What Kind of Leader Do You Want to Be?
Dear RIDC Community,
How much more could we accomplish if we came together—and stayed together—to see and experience a running industry committed to racial justice where Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are welcomed, valued, and amplified?
As we approach the close of an incredible year at the Running Industry Diversity Coalition, I reflect on a question often asked by a former white male board member and co-founder, a question he continually asks himself as he commits to racial justice work: “What kind of leader do I want to be?”
In times of uncertainty and pain for the communities we serve, leaders are called to consider their roles carefully and reflect on how they can contribute to positive change—acknowledging the struggles and injustices that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color face, especially in today’s climate, this moment invites us to be introspective, thoughtful, and purposeful. Whether in the running industry or beyond, we can use our voices, dollars, and influence to support these communities. If you are reading this email, we know you are—or can be—part of the solution.
There are many ways to lead in this work. You may see yourself as a financial contributor, guiding others toward racial justice, and/or as an advocate who pushes for hard conversations at every level. Maybe you’re a visionary, completely reimagining our collective approach for the industry.
At the RIDC, we've made progress toward our mission of uniting the running industry to improve inclusion, visibility, and access for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
Your support enabled us to:
Publish our first Impact Report. Where values meet impact.
Launch RUN THE BLOCK, a groundbreaking grant and mentorship program designed to increase Black ownership.
Host an in-person industry career summit and relaunch our job board, opening pathways and financial advancement for professionals to access meaningful career opportunities.
Partner with communities nationwide to welcome new runners, reshape perceptions of who belongs in the sport, and empower individuals and companies to connect their internal DEI and racial justice goals with impactful, community-driven actions.
Send 20+ Black, Indigenous, and People of Color run specialty retail employees and owners to The Running Event (TRE) with the RIDC later this month.
Revamp our website to meet evolving demands and to highlight our progress, establishing the RIDC site as a central platform for showcasing growth, impact, and milestones in the running industry. As national priorities shift, your support is essential in helping us share our progress.
These efforts mark significant milestones as we approach our fifth anniversary next year. But as we look to 2025 and beyond, the stakes are even higher to achieve the RIDC mission. With your support, we can grow this impact and continue to shape the industry we want to see and be part of. Please consider making a donation to the RIDC today.
Every contribution—$5 or $50,000—helps us fund critical programs and expand our reach to further our mission. By supporting the RIDC today, you’re running with us to create new pathways and break down barriers for millions of runners, entrepreneurs, and leaders.
Here are three easy ways to give:
Make checks payable to:
Running Industry Diversity Coalition
105 Marysville Mall #1028
Marysville, WA 98270
Donate online:
https://www.runningdiversity.com/donate
Company contribution:
Become an annual partner of the RIDC and increase your support through employee matching or unrestricted corporate contributions.
Final note: Thank you to everyone who recently checked in on us and our organization. As a Black woman, data shows I am doing my part. And this week, I got to watch my nephew enter the world. I am even more fired up to keep doing what needs to be done—for this country, this industry, and the next generation. And I hope you will, too.
To communities of color: we see you the most.
In service with you,
Kiera Smalls, Executive Director, RIDC, and the RIDC Team