Skip to content

Phoenix Outdoor Movement & Community Empowerment Group cover photo

Part of Mario - 5 groups

Phoenix Outdoor Movement & Community Empowerment Group

Phoenix, AZ, US

733 members · Public group

Organized by Mario Spano and 5 others

Share:

Join this group

Join this group

What we’re about

Welcome to Outdoor Movement & Community Empowerment Group in Phoenix, AZ!

This group is for anyone seeking meaningful connection through movement, nature, and community. We offer men's, women's, and coed groups—through different events all under the same meetup group—creating space for support, empowerment, and balance in an increasingly disconnected world.

Each gathering combines an outdoor activity (hiking, rock climbing, paddleboarding, yoga, breathwork, short walks, skiing, etc.) followed by a relaxed and guided support circle.

This group is sponsored by Speak Your Mind, a nonprofit dedicated to mental health awareness and outdoor empowerment communities across the U.S.

Learn more & stay connected:
🌿 Explore all groups & events on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/taketimespeakyourmind
🌿 Visit our website: https://speakyourmind.men/
🌿 Sign up for our email list: https://men.us21.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a6eccf11a1d809e1fd905acef&id=b079bcaeb1

All groups are donation-based, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds, but donations are integral to us growing SYM and offering more of these groups for others.
Donation Link: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/angels-for-angels/speak-your-mind

We welcome people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and ages (8+) to join us in fostering a supportive and uplifting community.

If you're interested in leading a group or have any questions, please reach out!
Much love, connection, elevation, and peace to ALL!

Liability Form to be completed before your first event with us: https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/SYM-participant-info-liability

Upcoming events (4+)

Sat, Apr 26, 2025, 8:00 AM MSTPhoenix Soul Sisters Hike/Community Circle
8A Quartz Ridge Trail @ 32nd st., Phoenix, AZ
Welcome to Phoenix Soul Sisters Hike/Community Circle
Join us at Quartz Ridge Trail for some movement in nature, connection with sisters and support. This event offers a safe space for open discussions, grounding, and bonding. Whether you're seeking support, inspiration, or simply a sense of community, our women’s hike is the perfect place to nurture your soul in nature. Don't miss out on this opportunity to embrace sisterhood, empowerment and self-love! We can't wait to see you there!

When: Occurring every two weeks, from 8:00 am-10:30am

Where: Quartz Ridge Trail (#8A) at Phoenix Mountain Preserve. Easy-Moderate ~3.5-mile

Agenda: Meet in the Starbucks parking lot by 7:55 am, community circle at start of hike, hike ~3 miles, end ~10:30 am.

What to bring: Hiking shoes, snacks, water, small towel to sit on, sunscreen and your beautiful self!

Why: Speak Your Mind is an organization with a mission to create uplifting spaces in nature for members of our local community to disconnect from busy life and move, connect, and empower each other as we all strive to elevate to a higher level of physical, mental and spiritual health. We do this by marrying outdoor movement (rock climbing, hiking, biking, simple walks outside, etc.) with the powerful support of community support circles.
Speak your Mind is here with a simple promise: to make you feel calmer, supported and empowered to live your best life by inviting you outside to connect with yourself, Mother Nature, and other beautiful souls walking the same path as you. To learn more/donate:
https://linktr.ee/taketimespeakyourmind

All groups are donation-based.
No one will be turned away. All beliefs are welcomed.
Any questions please contact Elizabeth (623) 205-7042.

Notes: Please RSVP and if you can't make it, cancel your reservation.
Fill out this form prior to attending the event. Please note, you only fill this out once. https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/SYM-participant-info-liability
23 attendees+18
Sat, May 10, 2025, 7:30 AM MSTPeace of Mind 5k - Running for Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention
Arizona Falls, Phoenix, AZ
We are collaborating with Peace of Mind 5k to raise awareness for mental health and enhance our ability to serve our community further, overturning the stigmas that lead to suicide and doing what SYM does best: bringing people together.

This event isn’t just a race—it’s a celebration of community and the healing power of movement in nature. Together, we’ll raise funds to provide mental health scholarships, enhance support in our local community, and strengthen our shared mission to uplift mental well-being for all. We aim to raise funds to support scholarships, SYM's impactful mission, and Peace of Mind's annual event to continue into the future!

💙 When: Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 7:30 AM
💙 Where: Arizona Falls (52nd Street & Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ)
💙 Agenda: Gather at the starting line for an energizing community experience, followed by the 5K run/walk.

