"Inspiring Connections Outdoors" (ICO) is the Sierra Club's community outreach program which provides underserved youth (and adults) the opportunity to explore, enjoy, and protect the natural world. Through these outings, ICO promotes interpersonal skills and self-esteem by engaging participants in teamwork, teaching them self-reliance outside an urban setting. As its participants discover the beauty of wild lands, ICO also helps the Club build support for environmental protection in Austin. Volunteer leaders, certified and specially trained in recreational, outdoor, and safety skills as well as environmental education conduct wilderness adventures for youth of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. From backpacking trips to neighborhood cleanups to naturalist-led hikes through local greenbelts and preserves, ICO volunteers introduce all people to the natural world and teach them how important it is to protect and restore wild places.
ICO partners with several local agencies, such as Austin Parks and Recreation, Foundation Communities, and Communities in Schools to provide the outreach to its clients. ICO volunteers plan, supply resources for, and lead the trips, while accompanied by agency staff and clients. Thanks to your generous donations, ICO is able to make these trips possible.
Please support "Inspiring Connections Outdoors" in Austin.
The "Inspiring Connections Outdoors" program is made possible by its volunteers who give generously of their time and skills, and by donations of money and equipment made by its supporters. Outings are conducted at relatively low cost, but support from foundations and individuals is always needed and appreciated.
Donations to ICO are tax deductible through The Sierra Club Foundation under Section 501c(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Please make tax-deductible contributions payable to: The Sierra Club Foundation/Austin ICO
Please specify that you want your donation to go to support Austin's ICO program. Unspecified donations will be used to support the National ICO program. Donations as well as inquiries may be sent to:
The Sierra Club Foundation
2101 Webster Street Suite 1250
Oakland, CA 94612
You can contact the National ICO office by phone or e-mail:
ico@sierraclub.org
(415) 977-5628/5568