Services

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Workshops

Navigate unconscious bias, cultivate an inclusive workplace, learn how to hire for diversity and inclusion, and practice having difficult conversations about race, class, and other identities with our suite of standard and custom workshops.

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Presentations

We can help kickstart conversations with presentations and keynote addresses on discrete topics and issues surrounding diversity, equity, inclusion, and unconscious bias that impact conservation, advocacy, youth development, camp, and outdoor recreation and education.

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Assessment & Strategy

Hold a mirror up to your own organization with assessment and strategy services that help you pinpoint your strengths and opportunities and map out a plan that sets you on the path to diversity, equity, and inclusion success.

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What people are saying

  • I was blown away. I think they're the most exciting voice on diversity and equity in the outdoors right now.
    Great Outdoors Colorado
    Joe Davidson, Youth Programs Coordinator
  • Great foundations, especially to fuel conversations and help us move forward... Overall, this was indescribably valuable for me and my organization. Totally relevant and exceptional.
    Teton Science Schools
    Workshop Participant
  • Organized and digestible approach to teaching sensitive subjects. I love the applicable lessons.
    YMCA Camping Services
    Participant
  • The Avarna Group fills a distinct and important niche.  They are working to peel back the onion that is classism, racism, and bias of all types, within the outdoor recreation, education and environmental activist fields. They are knowledgeable, professional and passionate about change.
    Outdoors Empowered Network
    Kyle MacDonald, executive director
  • You realize that D&I training doesn’t have a “one size fits all” template and catered the training to our organization, which was so helpful.
    Montana Conservation Corps
    Participant
  • The models and vocabulary have given me a clearer way to track my own thought processes. I feel more equipped to help others understand bias, privilege, and microaggressions.
    Outward Bound
    Participant
  • Our facilitators were very knowledgeable and professional. I wish more DEI trainings were like this one.
    Outward Bound
    Participant
  • "Diversity, equity, and inclusion are important in this field, without question, if we are to continue to authentically engage diverse communities and meaningfully include them in this movement. Just as important, if not more so, is having leaders in this field with the facilitation skills and knowledge to guide all of us in this path. The Avarna Group provides this—passionate, informed, but also active learners in this work."
    Latino Outdoors
    José Gonzales, founder
  • "I’ve had some great discussions this week that were productive and I really don’t think that they would have been possible without the workshop. Thank you. What you do works."
    Montana State University Engineers Without Borders
    Workshop Participant
  • "This was the most helpful workshop on these topics that I’ve ever had. Particularly unconscious bias, which is deep-rooted and insidious. Thank you for not shaming the existence of bias and instead pushing towards identifying and interrupting it. Your energy and enthusiasm were great!"
    2015 Outdoors Empowered Network Summit
    Participant
  • "Amazing job. As a woman of color, it’s great to have such solid tools, ideas, and practices to move forward and continue to feel like I do have a place in the outdoors. I also appreciated the interactive nature of the workshop."
    2015 Outdoors Empowered Network Summit
    Participant
  • "Your workshop exposed gaps in our program that, due to bias, I hadn’t previously identified or acknowledged. I also appreciated the scenarios—to see other people and collaborate on how to handle uncomfortable or confrontational situations was reassuring and helpful."
    2015 Outdoors Empowered Network Summit
    Participant
  • "It’s not what you’re teaching but how you are able to teach it that resonates with me. You teach in a way that brings in white men and helps them feel they can be allies, rather than just wallowing in white guilt."
    YMCA Outdoor Leadership Development
    Program Director
  • "Your presentation was engaging, accessible and extremely educational. You successfully addressed a number of issues that we were struggling with and rather than make us feel guilty or overwhelmed for not doing more, you couched these issues as pervasive in the outdoor education field in general. This allowed our leadership team to feel we're not alone in our shortcomings and recognize that you (and our own staff) are here to help address them. That's powerful and motivating stuff, and you delivered it with confidence, humor and sensitivity."
    Student Conservation Association
    Program Director
  • "The structure and progression of curriculum was great. You've packaged nicely some big and heavy discussions. I think you are a master at facilitating such discussions and look to you as a role model in this way."
    YMCA Outdoor Leadership Development Program
    Courtney Aber, Executive Director