Goodbye 2022: This work is hard…and it’s worth it from RIDC

From our parters at the Running Industry Diversity Coalition

At the RIDC, we understand that diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism work in running is the never-ending ultramarathon with no medals. It's a journey of learning and unlearning in our pursuit of progress, both on an individual and a team/brand/store basis.

There is much work to do to uplift BIPOC communities and to prevent harm against them in our industry. We continue to hear about actions big and small, from microaggressions to overt acts, that can feel like we've taken a step back in our collective work.

Change can be slow. And difficult. But our organization is stronger than ever to help address it all. And at this moment, we are taking a breather to rest and acknowledge the progress we made this year. 

In 2022, the RIDC celebrated two years of existence. In that time, we’ve grown and achieved measurable progress. As we look back on our brief but impactful history, here are some highlights that stand out from this year:

• Became a 501(c)(3) organization.
• Hired three staff: two full-time positions and one part-time role.
• Increased our monthly newsletter open rate to 60%.
• Redesigned our website to make it easier to understand what the organization is doing and how you can help.
• Launched groundbreaking racial diversity research focused on employment, access, inclusion, and belonging across the running industry. (Reports based on this research will be live by the end of March)
• Celebrated Global Running Day by launching an industry-wide campaign centering on racial justice with incredible results.
• Nearly tripled our multi-year member partnerships with brands and retailers, from eight in 2021 to twenty-three in 2022. 
• Hosted a series of educational workshops for 1500 attendees that provided actionable takeaways and peer-to-peer accountability for people to implement in their stores, businesses, and run crews.
• Held dozens of one-on-one conversations both online and in-person to help increase understanding and accountability of white supremacy and systemic racism.
• Funded BIPOC-owned and -managed running stores to attend The Running Event, to help these attendees expand their network and create new business opportunities. This also helped diversify a conference that still needs to grow its racial diversity.
• Gave BIPOC folks in the industry their flowers at every opportunity—from amplifying their work to hiring them for their expertise.

Message of Gratitude from Kiera Smalls, Executive Director, The RIDC

Racial justice work is hard, and because progress can be slow, it can sometimes feel like we shouldn't celebrate. However, I'm optimistic about the future. Every small and big step toward racial justice is worth acknowledging because that work makes things a little easier for us all—especially for the next generation.

On behalf of the RIDC's board and staff, I want to thank you for joining us on this journey. We are wishing you a healthy, happy, and safe holiday season. If this is a hard time for you, know that you are not alone. We are sending you much love and ease during this season.

To learn more about and keep up with RIDC, please go to https://www.runningdiversity.com/

Save the date: Welcome to the RIDC: A Recommitment and Reintroduction. Tuesday, February 21, 2023. 11 a.m. PST/ 2 p.m. EST.

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