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Frequently Asked Questions
What does POC stand for? What does BIPOC stand for?
“POC” stands for “People Of Color.” This term is often used by individuals who identify as “non-white” or “other”. Many have argued that the application of “POC” to all nonwhite individuals and communities can decenter the struggle unique to black and indigenous persons within the USA. Hence we often use "BIPOC" for "Black, Indigenous, People of Color" instead to acknowledge this.
Who are the guides and instructors?
Our guides and instructors are 100% BIPOC's individuals. They all meet or exceed American Mountain Guide Association terrain guide lines. Our guides have records of industry standard professional conduct and safe skills practice in the field.
Your instructors paid?
CoC Instructors are paid above regional average per day. Safe climbing practices take time and funds to develop. AMGA courses cost a lot! The fair pay is to makeup for the fact the guiding industry is exploitative of labor whether it be white folks or BIPOC folks.
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How are you different from other affinity groups and BIPOC outdoor clubs?
We are BIPOC founded, lead and instructed.
We as a grass roots organizatoin don't like it when white owned gyms or outfitters hire a BIPOC staff member and run one affinity program and extract grants and donors for it all year. All of our efforts and donor funds go towards creating leaders of color 100% of the time.
We didn't like that BIPOC is often associated with someone's first climb, or first hike. In addition to our intro programs Climbers of Color also teach the intermediate and expert skill level and leadership level of this sport.
We trained our own instructors, to create programs we wanted, for us.
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Why is leadership so important at Climbers of Color?
We don't care to see just representation at the subordinate level. We don't care that 'so and so' company is including POC actors or models as tokens. We want to see the leaders and makers be people of color.
Leadership is a universal value. Climbing and its challenges are just a way for us to teach valuable leadership lessons to teachers, leaders, and creatives whether or not they continue to climb.
Hard challenges create resiliant, adaptable leaders.
Does Climbers of Color host events that are exclusively for POC?
Yes. In most years the majority our official rock climbing and mountaineering courses are POC-only. This includes all instructors and participants and this is rare if not unheard of in the world of climbing instruction and guiding. We also will occasionally collaborate with other affinity groups who are in need of some of the resources and unique instruction we offer such as the Queer Mountaineers.​
Who are Climbers of Color?
Climbers of Color is a BIPOC-led, Washington-based non-profit that was founded in 2018. Our goal is to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the mountaineering community by creating leaders of color. To accomplish this mission, we provide supportive mentorship, technical training and access to key resources including gear and financial sponsorships.
How can I support Climbers of Color?
You can donate to our organization through our donation page! We do have 501(c)3 status.
If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, please send us a message!