What is the Inspiring Connections Outdoors Program?
Sierra Club Inspiring Connections Outdoors is a community outreach program that provides opportunities for urban youth and adults to explore, enjoy, and protect the natural world.
Local volunteer leaders work with partner organizations in the Portland area. Our group runs between two and five outings a month (depending on the season). To learn more, check out the National Sierra Club's ICO website.
We also invite you to come to a new volunteer information meeting, held the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm at the Portland Sierra Club office, 1821 SE Ankeny St, Portland.
If you are interested in volunteering with ICO or would just like more information about the program contact Jackie Cherry. Thanks!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What do you do on a Portland ICO outing?
A: Our outings typically take place on Saturdays, most often the 2nd and 3rd Saturdays of the month. We organize day hikes to nearby locations like the Columbia River Gorge, Forest Park or Zig Zag.
Q: Who are your partner organizations?
A: We partner with a number of great organizations here in Portland, including Janus Youth Programs, the David Douglas School District, and Big Brothers Big Sisters, among others.
Q: What do our Sierra Club volunteers do?
A: Inspiring Connections Outdoors teaches participants a variety of outdoor skills and basic Leave No Trace principles. Volunteers assist the trip leader and share any outdoor skills that they may have in an age-appropriate manner.
Q: How do I become a volunteer trip leader?
A: To become a Sierra Club Inspiring Connections Outdoors leader, a volunteer first assists on two ICO trips. He or she should pass a basic wilderness first aid class and a basic CPR class. Portland ICO has some resources to help pay for these classes – we encourage new volunteers to get training. Volunteers agree to a standard criminal background check, which is paid for by the Sierra Club.
