The 2025 Bird Outing Leader Training program will be kicking off in April, and this initiative wouldn’t be possible without the support of Veronica Kyle and the EcoWomanist Institute (EWI). The mission of this inspiring organization is to focus on societal and environmental issues that affect women of African descent, who are typically the healers of their community, and underserved communities in general. Black women face a trilogy of oppression – racism, sexism, and classism – and EWI provides leadership opportunities, advocates for self-care, and emphasizes the message ‘You Matter’.
The EcoWomanist Institute was founded six years ago after Veronica fatefully met Valerie Hill Rawls. Veronica, who was working for Faith in Place at the time, was invited by Valerie to speak with clergy on creating green teams. The two realized they had a shared goal of providing women of color opportunities and support that had been denied to them for shallow and hateful reasons, and EWI was born. There is currently a chapter in the Midwest led by Veronica and one in the Southeast led by Valerie.
In Chicago, EWI hosts a house in Avalon Park where people can focus on their well-being. This is a safe space, a home, that is not open to the public. It’s where one can fuss, cry, take advice, feel heard, and be respected. There is the welcoming attitude of ‘from the GED to the PhD, or no degree, you are welcome to the EWI Village’. It’s not about your pedigree or credentials – what’s important is who you are at your core.
The organization is buttressed by the three pillars of Leadership Development, Advocacy & Civic Engagement, and SoulCare/SelfCare - and there are plenty of opportunities under the third pillar. Per Veronica, "In these extremely challenging times, we must engage ourselves in the healing properties of Mother Nature." For instance, the Mamas and Me in Nature program is for mom, or whoever is taking care of the kids, and families to intentionally engage in nature. EWI also works with other institutions such as the Chicago Park District and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum to create meaningful programming and encourage kids to go out and enjoy the outdoors.
Additionally, there is a women’s birding program, led by Black and brown women who guide birdwatching trips around Cook County. Tasha Lawson and Gloria Orozco, for example, are two such standout birders who have worked with EWI in the past. The EcoWomanist Institute strongly believes in the benefits of birding; it is an activity that allows us to go at our own pace, find awe in the creatures around us, and recognize that we are not the only ones here. As Veronica points out, “All of us are part of nature – it is nature that sustains us”, and she is excited to see what will come out of the Bird Outing Leader Training program.
This training will be held at Rainbow Beach, showcasing avian wildlife on the South Side. The program is a great way for participants to meet new people, get out of their comfort zones, and build community.
Besides Veronica, other leaders such as Lillian Holden and Jennifer Johnson will be meeting with the trainees. Melanie Moore, a volunteer for the EWI organization, has been instrumental in making this program a reality. Not only are these sessions an opportunity to learn how to conduct a bird outing, but they are also a chance to appreciate the widespread influence of black birders. Nicole Jackson, for instance, was a guest birder for EWI at their birding retreat and is also an entrepreneur with her own organization in Ohio called N Her Nature LLC. The women mentoring the participants are no outliers; there is a strong community of black birdwatchers throughout the country.
In just a few weeks the training will begin and the Chicago Bird Alliance is so grateful for EWI’s partnership. EWI has done, and is doing, so much to support marginalized communities. This institute is committed to having an ‘us’ focus and follows the motto ‘Unyielding Hospitality’. It is definitely an organization you need to know about!
Sources:
Interview with Veronica Kyle on 3/23/2025
https://southsidedrivemag.com/ecowomanist-institute-healing-the-healer-with-veronica-kyle/