Sage Appel March 8th 2019

What you do?

I am a community building enthusiast with a deep love for the great outdoors. My partner, Ellen Reiche, and I have recently founded two organizations centered around connection with each other and nature, with a focus on serving the women and queer folks of the Bellingham community. Our two organizations are the Bellingham Lesbian Collective and One With.

Bellingham Lesbian Collective (BLC) is a group for northwest lesbians seeking stronger bonds of friendship and solidarity with their queer neighbors. BLC hosts a wide variety of social events like movie nights and bonfires, and anyone who identifies as lesbian (all colors of the gender rainbow included) is welcome to attend. Our Facebook group can be found at facebook.com/groups/sapphicbham.

One With is an organization founded with the mission to break barriers to connection with nature through exploration, empowerment, and community. We aim to eliminate these barriers by encouraging folks to find their place in nature through outdoor education, body and self empowerment, and the creation of welcoming spaces that bring us together. We seek to become One With nature, our bodies, and each other. More information can be found at facebook.com/onewithwa.

Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?

I know that "be the change" is the most platitudinous piece of advice out there, but it's also the most powerful. If you see a need for something in your community and you have the capacity to provide it, I highly encourage you to take the first steps towards creating something that meets the need! And you don't have to do it alone: if you are receptive to collaboration, you will be amazed by the number of people who will want to take that journey alongside you. Take big chances, ask for help, and dive deep into your passions.