At Outdoor Afro, our volunteer leaders play a vital role in shaping their local communities. We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Wednesday Jones, one of our dedicated Volunteer Leaders, to hear more about her journey with Outdoor Afro. In this Q&A, Dr. Jones shares her personal experiences with Outdoor Afro’s Volunteer Leadership Program, the impact volunteering has had on her, and why she encourages others to get involved. Here’s what she had to say:

Q: Why did you join the program? What motivated you to become a volunteer leader, and what made you excited about the opportunity?

I wanted to come on here real quick and kinda talk to you about Outdoor Afro, why I decided to join, more importantly, why I decided to become a leader. And it is real simple for me. Okay? I love the outdoors.

For those of you that know, when you’re out there hiking, when you’re out there camping, not too many people that look like us. Right? So [when] I found out about Outdoor Afro, I went on my first hike, and I was hooked. I could not believe it! I am out here in nature with people who look like me.

So when I found out that they had a leadership program, that was a no brainer for me. Because how could I not? How could I not share this wonderful experience that I got to enjoy. I’m in my first year. I am still excited.I hope you have an opportunity to join as well.

Q: What was your favorite moment or experience during your time as a volunteer leader? Can you share a specific story or moment that stood out to you and made your experience memorable?

Let me talk to you about one of my favorite moments as an outdoor Afro leader. I was up at Shenandoah National Park — one of my favorite all time parks — doing Doyle’s River hike. It is beautiful.

A young lady that I’m hiking with, she turns to me and she says that Outdoor Afro saved her life. She’s sharing some intimate details with me about the pandemic and how it was a dark time for [her], but she was able to get outdoors in nature. It was therapeutic for her, and it just kinda helped her through those times.

So to be a part of that, and know that I’m out here making a difference in people’s lives—that will always stick with me. I’m hoping I’m able to do that a thousand times over, but that’s one of my favorite moments.

Q: What would you say to someone thinking about applying for the program? How would you encourage others to join and take part in this opportunity?

I’m gonna talk to you a little bit about OALT. That is our annual summit training—we all kinda come together as leaders.

Now when I tell you ain’t nothing but melanin out there in nature, it is a beautiful thing. This is my first year. So I get there, and they are teaching me about how to host events, map compassing classes, camping, you name it! We have guest speakers about different things in nature, exposing me to so much.

So if you are thinking about becoming a leader, I tell you, it will open up a world in nature that you never even thought about. And the most beautiful thing is we are doing it with each other.

Q: What did you gain as a volunteer leader?

I gained a network. I don’t care where I’m at—whether I’m in Jersey, whether I’m in North Carolina, whether I’m in Washington state, whether I’m in Arizona—I can pick up the phone and be like, “I’m in your city.” Whether it is a network of leaders, a network of participants, every day it grows.

And I have gained a village. I have gained a village [where] we can just say, “Hey, let’s just go for a hike on Saturday or Sunday,” or if I’m in someone’s city say, “Hey, let’s put an event together.”

That is what I have gained; I have gained a village and it continues to grow every day. I hope to see you, too.

Are you ready to lead, inspire, and make a difference in your community? The Outdoor Afro Volunteer Leader Program is more than just an opportunity to explore the outdoors—it’s a chance to grow, connect, and create lasting impact.

If you’re passionate about strengthening connections to nature and leading inclusive outdoor experiences, we want you on this journey with us. Learn more about our Volunteer Leadership program and how you can apply, or share this with someone who you believe would make an amazing Outdoor Afro Volunteer Leader!