People of Color Outdoors

Mission

POCO serves BIPOC individuals and White parents of BIPOC children by creating healing outdoor experiences that build connections with nature and community, develop environmental leaders, and normalize BIPOC presence across Oregon's natural spaces.

Bottom Line for Portland

Most BIPOC families and White parents of BIPOC children in Oregon have either experienced racism in outdoor spaces or know someone who has. Understandably, this leaves many hesitant to venture away from city parks. We at POCO believe that when people spend regular time outside, they become healthier in every way, and more hopeful. We know for sure that belonging to a welcoming community makes that experience even richer for both children and adults.

That’s why POCO offers frequent outings (94 so far in 2025) that are designed to:

• Help members build confidence in natural spaces despite past experiences.

• Create community and lasting relationships through shared time outdoors.

• Teach new outdoor skills that encourage continued exploration and growth.

• Inspire members to discover their “place” or “thing” that sparks a lifelong stewardship and care for the environment.

• Provide environmental education and connections to professionals and career pathways.

• Normalize BIPOC presence in Oregon’s most beautiful outdoor spaces.

• Support holistic health (physical, mental, spiritual, and relational) through time in nature.

Ultimately, POCO is working towards acquiring land to create a permanent sanctuary for wildlife, education, and healing in nature.

Quote

“We're all connected. We’re woven together with different colors, bodies, voices, and genders. We worship our God or do not. We’re young, old, and in-between. There's beauty in our quirks, creativity, our perspectives, our humor, and our ways of being. But until we can all see and celebrate our connectedness and our differences, communities like POCO will serve as a sanctuary to those in need of a safe space that is healing and joyful.”  Pamela Slaughter

Incentives

Every donor will receive a 20% off voucher for a beer at Gorges Beer from February 1, 2026 - March 31, 2026. 

Pamela Slaughter or another POCO leader will lead a private nature education walk at one of several locations in Portland for your group of up to 10 individuals, to the first 20 contributors of $1000+.

The first 350 donors will receive a Columbia Sportswear Employee Pass to shop at the Employee store and receive high quality Columbia Sportswear at discounted prices. 

Every donor that contributes at least $25 will receive a handmade, frame-worthy quilling card as a thank you gift.

Partner(s)

Quilling Card is the card company we've chosen for our thank you cards to donors, and they gave us a discounted price to support our efforts. 

Trailkeepers of Oregon and POCO will host an event together.