ABOUT US

We Outside ATX began as a simple idea: creating a reason to show up, move together, and meet people outside of the usual spaces. What started as a run club has grown into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization building community through recreational and outdoor activities, service opportunities, and partnerships across Austin.

Our work is rooted in serving Black communities by centering culture, community, and wellness in everything we create. We believe wellness should be culturally accessible, joyful, and grounded in real connection. As our community has grown, so has our vision. We are expanding programs that increase access to movement, create pathways for service and mentorship, and collaborate with partners who share our commitment to equity, care, and collective well-being.

Our work is guided by the belief that access and belonging are essential to well-being.

Mercedes

Our Founder

Mercedes Collins is the founder of We Outside ATX, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit rooted in the belief that culture is essential to feeling safe in spaces of healing.

Growing up, being outside meant connection, freedom, and fun. As time passed and her time in Austin progressed, Mercedes witnessed gentrification, the disappearance of Black-centered spaces, and a growing disconnect from both community and the outdoors. At the same time, she noticed more people feeling anxious, isolated, and stuck in digital life, rarely moving their bodies or spending time outside in meaningful ways.

We Outside ATX began as a simple response to that shift. Mercedes was looking for a low-cost, accessible way for people to reconnect in real life, move together, and experience each other again. As run clubs grew in popularity, she saw an opportunity to use movement not as an end goal, but as an entry point. That idea became We Outside ATX.

What started as a run club grew into a broader ecosystem of recreational and outdoor activities, service initiatives, and partnerships designed to support wellness in the Black community through culture, access, and shared experience. Today, Mercedes leads We Outside ATX with a focus on building spaces where people can feel grounded, connected, and empowered to show up fully.

Who We Serve

We Outside ATX centers Black communities while welcoming anyone aligned with our values. Our programs are designed to make movement, connection, and well-being culturally accessible, affordable, and easy to participate in.

We serve people across ages and experience levels, with a focus on those seeking community, consistency, and spaces that feel welcoming rather than performative. Through accessible programming and partnerships, we aim to create opportunities for connection, contribution, and growth.

100+

EVENTS

2000+

PARTICIPANTS

10+

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Our Pillars

Culture

Centering Black identity, joy, lived experience, and authenticity in the ways we move, connect, and create space together.

Opportunity

Creating pathways for leadership, mentorship, service, and new experiences that connect people to resources, partnerships, and opportunities for growth and community impact.

Community

Creating consistent spaces for people to come together, build relationships, and feel a sense of belonging through shared experiences over time.

Wellness

Supporting whole-person wellness physical, mental, emotional, and social by encouraging healthy relationships, personal growth, and habits that support well-being.

Access

Removing barriers to wellness, movement, and community by making programs, resources, and experiences approachable, welcoming, and easy to engage with.

Movement is the starting point. Community and collective advancement are the outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Our events are open to all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels. We center creating welcoming, respectful spaces where people feel comfortable showing up as they are.

  • Not at all. Walkers are always welcome at run club, and many of our events are recreational, social, or service-based. No prior experience is required.

  • Yes. Many people attend their first event solo. Our goal is to make it easy to show up, connect naturally, and not feel out of place.

  • Some events are open to families and youth, while others are geared toward adults. Event descriptions will always note age guidelines.

  • The best way is to join our newsletter. You can also follow us on social media @weoutside.atx for updates and announcements.

  • There are many ways to participate, including volunteering, supporting service initiatives, partnering with us, or getting involved in programs as they grow.

  • It means there is no pressure to keep up. We offer multiple pace groups and walking options so people can move at a speed that feels right for them.

  • Most events are free or low-cost. Any fees are always shared clearly in advance, and we work to keep programs accessible.

  • We center Black communities in our work while welcoming anyone who aligns with our values and shows up with care and respect.

  • You can reach out through our partnerships inquiry form. We collaborate with organizations aligned with our mission and values. You can also email us at outreach@weoutsideatx.org

  • You can support by donating, volunteering, partnering with us, or sharing our work with others.

  • Weather-related updates are shared via email and social media. Safety always comes first.