Over the past several weeks we have been intentionally and thoughtfully listening, looking within ourselves to begin learning/unlearning, discussing race and racism as a team, and its impacts on our business and the climbing industry as a whole. We have been actively assessing the role that BRG plays in enabling and perpetuating systemic racism within our walls and community, and how we can work to stand up against racism and racial injustice, now and in the future.
Bend Rock Gym stands in solidarity with all Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). We are committed to working to be anti-racist, stand up for the oppressed, marginalized and underrepresented, and rethink how we operate to create spaces that are equitable for all. We will do this through action-based planning, team-wide collaboration, and a newfound determination – all with the goal of making BRG a safe, welcoming and inclusive place to both work and climb. We understand that it is our duty as a gathering place for the climbing community in Central Oregon to ensure that every person, regardless of the color of their skin, their gender, sexual orientation or ability can experience and enjoy the love and inspiration felt through climbing.
To all who took the time to reach out, volunteer feedback, and urge us to use our platform to take action against racism – we thank you. We sincerely apologize for our delay in posting this statement. As we move forward we are committed to being transparent in our process and the steps we are taking. Below are the initial steps we have and/or will take in the very near future:
1) Acknowledging that the problem exists – We acknowledge that we are a part of the problem. The climbing industry and outdoor world at large is a sphere predominantly occupied by White people. We acknowledge that we are an all White management team. We acknowledge our privilege. We understand that this is a manifestation of the problem and we are going to work to address it and affect positive, actionable change for our BIPOC staff, members, and the community. We have begun the process of assessing how we can amend our operations, policies, hiring practices, vendor vetting, community partnerships, and more to be equitable and inclusive for all.
2) Seeking education and counsel from expert resources – We have been fortunate to be included in conversation amongst other outdoor companies and organizations within Central Oregon that aim to support the dismantling of racism and racial injustices within our businesses and communities. Recently, members of the BRG management team, along with other business leaders from companies in the outdoor industry in Central Oregon came together to take part in a two-day Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training seminar. We are overwhelmed by the impact of this training and we are eager to take tangible action to create safe and equitable spaces within our gym and community.
3) Creating spaces for receiving feedback and generating ideas – Over the coming weeks, BRG will host voluntary town hall meetings with our staff to hear their experiences and ideas. Further, we are working with local outdoor industry businesses to develop action items that BRG and other businesses in Central Oregon can commit to fulfilling.
In addition, we want to engage with the community by welcoming conversation, dialogue, and feedback. We invite you to share your thoughts, as well as the ways you wish to see change and action at Bend Rock Gym. Thoughts and feedback can be sent to info@bendrockgym.com.
As we move forward, we are committed to being open, communicative, and transparent as we implement initiatives and action items that deliver on our commitment to the BIPOC community.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. We hope to see you all in the gym soon.
