An Update on our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) Action Initiatives
Updated February 2021
We believe that the climbing community should celebrate diversity, embody equity, and at its core ―be inclusive. We acknowledge the lack of diversity in climbing, and want to do our part by re-evaluating our structure as a company to help break down barriers and create a more inclusive climbing community. There is much more work to be done, and we’re excited to continue making improvements, but here’s an update of what we’ve accomplished so far:
We are stoked to announce that our newest gym, The Cliffs at Harlem, opening in February 2021, is offering Community Scholarships at a discounted rate for local Harlem residents only. In addition, we’ll have free beginner bouldering clinics available for first-timers interested in learning basic climbing techniques, while getting acquainted with the facility and community.
The Cliffs at Callowhill hosted a People of Color Climbing Club (POCCC) meetup with discounted/pay-as-you-wish climbing passes and reserved preferred space. In the spirit of “reduce, reuse, recycle” The Cliffs at Callowhill began selling their inventory of lost and found chalk bags with the proceeds going to the POCCC. So far, they have donated over $300!
In addition, thanks to the generous support of Philadelphia-based organization, SpiritsUp!, The Cliffs at Callowhill was able to offer five full-ride scholarships towards a week of the seasonal climbing camp to POC youth climbers. Scholarship funds were provided equally from Spirits Up! and The Cliffs.
Over the summer, The Cliffs at LIC provided no-cost community camperships to essential workers in need of childcare during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On an internal level, we started our staff training on diversity and inclusion through our DEI training homework and discussion sessions for all full-time staff. Training was focused on Unconscious Bias awareness and working to identify hidden bias in a department or facility.
We would like to give a big and gracious thank you to our members for showing up when it counts. The Cliffs at Callowhill (PA), The Cliffs at LIC (NY), and the The Cliffs at Valhalla (NY) helped raise over $16,500 (!) to the following organizations:
Access Fund is on a mission to keep climbing areas open and conserve the climbing environment.
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) dares to create a union ― beyond one person, party, or side, through realizing the promise of the US Constitution for all and expand the reach of its guarantees.
Black Women's Health Imperative is the first nonprofit organization created by Black women to help protect and advance the health and wellness of Black women and girls.
Clean Air Council is an environmental nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and defending everyone’s right to a healthy environment.
ClimbUp is a youth outreach program of The Cliffs that introduces them to climbing and encourages long-term engagement in our community and space.
Children of Promise works to embrace children of incarcerated parents + empower them to break the cycle of intergenerational involvement in the criminal justice system.
Friends of the Railpark drives the vision behind the transformation of historic rail lines that traverse Philadelphia into a continuous three-mile linear park and recreation path that connects and enlivens the social, historical, and environmental fabric of Philadelphia’s communities.
Institute for the Development of African-American Youth, Inc (IDAAY) provides educational, cultural, prevention and intervention programs and support services that aims to reduce high-level violence to underserved urban youth.
LOFT Gay Center is a forceful advocate for justice and positive, progressive change for all LGBTQ people.
National Black Disability Coalition (NBDC) is a response to the need for Black people with Disabilities in America to organize around issues of mutual concern and use our collective strength to address disability issues with an emphasis on people who live in poverty. ·
Neighborhood Bike Works inspires youth and strengthens Philadelphia communities by providing equitable access to bicycling and bike repair through education, recreation, leadership, and career-building opportunities.
Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC) defends Chinatown from development projects that threaten its survival and right to exist.
Philadelphia Education Fund creates equitable access to opportunities for students by providing resources and expertise that build paths to college and career success.
Young Women Who Crush, a youth program of The Cliffs, is a climbing and leadership development program that provides opportunities for NYC high school girls to experience the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of rock climbing.
The Loveland Foundation Therapy Fund provides financial assistance to Black women and girls nationally seeking therapy.
As a company, we are committed to growing and learning by listening to our communities and reflecting on how we can improve. We look forward to continuing to challenge systemic racism and to creating a more open and accepting space in the climbing world.
If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to contact us via email or leave a comment below.
The Cliffs at Callowhill | The Cliffs at Harlem | The Cliffs at LIC | The Cliffs at Valhalla