SFP Editor: What is ICO?
Peter: The Sierra Club Inner City Outings program (ICO) provides wilderness adventures for people who wouldn't otherwise have them, primarily low-income youth of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. ICO promotes personal development by linking cultures, fostering respect of self and others and providing leadership skills. In DC, ICO partners with five communities to typically run one outing on a Saturday every month.

SFP Editor: How did you get involved in ICO?
Peter: I saw a flyer at an REI which looked like a great fit since I was looking for a way to help at risk youth burn off some of their pent up energy while participating on great outdoor trips.

SFP Editor: Describe the most rewarding experience you have had with ICO?
Peter: About 10 years after we had been serving children in one of our Anacostia communities, I was walking through the neighborhood when I passed by a 17 year old girl who recognized me. She very proudly told me how well she was doing in school. Although she hadn't been on an outing with us in over 5 years, she could recall in vivid detail all the places we went. I realized that to counter all of her negative experiences growing up with crime, poverty and drugs, ICO created her positive childhood memories.

SFP Editor: What is the purpose of the Happy Hour with a Heart?
Peter: ICO is a 100% volunteer run organization with very limited funding. We're hoping this happy hour series will raise money for ICO, and attract potential new volunteers while allowing networking opportunities for young professionals

SFP Editor: Do you have a favorite place in the DC area to hike?
Peter: The Billy Goat Trail - it's the kid's favorite. You can really see how it challenges the younger children, and how proud they are once they complete the circuit

SFP Editor: What brought you to the DC area?
Peter: A computer consulting job paid the way, but DC's vibrant diverse opportunities were really the strong attraction.

SFP Editor: What tips do you have for folks interested in leading ICO volunteer activities?
Peter: Like all volunteer opportunities, you need to find a place where you can grow and get benefit for yourself. Volunteers are more than welcome to come out on an outing to see how they like it. We're very understanding of the time commitments of our volunteers - some come once a month, but many have jobs and travel that take them away from volunteering for months at a time - that is no problems for us. We're always looking for people to get involved in the way the works best for them. Some folks volunteer on outings, others like to help organize and lead trips, while others help out with grantwriting and fundraising. We are very appreciative of any support we can get to help DC's at-risk youth.

SFP Editor: How can one get involved with ICO?
Peter: Join us for the kick off for the “Happy Hour with a Heart” series to raise support for Sierra Club inner city outings (ICO) and enjoy a fun networking experience with other young professionals interested in community work and exploring nature in the DC area. Learn about opportunities to participate in the many outings planned for the year Including rewarding hiking and camping trips with DC area children, as well as the ICO Hike-a-thon scheduled for Sept 30.