RIDC: Here to Stay, Here to Make a Difference
By Kiera Smalls
"RIDC has great potential, thanks to its community of partners and volunteers, and I’m excited to work with you to keep the momentum going. There will be challenges and roadblocks along the way, but we can learn, build, and make this industry more diverse, inclusive, and most importantly, equitable."
I wrote these words in my first newsletter introduction in April 2022 after the RIDC's founding board members entrusted me to lead the organization forward.
The end of the year usually brings a lot of reflections, and I can't help but think of the words above while reflecting on the work done this past year at the RIDC. We've made some incredible strides as a nonprofit and in the running industry, and none of it would have been possible without your commitment to supporting us and collaborating with fellow community members to make a positive change.
The photo above is from our first-ever community fundraiser called THE COOKOUT, which took place in Austin, Texas, during The Running Event. It's a photo that I'll likely get printed one day to remind myself of the joy this work also brings. It's a photo they should hang in the Louvre, to be honest.
I could list some of our successes and lessons from this year, but I'll save that for another day. This final 2023 newsletter to our community is to express gratitude.
Thank you to everyone who:
showed up to those foundational calls when the RIDC's founding team was getting the organization started.
advocated for internal support for the RIDC, recognizing that what "got us here won't get us there."
helped us make our programming offerings as helpful as possible to as many people as possible.
trusted in our team's direction and ability to bring people together in service of our mission.
gave their time, energy, and expertise, helping to advance our initiatives and projects in countless impactful ways.
reflected on their own personal actions and their potential impact, both intentional and unintentional, on the RIDC mission, and doing so without judgment or shame.
tirelessly championed our efforts, often in spaces and rooms where we couldn't be present.
On behalf of Betsy, Abigail, and the entire board of directors, I hope you have a good end to 2023. We look forward to working with (and for) you in 2024.
Much appreciation,
Kiera Smalls
Executive Director, The RIDC
P.S. We recognize the holidays can be hard for some people. We also recognize the challenges this country and this world currently face and will gear up to face in 2024. Despite these challenges, our commitment to our mission remains unwavering. We hope you can find some rest, peace, and hope for what lies ahead, both personally and professionally. Please remember that we are here, fully dedicated to serving our mission and standing with you every step of the way.
