Dear Explore Austin Community:
Many of us are reeling from the events of the past week, and we grieve the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and too many others before them. As an organization, we must recognize the impact of race and power in our systems, institutions, and programs and identify the role we must play in the fight for justice and equality. We will further our effort to educate ourselves, build awareness within and around us, and take action to address the systems of inequality in our community and beyond. At Explore, we are committed to sharing the opportunity, beauty, and equality that surrounds us while immersed in nature. We are committed to continue to share the gifts of nature with as many youth as possible and clear the path as they and their mentors lead the way to a better future.
To be whole. To be complete. Wildness reminds us what it means to be human, what we are connected to rather than what we are separate from.
— Terry Tempest Williams
—The Explore Austin Board and CEO
John Burnham, Isaac Albarado, Simms Browning, Mica Crouse, Laura Detke, Rodolfo Galván, Jason Herd, Mike Leary, Robert Malina, Daniel Perry, Caroline Newman Phillips, Haley Robison, & Kathleen Schneeman