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

Willie Franklin, Columbus, Ohio, Midwest region of Outdoor Afro here to tell you about why I joined Outdoor Afro as a volunteer leader and what motivated me to enter into the program. For me, being in the outdoors truly feeds my soul. So to be immersed in a community of people who look like me, who have shared experiences, and sometimes very experiences that look nothing like mine, but it always felt like home every time I peruse the website. So when the opportunity to become a volunteer presented itself, it was a no brainer for me. I had to get involved.

There was so much of me that was already seated within the organization that stepping forward to volunteer as an Outdoor Afro volunteer leader was just a natural step forward. So that’s me in a nutshell.

You know, as a volunteer leader, I became excited at the opportunity to not only fully engage with a community that just fed the core of who I am, but to organize people right here in Central Ohio to take part in being nourished by this incredible outdoor joy and to let folks from my community know that they belong here. They belong there. They belong over there. Whether it’s fishing, kayaking, skiing, hiking, you name it. Getting outside, returning to the great outdoors, and feeding a portion of their soul is part of their being.

And personally, I think it would be selfish for me not to share that enthusiasm with others.

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?

You know, reflecting on one of my favorite moments, in 2024 to enroll or be accepted into the training program for outdoor Afro, volunteer leaders, there was a sense of scarcity, in the community that I grew up as far as black folks in the great outdoors, when in fact there’s a huge level of abundance, and it’s just a matter of seeking out those individuals. So when I arrive there in Shepherdstown, West Virginia and see this collection of beautiful melanated individuals who look like me and had that same level of passion, how could that not invigorate every ounce of my soul and just feed the need to get outside and fully immerse? So that was definitely a memorable moment as far as my immersion into outdoor Afro.

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?

You know, I’ve talked to friends and family about Outdoor Afro and shared my delight. And for some, they have been a little hesitant to venture out. So as I attempt to encourage them to take that next step in becoming an Outdoor Afro leader, I just basically ask them what excites them about the great outdoors. You know, what are their favorite memories? And from that, we build into this robust conversation of me listening to them and encouraging them, to recognize the fact that it’s so easy to share that joy.

You know, start out with your best bud. Hit the woods. Go for a walk. Go for a fishing trip. Just do something that entails you’re getting outside and enjoying what you naturally enjoy.

From there, your community grows. That one person becomes two, leads to four, six, and it goes beyond that. So for me, encouraging people to get out and taking that next step to become a volunteer leader is a matter of asking them what excites them about the great outdoors.

Q: What did you gain as a volunteer leader?

What did I gain? What have I gained as a volunteer leader with Outdoor Afro? Enormous power, power not to let fear be a barrier to getting out and trying new things. I would have never guessed that at 63 years old, I would be attempting to climb a vertical wall, on a climbing road. So, again, it’s that sense of power, that sense of empowerment, that can do attitude that has been nourished by my immersion into outdoor Afro.

So for those who have the slightest hesitance, the slightest “I don’t know if I can do that,” give it a try. I can guarantee you you will not be disappointed. And when you walk away from that experience, you will know that you made the right step.

You know, the other thing that I gained as a volunteer leader from Outdoor Afro is the sense of confidence that I can lead people, that I can organize outings, that I can create a plan of action, that I can survey areas that I’m totally unfamiliar with, gain confidence in that space. So when I invite others to join me, they have confidence in my ability and trust my ability to lead them, keep them safe, and assist them in exploring and enjoying the great outdoors. So, there’s so much to be gained by volunteering an outdoor Afro. It’s hard not to enthusiastically talk about it with friends and families and even strangers. So if I had to add anything to my repertoire, it would be carrying outdoor Afro business cards or some little trinket pocket trinket that I can hand to people and say, check out this website.

You’re gonna love it. Better yet, join me on the next outing. You’re gonna love it.

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!