Podcast Summary: Nonprofit Lowdown Episode #331 - "Power of Community with Christy Peoples"

Release Date: March 31, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #331 of Nonprofit Lowdown, host Rhea Wong engages in a compelling conversation with Christy Peoples, the Executive Director of Women's Wilderness in Colorado. The episode delves into the power of community, the challenges faced by BIPOC leaders, and strategies to foster inclusivity in the outdoors.

About Women's Wilderness

Women's Wilderness, established in 1998, has been a beacon for women and non-binary individuals seeking to connect with nature. Founded by an outdoor enthusiast who recognized the need for non-competitive and inclusive programming, the organization has evolved over 27 years to encompass a variety of activities and communities.

Christy Peoples provides an insightful overview:

"[...] Women's Wilderness was born. Started out doing backpacking, rock climbing trips for girls. Then we expanded into women's adventures, serving veterans in the outdoors, doing LGBTQIA programming."
(02:37)

The organization now offers programs tailored for women of color, newcomer girls, immigrant, refugee, and asylum seekers, as well as non-binary youth and adults. The mission centers on providing agency, fostering community engagement, and ensuring access to nature for diverse groups.

Challenging Stereotypes and Barriers

Rhea and Christy address the pervasive stereotypes that people of color are disconnected from the outdoors. Christy emphasizes the importance of visibility and representation in leadership:

"When I moved into leadership, people would see me and say, oh, yeah, there is a place for me here."
(03:04)

Christy discusses the various barriers to access, both real (financial, physical) and imagined (internalized beliefs), and how Women's Wilderness strives to lower these barriers. She underscores the significance of inviting diverse experiences beyond traditional outdoor activities, such as bird watching, fly fishing, yoga, meditation, and journaling.

The Power of Community Dinners

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the community dinners organized by Women's Wilderness. These dinners serve as a strategic response to political and social upheavals, fostering unity and collective action.

Christy explains the inception and impact of these dinners:

"[...] we engaged the community itself, the local restaurants, to donate food and beverages. [...] have a dinner and we're going to have a letter writing portion."
(08:08)

The dinners aim to connect community members, regulate nervous systems, and cultivate gratitude. They also provide a platform for advocacy, allowing participants to write to elected officials about the importance of the outdoors. The initiative has successfully brought together diverse individuals, expanded the organization’s network, and enhanced fundraising efforts through friend-raising.

Navigating Intersectional Leadership

Christy candidly discusses the complexities of being a Black woman leader in the environmental sector:

"[...] I understand my mission. I understand that simply being is political, and it is a threat to many, plain and simple."
(14:23)

She shares personal experiences of navigating public spaces amid racial tensions, emphasizing the constant vigilance required:

"What if I run down the street and somebody thinks I'm running from something? [...] What if I'm walking down the street and I'm going a little too slow?"
(17:32)

These reflections highlight the intersectionality of her role, where gender, race, and environmental advocacy intersect, often placing additional challenges and expectations on her leadership.

Overcoming Fear and Embracing Power

Rhea and Christy explore the theme of overcoming fear and embracing one's power. Christy relates her experiences of internalizing empowerment despite societal fears:

"[...] Christy's doing it. She's been in the outdoors for a while. If she can do it and I know her, then I want to try it, too."
(03:04)

She encourages leaders to share their stories, thereby diversifying conversations and challenging old narratives. Christy emphasizes the importance of collective identity and interconnectedness:

"We see that we are interconnected. But there is cancer. Right now in the human body that we have to address."
(21:58)

Practical Advice for Building Community

When asked about organizing community dinners, Christy offers practical steps for nonprofits:

1. Keep It Simple: Avoid overcomplicating the event.
2. Leverage Available Resources: Engage local businesses and community members.
3. Foster Connection: Focus on bringing together diverse experiences and fostering a sense of joy and community.
4. Consistency: Spread out events throughout the year to maintain regular engagement.

"Do it. [...] Keep it simple. [...] Reach out. Set a date, and that will help you, that will inspire you or keep you motivated to get people around the table."
(23:22)

These strategies have proven effective for Women's Wilderness, leading to increased participation, new partnerships, and enhanced fundraising.

Impact of Collaborating with Rhea Wong

Christy shares her personal growth and organizational advancements resulting from collaborating with Rhea Wong's programs:

"I've been able to really bring light to my internalized stories. [...] we've been able to raise more money as a result and bring new people in and bring on new partnerships."
(30:18)

She highlights the transformation in fundraising approaches, shifting from seasonal campaigns to ongoing, signature programs, thereby ensuring consistent revenue streams.

Key Takeaways and Conclusions

• Representation Matters: Having diverse leaders like Christy Peoples in the nonprofit sector can inspire broader community engagement and break down stereotypes.

• Community Building: Strategic initiatives like community dinners can foster unity, empower individuals, and strengthen organizational networks.

• Overcoming Barriers: Addressing both real and imagined barriers is crucial in making the outdoors accessible to everyone.

• Adaptability in Fundraising: Evolving fundraising strategies to be more relational and consistent can lead to significant growth and sustainability.

• Personal Growth for Leaders: Engaging in programs that challenge internalized stories and encourage stepping into one's power is vital for effective leadership.

Notable Quotes

1. Christy Peoples on Inclusivity:

   "We serve as many people as we can against the backdrop of nature, like inviting them into an experience of being in the outdoors and having agency and a sense of community engagement."
   (02:37)

2. Christy on Leadership Representation:

   "When I moved into leadership, people would see me and say, oh, yeah, there is a place for me here."
   (03:04)

3. On Community Dinners:

   "It was a really different orientation to the madness and chaos coming together. To have a community dinner is a great way to connect, level set, and just regulate our nervous systems."
   (08:08)

4. Christy on Intersectional Challenges:

   "Simply being is political, and it is a threat to many, plain and simple."
   (14:23)

5. Encouraging Action:

   "Do it. [...] Keep it simple. [...] Reach out. Set a date, and that will help you, that will inspire you or keep you motivated to get people around the table."
   (23:22)

Conclusion

Episode #331 of Nonprofit Lowdown offers an enriching exploration of community building, inclusive leadership, and strategic fundraising. Through Christy Peoples' experiences and insights, listeners gain valuable perspectives on overcoming barriers, fostering unity, and driving organizational growth in the nonprofit sector. This episode serves as both an inspiration and a practical guide for nonprofit leaders striving to make a meaningful impact.