A Pathway to Outdoor Leadership: Volunteering with Outdoor Asian

At WTA, we are grateful for the opportunities to collaborate with many different kinds of outdoor leaders, including educators, volunteers, government officials and people who work in the private sector. As we reflected on some of our partnerships, we were curious about how these leaders got started on their outdoor journey, what they’ve learned along the way and what keeps them going.   

Saira puts their passion for hiking and getting outdoors to work by volunteering for Outdoor Asian. Photo by Patty Tang.

Recently we connected with Saira Shahid, Outdoor Asian event coordinator volunteer. 

Outdoor Asian Washington (OAWA) is a community-centered organization dedicated to increasing outdoor access and representation for the Asian American diaspora including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) individuals. Through inclusive programming, education, advocacy and partnerships, they work to dismantle barriers to outdoor spaces and build a thriving, connected and empowered community.

How would you describe your role as an event coordinator? 

As an event coordinator, I help plan and lead free or low-cost outdoor programming for community members. The role involves logistical planning, building and maintaining relationships with partners, managing participant safety, collecting and implementing feedback from participants, and representing Outdoor Asian by tabling at community events. Events I have helped organize include camping for beginners, introduction to rowing, berry picking, snowshoeing and a tour of a regenerative halal farm. In order to break down common barriers to outdoor access, the majority of our events provide free equipment, instruction, transportation and food.

While in their role of event coordinator, Saira would volunteer at outreach events. Photo by Patty Tang.

What initially drew you to volunteer with Outdoor Asian?

I was introduced to Outdoor Asian through a classmate in my graduate program, who invited me on a camping trip in Olympic National Park that the group was organizing. I didn’t know anyone else there but by the end of the weekend, I had made about 20 new friends. The OAWA community is very diverse and welcoming, and pretty soon I found myself volunteering as an event coordinator. A year after that, I joined the Leadership Team as OAWA’s volunteer manager, where I led the onboarding and retention of our volunteers. I am no longer in that role, but I’m still continuing as an event coordinator.

Tell us why the work you do is important.

There is a diversity gap in the outdoors due to a combination of economic inequality, legalized segregation and other forms of historical and present-day racial discrimination. Through the work that we do, we envision an outdoor movement where AANHPI individuals feel a deep sense of belonging, where outdoor spaces are truly equitable and where environmental justice is rooted in solidarity and collective action. Through advocacy, education and community-driven programming, we will continue to break down barriers and build a future where the outdoors is accessible and affirming for all.

Outdoor Asian event at Mount Rainier National Park. Photo by Patty Tang.

Who gave you your spark (for outdoor recreation, building community outdoors)?

Growing up, my parents would take me and my siblings on road trips to various national parks, so I’ve always had a love for the outdoors. As I got older, that love deepened as my friends introduced me to various new recreational activities like hiking, camping and foraging. Being a part of the outdoor community in the Pacific Northwest allows me to continue igniting that spark!

What experiences have set you up for success in your role?

WTA’s Outdoor Leadership Trainings have greatly helped me in my role. I attended their hiking backpacking workshops, which taught me skills in trip planning and preparedness, outdoor programming and safety and risk management. The backpacking workshop was also my first time backpacking, and the WTA trip leaders Erin and MJ helped me gain confidence not only in my own backpacking skills, but also in co-leading backpacking trips for others who are new to the activity. 

What brings you joy in your role?

I love seeing people of color experiencing joy in the outdoors. Most people I’ve met at Outdoor Asian events have shared that it was their first time participating in that type of outdoor activity. I’ve also seen numerous friendships formed through our events. I’m grateful to be a part of a space for AANHPI individuals to experience joy, healing and community in nature as an act of reclamation and empowerment.

Through Outdoor Asian, Saira has been able to support getting her community outside. Photo by Patty Tang.

What advice would you give someone interested in pursuing volunteer opportunities in outdoor recreation?

I would encourage everybody to volunteer their time outdoors, even if it’s just for a few hours. We are lucky to have no shortage of outdoor volunteer opportunities in Seattle. It could be joining a neighborhood trash cleanup, attending a trail work party or taking on a leadership role in an affinity group like Outdoor Asian. It’s a great way to nurture our relationships with the earth, each other and ourselves.

You can learn more about Outdoor Asian at their website and you can connect with the Washington chapter on Instagram and Facebook.