USA Softball
USA Softball is built upon a foundation of providing equal
opportunities for anyone to participate in the game of softball.
All persons should be treated wtih dignity and respect and there
is no room nor tolerance for racism within our community. We
recognize that this is a societal problem and that we must use our
position as the leader in the sport to promote inclusiveness. We
ecourage our community to show empathy towards others and to join
us in advocating for equality for all.
Access Fund
Soloing is a dangerous game. One mistake—one slip-up—and you’re
dead. Most climbers will never solo. Those who do have taken a
very deliberate, intentional step. Once they reach the top of the
wall or get back down to the ground, they can choose to never risk
their life again.
Some of us don’t have that choice. Some of us are always soloing. One mistake—one slip up— and we’re dead. The wrong door knocked on to get help after an accident. The wrong woman confronted in the park about her off-leash dog. The wrong body, the wrong skin color, to be given a chance to breathe by a police officer who is supposed to be there to keep us safe.
Black and Brown folks are always soloing. There is no spring-loaded camming device of privilege to make sure we are safe when we are pulled over for going 10 over the speed limit. There is no benefit of the doubt when we are subjected to stop and frisk. We have to send. We have to be perfect. And sometimes, even when we do everything right, a hold breaks, and there is another dead Black or Brown person in the street.
Access Fund’s mission is to keep climbing areas open and protect the climbing environment. The death of George Floyd, and systemic racism in our country, specifically anti-Black racism and oppression, is an access issue. If you do not even feel safe on the sidewalk out front of your house—if you do not even feel safe in your own home—how could you possibly feel safe going out to the crag, let alone pulling a crux way off the deck? Even if the gate to the crag is open, can someone who feels fear for their life simply because they’ve stepped outside truly be said to have access to our climbing areas?
We have a moral and social obligation to address these issues. It is our responsibility to avidly and wholeheartedly support the grassroots organizations and individuals that are already leading this struggle. Organizations active in this work right now, like Brothers of Climbing, Brown Girls Climb, Flash Foxy, Homoclimbtastic, and so many more, are leading the charge on making justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion an everyday and essential part of climbing. It is our responsibility to do everything we can to live up to JEDI principles as an organization, and to advocate for a climbing community—and a country—where no one is prevented from experiencing the life-changing world of climbing because of who they are, where they are from, or what they look like. Right now, that means we must work to support the Black community in responding to the terrible acts of racism and violence in this country. To our Black members, friends, and family: we are with you. This is a problem we must all show up to address. We recognize we must do more and want to reassure you we will continue to do our part to educate our members and followers about these issues.
Every climber knows that solid, steady breathing is key to sending at your limit. Without a strong foundation of breath, you’re going to pump out and whip. Breathing is something we can do anytime we want—for most of us. When the ability to breath becomes an afterthought, when BIPOC aren’t soloing and Black people aren’t in danger of their lives every time they go for a run or climb—then, and only then, will we truly have access for all.
Until that time, Access Fund will remain committed to JEDI principles, and to supporting the struggle for justice in our country. Further, we hope that beyond basic safety Black people in our country can finally experience the freedom, joy, and healing that they deserve. We invite our members and community to hold us accountable in growing together and improving Access Fund for all.
Some of us don’t have that choice. Some of us are always soloing. One mistake—one slip up— and we’re dead. The wrong door knocked on to get help after an accident. The wrong woman confronted in the park about her off-leash dog. The wrong body, the wrong skin color, to be given a chance to breathe by a police officer who is supposed to be there to keep us safe.
Black and Brown folks are always soloing. There is no spring-loaded camming device of privilege to make sure we are safe when we are pulled over for going 10 over the speed limit. There is no benefit of the doubt when we are subjected to stop and frisk. We have to send. We have to be perfect. And sometimes, even when we do everything right, a hold breaks, and there is another dead Black or Brown person in the street.
Access Fund’s mission is to keep climbing areas open and protect the climbing environment. The death of George Floyd, and systemic racism in our country, specifically anti-Black racism and oppression, is an access issue. If you do not even feel safe on the sidewalk out front of your house—if you do not even feel safe in your own home—how could you possibly feel safe going out to the crag, let alone pulling a crux way off the deck? Even if the gate to the crag is open, can someone who feels fear for their life simply because they’ve stepped outside truly be said to have access to our climbing areas?
We have a moral and social obligation to address these issues. It is our responsibility to avidly and wholeheartedly support the grassroots organizations and individuals that are already leading this struggle. Organizations active in this work right now, like Brothers of Climbing, Brown Girls Climb, Flash Foxy, Homoclimbtastic, and so many more, are leading the charge on making justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion an everyday and essential part of climbing. It is our responsibility to do everything we can to live up to JEDI principles as an organization, and to advocate for a climbing community—and a country—where no one is prevented from experiencing the life-changing world of climbing because of who they are, where they are from, or what they look like. Right now, that means we must work to support the Black community in responding to the terrible acts of racism and violence in this country. To our Black members, friends, and family: we are with you. This is a problem we must all show up to address. We recognize we must do more and want to reassure you we will continue to do our part to educate our members and followers about these issues.
Every climber knows that solid, steady breathing is key to sending at your limit. Without a strong foundation of breath, you’re going to pump out and whip. Breathing is something we can do anytime we want—for most of us. When the ability to breath becomes an afterthought, when BIPOC aren’t soloing and Black people aren’t in danger of their lives every time they go for a run or climb—then, and only then, will we truly have access for all.
Until that time, Access Fund will remain committed to JEDI principles, and to supporting the struggle for justice in our country. Further, we hope that beyond basic safety Black people in our country can finally experience the freedom, joy, and healing that they deserve. We invite our members and community to hold us accountable in growing together and improving Access Fund for all.
Columbia Sportswear
The murder of George Floyd was a tragedy, underpinned by the
corrosive effects of institutional racism. That's why on June 4,
2020, we closed all of our North American stores for two hours
during his memorial services. We stand against racism in all its
forms, but in this moment, we want to be clear that we are proud
to say black lives matter.
We are taking additional concrete actions to fight racism. It has taken a few days to research what we will do and how we will do it. We don't have all of the answers, and listening is more important than talking, but here are some steps we will take.
1. We plan to make donations to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the Marshall Project to advance our country's understanding of racism and its root causes and to promote equal justice and opportunity.
2. We plan to follow the lead of our employees. When employees choose to make donations to 501[c]3 non-profits focused on addressing racism, we are offering to double match the contributions up to $1,000.
3. We will help individuals and communities exercise the critical right to vote, along with others in our industry.
4. We will continue to speak out and be a company that celebrates and encourages diversity.
We are working to help end racial injustice. This includes the facilitation of education about racism within our own company, with ongoing events and dialogue.
George Floyd's life mattered.
Tim Boyle Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer Columbia Sportswear Company
We are taking additional concrete actions to fight racism. It has taken a few days to research what we will do and how we will do it. We don't have all of the answers, and listening is more important than talking, but here are some steps we will take.
1. We plan to make donations to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the Marshall Project to advance our country's understanding of racism and its root causes and to promote equal justice and opportunity.
2. We plan to follow the lead of our employees. When employees choose to make donations to 501[c]3 non-profits focused on addressing racism, we are offering to double match the contributions up to $1,000.
3. We will help individuals and communities exercise the critical right to vote, along with others in our industry.
4. We will continue to speak out and be a company that celebrates and encourages diversity.
We are working to help end racial injustice. This includes the facilitation of education about racism within our own company, with ongoing events and dialogue.
George Floyd's life mattered.
Tim Boyle Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer Columbia Sportswear Company
