Thread to share some #TrailRunning#ParkRun#Communities and #Charities that constitute the actual broad ranging “culture” and “scene” (🤮hate those words) of trail running in the US for ordinary masses of humans across countless cities and 50 states beyond just 2 elite niche races in the tiny towns of Auburn California and Silverton Colorado (👀 Western States & Hardrock) that people seem to think represent trail running in the US. #JoinIn
Bigger Than The Trail is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that is using trail running as a platform to advocate for mental health. Their ambassador program aims to create a support network for everyone.
Black Trail Running is a community and campaign charity that seeks to increase the inclusion, participation and inclusion of black people in trail running.
“Trail Sisters was created to constitute for an equitable outdoors both recreationally and throughout the industry. Female voice and representation are essential in the future of our outdoors, impacting the role we play both on and off the trails.
To break through long-standing barriers, Trail Sisters generates educational content and resources, while fostering an inspirational community that encourages self-advocacy and life-long friendships.”
First the #Tories cut council budgets & demanded efficiency gains... so councils sought #charities that could offer services more cheaply (as they were partly funded by donations & over grants).... then local provision became more & more dependent on these groups stretching their budgets.
Now further council budget cuts & declining fundraising from elsewhere (during the crisis of #enforcedpoverty) leave these charities teetering on the edge of failure.