New York City Inspiring Connections Outdoors is a volunteer-led Sierra Club program that helps young people build confidence, community, and a lasting relationship with nature through outdoor experiences.

Our work

NYC ICO partners with public schools and youth-serving community organizations across the five boroughs. Volunteer leaders organize hikes, camping trips, ice skating, environmental education, and other experiences that make the outdoors more accessible.

Our approach

We aim to create safe, welcoming trips and a volunteer community that reflects the young people and neighborhoods we serve. Our work includes youth leadership, adult volunteer training, long-term school and agency partnerships, and practical support that helps groups participate.

Our values

Access to the outdoors should be safe, welcoming, and equitable. We work with our partners to remove practical barriers, listen to the communities we serve, and build a program in which young people and volunteers feel respected and at home outdoors.

Leadership team

• Chair: Sally Bojorquez
• Treasurer: Ted Bloch
• Certified Leader Coordinator: Sandhya Kolge
• Training Coordinators: Diana Stern and Abiola Van O Soy-Bruce
• New Volunteer Coordinator: Christina Pagan
• Partner Agency Coordinator: Open role
• Youth Leader Coordinator: Andrew Negron
• Equipment: Craig Meisner
• Records: Mallory Rutigliano
• Social Media: Diana Stern and Abiola Van O Soy-Bruce
• Book Club: Michelle Brick
• Webmaster: Open role

Personal email addresses are not published. For general questions, contact sierraclub.nycico@gmail.com. Prospective volunteers can contact nycico.newvolunteer@gmail.com.

Support NYC ICO

NYC ICO raises funds for transportation, food, equipment, and volunteer training. You can donate directly to NYC ICO or join the Sierra Club and direct your first-year membership to NYC ICO.