Collect tools to help you host a truly inclusive event by learning from other community leaders who are doing just that!

The Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC) has experienced tremendous growth thanks to our valuable partnerships with member organizations. This collaboration not only equips us to provide education on building inclusive events but also enables us to demonstrate these principles actively through our initiatives!

Last year, we took lessons from our first workshop about "Creating an Inclusive Event" and used them to curate a large-scale community gathering and fundraiser we titled "THE COOKOUT, hosted by the RIDC." For this upcoming workshop, we will revisit those lessons and discuss the successes and challenges we experienced while implementing them. Additionally, we’ve assembled a panel of seasoned event organizers who’ve hosted inclusive events for a discussion followed by a Q&A. This is a public workshop, with content for employees of brands, retailers, race events, and run clubs hosting community events to reach and engage BIPOC*.

During this workshop, you will have the opportunity to:

• Reflect on the RIDC’s learnings with our program manager, Abigail Hollie, about the makings of THE COOKOUT

• Gather key insights on fostering inclusivity across a spectrum of events, including internal team gatherings, race organizing, youth programs, and community partnerships

• Participate in a Q&A with our panel featuring leaders from brands and organizations throughout the running community

• Gain practical, actionable steps to ensure that improving access, inclusion, and visibility are at the forefront of any event

• Evaluate the effectiveness of your inclusion initiatives and continuously improve your approach

Panelists:

Victoria Lo | Chinatown Runners, national movement that hosts pop-up Chinatown runs 

DeAnthony White | Charm City Run, host of the Baltimore Women's Classic 5K

Erica Edwards O'Neil | New York Road Runners, host of the New York City Marathon

Linh Le | Strava, host of the tech conference Camp Strava

This is a 90-minute workshop, taking place on 2/20/2024 at 2 pm EST over Zoom. Zoom details will be shared with all registered attendees via email a week before the event, and here on Eventbrite the day before.

*BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color

Saucony and the Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC) invite you to this special fun run/walk, taking another step towards creating a more diverse and inclusive running industry.

Connect with local Austin-run groups and running industry leaders from across the country for a unique experience to one of Austin’s most beloved traditions, the Trail of Lights. Be the first this season to experience this jubilant display of holiday illumination.

All paces are welcome!

Date: Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Time: 6:00am

Run/Walk Length: Approx. 3.0 miles

Start: Corner of E. 4th St + Trinity St

End: Trail of Lights

Transportation: Buses will be available to transport back to the start or participants can run/walk 2.4 miles back.

Registration: Sign up by Nov. 25th.

#CommUnityRun

Join us for a conversation between the RIDC co-chair Alison Mariella Désir, author of new book Running While Black: Finding Freedom in a Sport That Wasn’t Built for Us and Dr. Riddhi Sandil, licensed psychologist and faculty member at Teachers College, Columbia University. This workshop will include a Q & A and a stretch session one week later on Tuesday, December 13 at 2:00pm ET.

Bios:

Alison Mariella Désir is a Seattle-based, nationally known endurance athlete, activist, and mental health advocate. Currently co-chair of the Running Industry Diversity Coalition and the Director of Sports Advocacy and an Athlete Advisor for Oiselle, she is also now the author of a significant new book, Running While Black: Finding Freedom in a Sport That Wasn’t Built for Us (Portfolio).

Riddhi Sandil is an Associate Professor of Practice and Director of the Psychological Counseling Program at Teachers College, Columbia University. Riddhi is also the co-founder of the Sexuality, Women, and Gender Project at Teachers College and Queer Anga, a queer wellness collective in NYC. Riddhi is passionate about increasing access to wellness for queer communities and awareness about minority stress, complex trauma, and intersectionality. A licensed psychologist, Riddhi is also particularly interested in understanding how systemic oppression can impact access to health resources and other social supports.