executive Director making waves on the?Sneaker Impact and 2 Black Runners' podcasts. Listen now to hear the latest scoops and stories about the RIDC and the running industry in general. ?
We know y'all read this newsletter to the end, so here's another reminder: please fill out our Impact Survey once you're done here ??.
RIDC Jobs Round Up
Who's hiring? Check out the career pages below.
If you decide to apply for a role at one of the organizations listed below, don't forget to mention that you discovered the opportunity through the RIDC newsletter! Stay tuned for a new careers page on the RIDC website!
When you see?the term BIPOC throughout RIDC materials, we are talking about Black, Indigenous, and all People of Color. ?
Till next time,
Running Industry Diversity Team
runningdiversity.com? @runningdiversity? #Running4Diversity?