Photo by AAC member Kylie Fly
“Adventure and exploration are not only where I went, but what perspectives did I consider along the way.”
Shara Zaia, AAC Program Manager
About Climb United
The climbing community is full of adventurers who want to see over the next horizon and fill in the blank spots on their maps. Realistically, those "blank spots" are only blank from our individual perspectives. If we don't try to understand others' experiences—those blank spots— it will only lead to further polarization in our society, hindering progress.
We formed Climb United to elevate traditionally marginalized voices and explore the blank spots on our community's map. We trust the leaders already serving their local communities across the country and want to use the AAC's resources to support them. By considering everyone's perspectives, we will have a clearer and more holistic worldview. As the oldest organization in the American climbing community, the AAC is uniquely positioned to convene and support perspectives from across the spectrum and create lasting, structural bridges.
Photo by Eddie Espinosa.
United in Yosemite
United in Yosemite returns: June 21-25th, 2024.
We are back to celebrate diversity in climbing with our intimate United in Yosemite festival, co-hosted by AAC, Yosemite Conservancy, and Yosemite National Park. Keep your eyes peeled! Registration begins in March.
What is United in Yosemite?
This festival is a celebration of the growing affinity spaces in climbing across the globe. We know Yosemite can be a logistical nightmare for any climber, but there is often an extra layer of barriers for climbers from historically marginalized backgrounds. The United in Yosemite (UiY) mission: to provide opportunities for mentorship and connection amongst climbers from historically marginalized backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, people of color; women and genderqueer climbers, LBGTQIA2S+, and people with disabilities.
United in Yosemite is all about joy and connection. The UiY team is committed to elevating the voices of athletes and guides from these communities, who will offer opportunities for clinics, mentorship, and insights throughout the festival. United in Yosemite is committed to nurturing an evolution in climbing culture through the lenses of representation, Tribal engagement, stewardship, and celebration. The event is designed with new and intermediate Yosemite rock climbers in mind.
Because in Yosemite, it’s the bigwalls that should be intimidating, not the community.
Climb United Affiliate Support Network
Cruxing In Color participants scope a route at the Climb United Meet-Up at Shelf Road. Photo by Dally Tram.
The Climb United Affiliate Support Network serves as a resource to support affinity groups that advocate for climbers of all abilities, races, genders, and sexual orientations in their local communities. We work specifically with newly established and emerging affinity groups who are seeking non-profit status.
This initiative makes the infrastructure and tools developed over many years to serve our sections and chapters available to affiliate network members at no cost. By serving as fiscal sponsors, these community organizations are free to focus on the work that matters, not on the administrative burden that is a barrier for many. In this way, we hope to build bridges and accelerate the cultural transformation in the climbing community.
Current Affiliates:
*We are not currently accepting applications for the Climb United Affiliate Support Network. We will open applications when spots become available.
Climb United Databases
Climb United is working on a database of climbing photographers, guides, and affinity groups across the US who identify as members of under-represented communities including BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, and people with both seen and unseen disabilities.
We hope that by connecting people, climbers across the country can easily find connection, mentorship, and joy within the climbing community. Through these databases, under-represented groups are further able to make themselves, and their communities, known to the outdoor industry and beyond.
Are you a climbing photographer, guide, or affinity group interested in being part of this database so more folks can work with you?
DEI Resources for Climbers
Interested in learning more about understanding and implementing DEI principles in the climbing community? Check out the following collection of resources, including affinity groups, books, articles, and films.
Join Our Discord Channel
This channel serves as a platform for discussion, collaboration, and support among affinity group leaders and the great climbing community. Whether you are looking for advice on how to manage your group, seeking input on a new initiative, or simply want to connect with other leaders in our community—this is the place to be!
Climb United & Related Stories
Climb United Route Name Task Force
The Climb United Route Name Task Force (RNTF), composed of a group of publishers and climbing community members, was gathered to build the best publishing practices to avoid harm caused by discriminatory or oppressive route names.
Route Naming Principles + Guidelines
Please take a moment to read the Principles and Guidelines for Publishing Climbing Route Names. The Guiding Principles will serve to establish an agreed-upon philosophy toward publishing climbing route names, while the Guidelines provide an evaluation and management system for addressing discriminatory route names.
Pull Focus: A Grant for Underrepresented Filmmakers
Photo by AAC member Jessica Glassberg
Climbers build their lives around adventure in the outdoors. Climb United is committed to being adventurous in our pursuit of others’ perspectives. We know how important climbing media is in shaping climbing culture. We also know that the stories that have been told have highlighted those in power. We want to remove barriers that underrepresented communities continue to be challenged with when accessing the outdoor media and production industry and to support the progression of a talented filmmaker’s career.
Introducing Pull Focus: a storytelling grant that provides BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with both seen and unseen disabilities the funds to create and share stories that reflect their communities.
Applications for this year are now closed.
About the Logo Artist—Latasha Dunston
Hi, you can call me Tasha! I am an illustrator, painter, and plant lover. My artwork is suited for walls, in between the pages of books and magazines, on stationery, packaging, and more! I create mainly with watercolor, ink, and digital programs.
I received my BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts with a concentration in Scientific and Medical Illustration. When I am not in my studio, I am cooking up a storm in my kitchen, tending to my plants, hiking, and camping, or traveling to somewhere new! My love of the outdoors is a vital part of my identity and I try and share that passion with as many as I can to help show that the outdoors is for everyone! I am currently based in Denver, CO with my awesome partner, Jason, and our furry kids Leelo and Noodle.
Instagram: @jitterbug_art | website: jitterbugart.com
Climb United Partners
