About Us
Our Story
The magic started in 2019 when Alexa Shapiro created a volunteer group called “Women of Winona Outdoor Collab” to provide events for women to connect and support one another in finding safe, inclusive outdoor spaces. In 2020, Alexa connected with Sydney Bockelman, and they became the co-founders of an official 501c3 nonprofit called the Winona Outdoor Collaborative; restructured to focus on creating that safe space for all marginalized identities in outdoor recreation. The nonprofit focused on providing free monthly events and educational workshops related to hiking, backpacking, climbing, and paddling. In 2021 the team expanded and by 2022, the WOC had paid staff and opened a storefront called “Basecamp Provisions”, in partnership with Sanborn Canoe Company and Merrimack Canoe Company. This storefront quickly gained traction, and now provides outdoor equipment rentals, a retail and thrift shop, and local guided experiences right here in the Driftless Region of Southeastern Minnesota.
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The Winona Outdoor Collaborative seeks to promote inclusion and accessibility through community partnerships, environmental stewardship, and educational programming directed at reducing barriers to outdoor recreation.
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Winona Outdoor Collaborative works to build cooperative action around environmental stewardship in Winona by fostering a deep passion for outdoor recreation in all community members. With a vision towards exploring more together, Winona Outdoor Collaborative hopes to lead the Winona community towards collective action to protect natural resources while developing new skills and passions in the outdoors.
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Integrity
Each of our actions are driven by our values; we seek to fill every action with deep intention.
Inclusivity
Our community is stronger when we welcome all and all deserve access to outdoor recreation.
Collaboration
Through strong, intentional collaborations, Winona Outdoor Collaborative can grow and foster a more sustainable, stronger future for the community of Winona.
Conservation
When we care for our environment, we create deep roots for our future. Winona Outdoor Collaborative seeks to lead by example, encouraging others to grow a deep passion for stewardship and a commitment to protecting our natural lands, guided by the principles of Leave No Trace and environmental conservation.
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Strategic Initiative #1
Identify community needs and wants, while engaging diverse voices from the community, BOD, and volunteers to further this goal. In addition, provide training for everyone within the WOC (BOD, volunteers, staff) on DEI to encourage the creation of an inclusive environment for all participants of our programs. We also strive to shape a BOD that reflects the values and interests of the communities that the WOC is trying to serve.
Strategic Initiative #2
To create a robust annual campaign that focuses on stewardship and long-term growth of the organization’s financial capacity.
Strategic Initiative #3
Continue to build strong, mutually beneficial partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and events to further promote equitable access to the outdoors in Winona. Collaborate with others who are experts in a given area so that we can offer high-quality outdoor education in Winona. Increase communication between outdoor recreation user groups in Winona.
Strategic Initiative #4
Create a recreation hub for sharing outdoor recreation information locally.
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Our Team
Our team at this organization is comprised of highly experienced staff and board members who are dedicated to our mission and passionate about making a difference in the world. They bring a diverse set of skills and backgrounds to the table, and work collaboratively to achieve our goals and serve our community.
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Emily Gorman (she/her)
Program Coordinator, Wilderness Weekends
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Sydney Bockelman (she/her)
President, Board of Directors
