Our JEDI Journey

Building a Better, Stronger Climbing Community

Access Fund is committed to incorporating the principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) into our work to protect America’s climbing.

Why JEDI?

We do this first and foremost because our ethics demand that we actively work to dismantle structures that facilitate systemic racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of bigotry and discrimination, and replace them with ones that create healing and justice. Not only are these forces antithetical to our basic values, they also create access issues. Too many people feel unsafe or unwelcome, or are otherwise unable to enjoy our outdoor spaces because of who they are. This is as much of a barrier to access as a closed gate. Identity should never be an obstacle to the incredible opportunities and experiences that climbing offers.

Secondly, we are committed to JEDI because it is a key component of protecting our climbing areas long into the future. As the country changes, both demographically and culturally, climbing is changing as well. Maintaining relevance and building a strong, multigenerational constituency dedicated to protecting America’s climbing requires that we embrace JEDI values as a fundamental part of our work.