People of Color Outdoors

Mission

POCO helps Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) as well as White parents of BIPOC children, experience joy, restoration, safety, and reconnection with nature by providing frequent outings into natural spaces, environmental caretaking opportunities, environmental education, outdoors skills, and a  welcoming, caring community.

Bottom Line for Portland

The founder of POCO experienced being racially harassed on a trail in Portland, and learned that her experience wasn't unique to BIPOC in Oregon. She eventually started POCO in order to help BIPOC and parents of BIPOC children to develop a sense of joy, belonging, and safety in the outdoors.

Quote

If we are not ALL here

NONE of us have arrived

Steven Charleston, Spirit Wheel, Meditations from an Indigenous Elder

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

It's essential for everyone to have a sense of belonging in a welcoming and safe community, especially in a world that can be unfriendly. At POCO, we are dedicated to collaborating with various groups and individuals across the state to showcase Oregon's beauty, provide a supportive community, and enhance the mental, physical, and spiritual well-being of individuals of all ages. In 2024, POCO provided over 65 such outings.

Incentives

Contributors will receive a 20% off voucher for beer at Gorges Beer from Jan, 2025 - March, 2025. https://www.gorgesbeer.com/ 

Pamela Slaughter or another POCO leader will lead a nature education walk at Whitaker Ponds for a group of up to 10 to the first 20 contributors of $1000 + 

Columbia Sportswear will offer donors that contribute $50 or more an opportunity to shop at the Columbia Sportswear Employees Store, where bargains on high quality sportswear can be had! https://stores.columbia.com/portland-employee-store

Partner(s)

 Quilling Card https://quillingcard.com/products/quilled-feather-note-card-box-set