What is Summit for Action?
The Equity in Conservation and Outdoor Recreation (E.C.O.R.) Summit for Action invites you to embark on a transformative journey at the intersection of equity, inclusion, and the great outdoors. Our two-day event is a call to action, bringing together thought leaders, activists, practitioners, and community members to engage in profound discussions about the vital role of environmental justice in conservation and outdoor recreation movements.
Why Attend:
The great outdoors should be a place of healing and enjoyment for all, a place where nature's wonders are accessible and inviting to people of every background and identity. However, throughout American history, marginalized communities have been systematically underrepresented or intentionally excluded from the conservation and outdoor narratives. These injustices are deeply rooted in complex social and economic factors, including explicit racism, sexism, and ableism, as well as the legacy of segregation. At the E.C.O.R. Summit for Action, we are committed to confronting these issues head-on. We believe that understanding the history and impacts of discrimination in our parks and greenspaces is not only essential but also an opportunity to transform these spaces into inclusive, healing, and vibrant environments that benefit all members of society.
The Equity in Conservation and Outdoor Recreation (E.C.O.R.) Summit for Action invites you to embark on a transformative journey at the intersection of equity, inclusion, and the great outdoors. Our two-day event is a call to action, bringing together thought leaders, activists, practitioners, and community members to engage in profound discussions about the vital role of environmental justice in conservation and outdoor recreation movements.
Why Attend:
The great outdoors should be a place of healing and enjoyment for all, a place where nature's wonders are accessible and inviting to people of every background and identity. However, throughout American history, marginalized communities have been systematically underrepresented or intentionally excluded from the conservation and outdoor narratives. These injustices are deeply rooted in complex social and economic factors, including explicit racism, sexism, and ableism, as well as the legacy of segregation. At the E.C.O.R. Summit for Action, we are committed to confronting these issues head-on. We believe that understanding the history and impacts of discrimination in our parks and greenspaces is not only essential but also an opportunity to transform these spaces into inclusive, healing, and vibrant environments that benefit all members of society.
Summit Dates and Times
Thursday, October 2, 2025 (Virtual only) : 8am – 4pm PT, 9am-5pm MT, 10am- 6pm CT , 11am-7pm ET
Friday, October 3, 2025 (In-Person only) : 9am - 4:30pm MT at the Denver Zoo
Day 1 of the summit will be held virtually and is open to all. Day two of the summit will have in person sessions held at the Denver Zoo.
Thursday, October 2, 2025 (Virtual only) : 8am – 4pm PT, 9am-5pm MT, 10am- 6pm CT , 11am-7pm ET
Friday, October 3, 2025 (In-Person only) : 9am - 4:30pm MT at the Denver Zoo
Day 1 of the summit will be held virtually and is open to all. Day two of the summit will have in person sessions held at the Denver Zoo.
2025 SUMMIT FOR ACTION REGISTRATION COMING SPRING 2025
Roots of Resistance: Breaking Chains, Building Justice
Join us at the 2025 E.C.O.R. Summit for Action as we collectively chart a path towards a more equitable and sustainable future. We believe that change begins at the local level and ripples outward, ultimately transforming the global landscape. Together, we can activate and empower communities and ensure that everyone, regardless of identity, has the opportunity to enjoy and preserve the beauty of our wild and scenic places.
In a world grappling with the dual crises of environmental degradation and systemic oppression, the call to resist and build anew has never been more urgent. "Roots of Resistance: Breaking Chains, Building Justice" delves into the intricate connections between social and environmental inequities, exposing how systems of power and privilege perpetuate harm to both people and the planet. This years theme invites a deep exploration of resistance as a tool for dismantling these oppressive systems, highlighting the courage, creativity, and collaboration of communities leading the charge for justice.
Through this lens, the summit will center stories of resistance against environmental destruction, from fighting extractive industries to challenging policies that exacerbate climate change. Participants will engage with frontline leaders, activists, and organizers who are combating climate denialism, reclaiming stolen lands, and protecting vital ecosystems. By drawing connections between environmental justice and struggles for survival and sovereignty, we will illuminate the shared roots of these battles and the collective power required to win them.
This theme challenges attendees to consider how oppression manifests in environmental contexts, such as unequal access to clean water, air, and land, and how these injustices disproportionately affect marginalized communities. It also underscores the importance of collaborative resistance: partnerships across racial, cultural, and socioeconomic lines to forge a unified front against environmental harm and social inequities.
Key questions to explore include:
How do systems of oppression shape environmental injustice, and how can they be dismantled?
What role does community-led resistance play in advancing climate justice and equity?
How can the fight against environmental destruction be aligned with broader struggles for human rights and sovereignty?
Through keynotes, panels, and workshops, participants will leave inspired by real-world examples of successful resistance and equipped with actionable strategies to integrate justice into their environmental and social justice efforts. Together, we will break chains and build the foundation for a just, sustainable future.
Through this lens, the summit will center stories of resistance against environmental destruction, from fighting extractive industries to challenging policies that exacerbate climate change. Participants will engage with frontline leaders, activists, and organizers who are combating climate denialism, reclaiming stolen lands, and protecting vital ecosystems. By drawing connections between environmental justice and struggles for survival and sovereignty, we will illuminate the shared roots of these battles and the collective power required to win them.
This theme challenges attendees to consider how oppression manifests in environmental contexts, such as unequal access to clean water, air, and land, and how these injustices disproportionately affect marginalized communities. It also underscores the importance of collaborative resistance: partnerships across racial, cultural, and socioeconomic lines to forge a unified front against environmental harm and social inequities.
Key questions to explore include:
How do systems of oppression shape environmental injustice, and how can they be dismantled?
What role does community-led resistance play in advancing climate justice and equity?
How can the fight against environmental destruction be aligned with broader struggles for human rights and sovereignty?
Through keynotes, panels, and workshops, participants will leave inspired by real-world examples of successful resistance and equipped with actionable strategies to integrate justice into their environmental and social justice efforts. Together, we will break chains and build the foundation for a just, sustainable future.
Join our listserv to receive information about event updates, partnership opportunities, and ongoing engagement with the Summit for Action community!
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS
Our goal is to highlight the importance of justice, equity, and inclusion in our organizations and communities. We look forward to strengthening our relationships with current partners and connecting with potential partners in our journey of moving diversity forward. Learn about becoming a sponsor.