Why Local Meetups Matter
The founders of the Winona Outdoor Collaborative saw a need in our community, a need for community. The original mission of the Women of Winona Outdoor Collab was to provide events for women to connect and support one another in finding safe, inclusive outdoor spaces. When the WWOC became the Winona Outdoor Collaborative it expanded to focus on creating those same safe spaces for all marginalized identities in outdoor recreation. Those very local meetups and programs have numerous benefits for everyone involved. From volunteers to participants, we can all take something away from these experiences.
In this Post…
Create Community
Humans are social creatures. I’m sure you've heard that saying before, and it’s true. As a species, humans were designed biologically and physically to function best alongside other humans. Research has shown that social ties affect mental health, physical health, health behaviors, and mortality risk. Without social connection, we could be putting our lives at risk.
Having a source of community connection, even if it’s just meeting up once a month, can increase those social ties that create a community. Meeting someone new and learning something about them helps to create those social ties and bonds that make a strong community.
Connect IRL
Our world today can sometimes feel ultra-connected. Through social media, smartphones, and digital technology anyone and everyone is just one buzz away. But is the world really that united? A growing number of people are saying no. The connection that we may think we are creating is actually drawing us apart from one another, encouraging superficial bonds, rather than real and intimate ones.
These types of true social bonds can only truly be forged in face-to-face conversations. Speaking with someone and opening up to them can open up a whole new world of opportunities and possibilities. You may even find closer friendship bonds beginning to form.
Try New Things
Trying new things is another great way that local meetups can benefit a community. You may have a passion, hobby, or talent that you just haven’t discovered yet. Local meetups offer a low risk environment to test out different or unfamiliar activities.
Many local meetups also provide the necessary gear or supplies to dip your toes in and try something new. There are also different ways to rent any necessary gear for an outdoor adventure before you decide to make the jump to purchase your own.
Foster Learning
Learning is not just something done in the classroom. Local meetups can offer a host of learning opportunities. Events like the WOC’s Wilderness Weekends with Emily Gorman series helps people of all ages to explore and connect with the environment. Other events can also help people young and old to engage in new and fun learning experiences.
On top of learning about the natural world, local meetups can also help you learn about what resources your community has to offer. Companies or organizations that you may have never heard of before could work together to host a meetup opportunity for the community.
Local meetups can also take you into different areas of the community you have never seen before. Parks and public spaces are common locations for meetups, and they can often be enjoyed time and time again after the event has ended.
Have Fun!
On top of all those benefits, local meetups are fun. An opportunity or an excuse to get out of the house and be adventurous. Meeting new people, trying new things, gaining new knowledge, and exploring new places can be exciting.
To Learn More...
The mission of the Winona Outdoor Collaborative is to create connections through local meetups. Our events take many forms including educational, community, and activity based. Learn more about our upcoming events and programs, as well as how they can help bring you all of these benefits, here.