On September 10th, at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center in Seattle’s Discovery Park, multiple LBC Action partners came convened with other organizations focused on youth and the outdoors for the Washington Open Pathways Project—a platform of Fresh Tracks Action and the Aspen Forum for Community Solutions (AFCS). This initiative seeks to bring leaders together across programming, policy, and philanthropy to break down barriers between sectors and catalyze deeper collaboration, with the shared goal of elevating the outdoors as a tool for community wellbeing.
The Washington Convening of the Open Pathways Project brought together leaders from philanthropy, policy, and youth programs to explore how the outdoors can foster health, equity, and community connection. The event highlighted Indigenous and community values, cross-sector collaboration, and the importance of breaking down barriers to outdoor access. Presentations and panels underscored the power of youth outdoor experiences to improve wellbeing, academic outcomes, and social cohesion, while emphasizing equity, inclusion, and Indigenous leadership. Participants engaged in discussions on philanthropy, policy, and programmatic strategies to advance outdoor equity, sharing lessons from Washington, Colorado, and nationwide initiatives. Through storytelling, data, and shared visioning, the convening aimed to chart a path forward for collaborative, community-driven outdoor engagement that leaves a lasting legacy for
youth across the state.
The day was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when diverse voices align around a common purpose. Seeing Juan D. Martinez Pineda, Erik Stegman (Native Americans in Philanthropy), Courtney Aber (YMCA of Greater Seattle), and Dylan McDowell (National Caucus of Environmental Legislators) join forces alongside so many others was inspiring—and gave hope in a time when challenges feel ever-present.
As scholar Anthony Burrow has said, “A purpose is a self-organizing life aim. It is a view ahead—something you’re looking forward to and working toward.” At LBC Action, we are grateful to share that purpose with a growing community of leaders. Together, we look forward to more collaboration and impact.
We also extend deep appreciation to those who made the day possible:
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Casey Sixkiller, for opening the gathering with your inspiring words.
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CJ Goulding (Boyz N The Wood) and Lyn Wong Hunter (Philanthropy Northwest), for your partnership.
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REI, Alicia Harvie (Pisces Foundation), and Jason Morris, for your support.
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And especially Harris Solomon, Andrea Wagner, and Sage Innerarity, for your facilitation and leadership in organizing the event.
The Washington Open Pathways Project reminded us that the outdoors can be more than a place of recreation—it can be a bridge to equity, healing, and community. We’re excited for what’s ahead.
