An Outdoor Group for EVERYONE

Have you ever been outdoors doing your thing - hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, birding, cross country skiing, rock climbing - and had the distinct feeling when you see others there that you are perhaps an "only"? The only woman; the only person of color; the only person with a disability; the only LGBTQIA+ person; the only older; the only younger? 

You can get that feeling too when you are using guiding services, in outdoor recreation stores or becoming involved in lots of outdoor groups or associations.

Being an "only" - or one of a very few - can be a discouraging feeling. It's easy to feel out of place; unsafe or challenged by not feeling like part of the dominant group that is recreating. And if you long to be outdoors more, it can be off-putting. 

That's why I was so excited to learn about the Winona Outdoor Collaborative. Their mission statement says it all: "to promote inclusion and accessibility through community partnerships, environmental stewardship, and educational programming directed at reducing barriers to outdoor recreation."  

When I read this, I just had to touch base with them. Recently I sat down with Alexa Shapiro , the executive director (and Director of Trailblazing), to learn more about their programs and focus. A warm and open person, she has a Masters in Recreational Management, is a Wilderness First Responder and has over 5000 miles of backpacking on her boots, along with a variety of outdoor experiences. I asked her how the Collaborative came about.

Syd and Alexa, cofounders
Image WOC website

Originally started in 2019 as a women-centered collaborative, that first volunteer group created events where women could find - and give - support to each other as well as be part of safe and inclusive outdoor opportunities. By 2020, cofounders Alexa Shapiro and Sydney Bockelman, created the nonprofit Winona Outdoor Collaborative, expanding their focus to include "all marginalized identities in outdoor recreation." 

Image WOC website

The collaborative holds monthly events, meetups and workshops on the outdoors including hiking, backing, paddling and rock climbing. They also have outdoor equipment rentals at a very affordable cost (average cost $4 for 24 hours of rental) and guided experiences in southeastern MN's Driftless region. They hold gear swaps periodically as well (a great way to re-purpose your no longer-needed gear or pick up needed used gear at a great price).

Image WOC website

One of the new exciting projects being worked on is Bigger Hearts Adaptive Cross Country Ski program. Designed for youth from 4-17 years old with cognitive and intellectual disabilities, the goal is to offer these young people a chance to an accessible winter outdoor experience.

Funded by memberships, donations, grants and modest program fees, the group works hard to create a creative and supportive culture that recognizes and celebrates the importance of representation. The Collaborative's focus on inclusion, integrity, collaboration, environmental education and conservation speaks to their values and aspirations. They work hard on equity and inclusion issues and do thoughtful strategic brainstorming to overcome barriers so that representation truly happens..

As someone who has long noted the preponderance of male perspectives in outdoor recreations and groups associated with the outdoors, the inclusive and collaborative focus of the Winona Outdoor Collaborative is a refreshing change. I hope you consider supporting this group with your membership or donation, volunteer time or by taking part in their activities. They are truly open to all!

Be sure to explore their website to learn more.