In partnership with the Team and Trail Foundation and two of our team, Dr. Robert and Michele Forto are planning on bringing a brand new experience to different areas of the world. This program is aptly called: Leadership Odyssey.
In alignment with the Team and Trail Foundation’s mission to “empower leadership” and promote sustainability and community advocacy, we propose a transformative three-country trip to Mexico, Peru, and Brazil in the spring of 2027. This initiative will leverage leadership and team-building strategies to cultivate outdoor leaders who are committed to these vital causes.
Objectives
- Cultural Exchange: To learn from diverse perspectives on sustainability and outdoor leadership through meaningful interactions with local communities in Mexico, Peru, and Brazil.
- Leadership and Team Building: To enhance participants’ leadership capabilities and team-building skills, empowering them to advocate for sustainability and engage their communities effectively.
- Community Engagement: To actively participate in local projects that support sustainable practices and community initiatives, thus reinforcing our commitment to local empowerment.
- Networking: To foster connections with local leaders and organizations focused on outdoor leadership and sustainability, broadening our collaborative networks for future initiatives.
Proposed Itinerary
- Leadership Initiative 1: Mexico
- Location: Oaxaca
- Activities:
- Participate in workshops that focus on local environmental practices and cultural heritage, thereby strengthening leadership skills.
- Engage with local artisans and farmers using sustainable methods, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration.
- Volunteer with a local NGO focusing on community development, employing team-building exercises to enhance group cohesion.
- Leadership Initiative 2: Peru
- Location: Cusco and the Sacred Valley
- Activities:
- Engage in guided treks that highlight environmental preservation, incorporating leadership discussions on team dynamics and collaboration.
- Collaborate with Indigenous communities to learn about sustainable practices, promoting empathy and teamwork.
- Attend seminars on ecological tourism and community-based conservation efforts, followed by team-building sessions.
- Leadership Initiative: Brazil
- Location: Rio de Janeiro and the Atlantic Forest
- Activities:
- Connect with local environmental leaders and organizations to explore ongoing conservation projects and foster strategic partnerships.
- Participate in reforestation and wildlife preservation initiatives, engaging teams in hands-on leadership exercises.
- Conduct workshops focused on community advocacy strategies, empowering participants with skills to lead and inspire change.
Expected Outcomes
- Enhanced Leadership and Team Skills: Participants will develop the practical knowledge and collaborative skills necessary to advocate for sustainability effectively and lead impactful outdoor initiatives.
- Strengthened Community Ties: Building meaningful partnerships with local organizations committed to environmental and social justice will be a key outcome.
- Cultural Competence: Participants will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and their unique approaches to leadership in sustainability.
- Action Plan: Each participant will create an action plan to implement the skills learned in team-building and community advocacy upon returning home.
Conclusion
This outlines a unique opportunity for the Team and Trail Foundation to empower emerging outdoor leaders through experiential learning focused on leadership and team building in Mexico, Peru, and Brazil. By embracing diverse cultural insights and collaborating with local advocates, we will reinforce our mission of promoting sustainability and community empowerment.
If you would like to learn more about this transformative journey towards cultivating empowered outdoor leaders dedicated to sustainable practices and community advocacy, please click here
