Combining Passion, Purpose, and the Outdoors to Transform Our World: A Manifesto
Inspired by last week’s 2024 Michigan Outdoors Summit
Hey there, heroines!
Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Michigan Outdoors Summit, where I connected with people who share our passion for the outdoors and the transformative power it holds. There were individuals from all walks of life, each bringing their unique perspectives and energy. I also had the pleasure of presenting alongside my friend and colleague, Sara Wesche from Midwest Vertical. Together, we explored the concept of Mission, Tribe & Grace in Outdoor Leadership—a framework for finding purpose, building community, and embracing resilience in the natural world.
Inspired by the summit, I’ve put together a manifesto for the Outdoor Book Club community. This manifesto is a call to action, inviting all of us to unite our love for books, the outdoors, and each other to create positive change in the world.
An Outdoor Book Club Manifesto
In a world filled with noise, busyness, and endless digital distractions, we stand at the crossroads of a quiet revolution—a movement where feminine energy, united by the transformative power of books and the boundless beauty of the outdoors, becomes the harbinger of change.
We Believe in the Power of the Feminine
Empowered feminine energy possesses the unique strength to nurture, lead, and inspire change. Together, we bring a collective wisdom and resilience that can address the challenges facing our world. Our diverse voices are the catalysts for creating a future that values empathy, understanding, and action.
We Believe in the Wisdom of Books
Books are the containers of our shared humanity, holding the wisdom of ages, the dreams of visionaries, and the stories of unsung heroines. They challenge us to think, to empathize, and to grow. Through literature, we explore the vast landscapes of human experience, learning from those who have walked before us and those who walk beside us.
We Believe in the Healing Power of the Outdoors
Nature, in its infinite beauty and diversity, holds the key to our well-being and the planet’s health. The outdoors offers a sanctuary from the overwhelm of daily life—a space where we can breathe deeply, find peace, and reconnect with the essentials. It teaches us about resilience, renewal, and the interdependence of all living things.
Together, We Can Forge a New Path
As a community of readers, adventurers, and advocates, we are uniquely positioned to weave these threads into a beautiful fabric of positive change. We commit to:
Empowering Each Other: Encouraging and supporting one another in our personal journeys, leadership endeavors, and collective action.
Spreading Knowledge and Understanding: Promoting literacy, education, and a love for learning as tools for empowerment and social change.
Championing Environmental Stewardship: Advocating for the protection and preservation of natural spaces, understanding that our futures are inextricably linked to the health of our planet.
Fostering Connection and Community: Building bridges across cultures, backgrounds, and experiences through shared stories and outdoor adventures.
This is where you come in!
As you read this (draft) manifesto, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What resonates with you? What do you feel is missing? Is there something you’d like to add or leave out? This manifesto is meant to be a reflection of our community, so your input means a lot to me.
I want to use these words as a foundation for the Outdoor Book Club as we inspire change, nurture future female leaders, and contribute to a world that values compassion, understanding, and action.
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
Warmly,
Jill Hinton Wolfe | Chief Heroine, Outdoor Book Club