iBestTravel’s Outdoor Advocacy Project: Empowering Outdoor Enthusiasts

Katie Boué isn’t the perfect “outdoorist.” And she knows you’re probably not, either.

Scrolling through the photos on her Instagram feed might give you the notion of outdoorsy perfection, with her curated stream of desert sunsets, dirt roads, and hikes with her very cute dog, Spaghetti. However, if you read the captions and follow her stories, you’ll see Katie isn’t simply sharing big smiles and stunning, wild landscapes. She’s encouraging others to join her in working to protect these places from the many threats they face — including ourselves.

These days there’s a lot to be worried about if you love the outdoors. From climate change and fossil fuel extraction to overuse and a lack of education on responsible recreation, it’s easy to get swept up in frustration and fear. Consequently, while some see platforms like Instagram as adding to the strain of overcrowding and commodifying the outdoors, Katie sees an opportunity.

She believes this enormous community of people who love to go outside could wield even more power to protect and fight for these places if they’re simply provided with the necessary knowledge and resources to do so.

What is the Outdoor Advocacy Project?

The Outdoor Advocacy Project, which Katie and her team launched, aims to provide those vital resources. None of us can ever be perfect examples of adventurous outdoorists — the kind of mythic advocate who produces zero waste and lobbies against fossil fuel development on public lands, all while hiking and camping and leaving no trace and educating others on the ecological significance of cryptobiotic soil — but Katie hopes the Outdoor Advocacy Project will help everyone be a little better at all of those things more often than not.

The Vision for Outdoor Advocacy

Katie shared her vision for iBestTravel’s Outdoor Advocacy Project:

When did you first have the idea for the Outdoor Advocacy Project, and how has it evolved since then?

Just recently I was updating my LinkedIn profile and found a fundraiser page I created ages ago when I was traveling and climbing all over the country. I raised $1200, which was probably all from my mom. But I read the introduction I’d written for that, and it mirrored the themes I’ve been discussing with the Outdoor Advocacy Project.

I’m inspired by public lands and seeing people give back to these places through stewardship. My time in the outdoor industry made me realize how much focus we give to outdoor businesses and the industry at large, yet there’s no cohesive representation for the community — the consumers.

Empowering the Community

The idea for the Outdoor Advocacy Project has taken many forms. However, I finally quit my job back in April and decided to focus on this concept full-time. The goal is to create a platform for the community to gather, get informed, and then take action. Our community is incredibly powerful; however, individuals may not take action unless they feel empowered.

Taking the First Step

We launched with approximately 20 articles on outdoor advocacy. The goal is to create a vast resource. Wherever you want to start, we have the steps and will provide the resources. We’re currently developing material on how to get started in outdoor advocacy. It’s a massive topic, but I really believe in my team.

Building Relationships for Change

We’re all facing challenges in many areas. Everything is a bit messy right now. Therefore, building relationships is essential. My aim is to offer an antidote to “call-out culture” in the outdoors. Instead of criticizing, I want to invite people in, as fostering relationships can change minds and behaviors the most.

Navigating Challenges and Building Teams

Thus far, I believe the biggest hurdle has been myself. Until I hired my assistant, I struggled to get this project off the ground alone — and I thought I had to do it all solo. However, I realized that a solid team is vital to success. My assistant and two wonderful women have been instrumental in this journey.

Future Goals for Outdoor Advocacy

The next steps for iBestTravel’s Outdoor Advocacy Project focus on securing funding support and partnerships. I want to align with outdoor organizations and brands committed to making a difference. I’m excited to elevate the outdoor community alongside me.

Engaging the Community

Many people are reaching out to express interest in getting involved and helping out. We’re developing a form for anyone interested in contributing their skills to the project. By compiling this information, we can reach out directly, ensuring we connect individuals with the appropriate needs.