By Matt Nichols and Lornett Vestal
On Sept 16th, Sierra Club Military Outdoors partnered with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to host a "Hike for Peace" at Stone Mountain Park in suburban Atlanta. IRC brought eight students from Clarkston High School. These students' families have come to the U.S. as refugees from countries around the world; including Congo, Eritrea, Myanmar, and Sudan. Also participating in the hike were several veterans of the U.S. Army, Air Force, and Navy respectively. What everyone had in common was a love of nature and a desire to learn about different cultures. After a six mile hike around the base of the granite dome, we shared a picnic lunch with our new friends.
It was the first outing of its kind in the state Georgia that combined the Sierra Club's 'Inspiring Connections Outdoors,' 'Military Outdoors' programs, and the local GA Sierra Club chapter together to explore, enjoy, and protect the planet.
We hope to make this event an annual or bi-annual one. It's important to think about all those impacted by the recent storms, Trump's DACA decision and the rise of hate groups in America. Amidst horrible tragedy and hate going on in the world today. It was incredible to see people from multiple backgrounds and different ages come together and learn about nature and each other. The world needs to hear more stories like this one. One hike won't change a person's life, but it can open one up to nature's uncanny ability to connect people to one another. The Sierra Club would like to sincerely thank the International Rescue Committee and their staff.