💙 Post Event fun: A free yoga class with Urban Yoga and pickleball with Pickle N' Chill!

Why Join Us?

Make an Impact: Your participation helps support Speak Your Mind and other local nonprofits dedicated to creating positive mental health resources in our community.

Embrace Movement in Nature: Feel refreshed and inspired as we walk, jog, or run together in the beautiful surroundings of Arizona Falls.

Build Connections: Join a tribe of people united in their commitment to making mental health and personal growth a priority.

💙 Speak Your Mind creates uplifting spaces where people can connect with themselves, nature, and others, blending the magic of outdoor movement with the power of community support circles. Together, we strive for higher levels of physical, mental, and spiritual health for all, during a mental health crisis that continues to escalate. Learn more about SYM here: https://linktr.ee/taketimespeakyourmind

💙 Donate to Speak Your Mind's Mission:
Help us continue to create spaces of connection and healing by donating here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/angels-for-angels/speak-your-mind

💙 Sign up: To participate in this 5k event, you must register using the link below: https://raceroster.com/events/2025/90107/peace-of-mind-5k-runwalk

Let’s move, connect, and empower one another to build a healthier, more compassionate world. See you at the start line!

💙 For sponsorship inquiries or to customize your partnership, contact:

Mario Spano
Founder, Executive Director, Speak Your Mind
Email: mario@speakyourmind.men | Phone: (808) 855-8831

Elizabeth Birch and Christina Rodriguez
Founders, Peace of Mind 5K
Email: elizabethevebirch@gmail.com | Phone: (623) 205-7042
11 attendees+6
Sat, May 17, 2025, 7:30 AM MSTPhoenix Soul Sisters Hike/Community Circle
8A Quartz Ridge Trail @ 32nd st., Phoenix, AZ
Welcome to Phoenix Soul Sisters Hike/Community Circle
Join us at Quartz Ridge Trail for some movement in nature, connection with sisters and support. This event offers a safe space for open discussions, grounding, and bonding. Whether you're seeking support, inspiration, or simply a sense of community, our women’s hike is the perfect place to nurture your soul in nature. Don't miss out on this opportunity to embrace sisterhood, empowerment and self-love! We can't wait to see you there!

When: Occurring every two weeks, from 7:30 am-10:00 am

Where: Quartz Ridge Trail (#8A) at Phoenix Mountain Preserve. Easy-Moderate ~3.5-mile

Agenda: Meet in the Starbucks parking lot by 7:25 am, community circle at start of hike, hike ~3 miles, end ~10:00 am.

What to bring: Hiking shoes, snacks, water, small towel to sit on, sunscreen and your beautiful self!

Why: Speak Your Mind is an organization with a mission to create uplifting spaces in nature for members of our local community to disconnect from busy life and move, connect, and empower each other as we all strive to elevate to a higher level of physical, mental and spiritual health. We do this by marrying outdoor movement (rock climbing, hiking, biking, simple walks outside, etc.) with the powerful support of community support circles.
Speak your Mind is here with a simple promise: to make you feel calmer, supported and empowered to live your best life by inviting you outside to connect with yourself, Mother Nature, and other beautiful souls walking the same path as you. To learn more/donate:
https://linktr.ee/taketimespeakyourmind

All groups are donation-based.
No one will be turned away. All beliefs are welcomed.
Any questions please contact Elizabeth (623) 205-7042.

Notes: Please RSVP and if you can't make it, cancel your reservation.
Fill out this form prior to attending the event. Please note, you only fill this out once. https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/SYM-participant-info-liability
5 attendees
Sat, May 17, 2025, 7:00 PM MSTOutdoor Mental Health Group Leaders Wanted!
Downtown PHX, Phoenix, AZ
We are recruiting new group leaders! Read below and visit the links at the bottom to apply.

### What is an Outdoor Empowerment Group?

Our Outdoor Movement & Community Empowerment Groups are simple, guided experiences designed to help people reconnect with nature, themselves, and others. We combine some form of movement (hike, walk, run, bike, yoga, workout) and meaningful conversation within a simple community circle to create a space where individuals can support each other while prioritizing mental and physical well-being.
Whether you’re seeking stress relief, personal growth, or community, our groups offer everyone a unique and welcoming environment.

## Why Join?

Improve Mental & Physical Well-Being – Movement, nature, and supportive conversations reduce stress and promote balance.

Feel Less Alone – Build genuine connections with like-minded people in a safe, welcoming space.

Gain Clarity & Perspective – Step outside daily routines and into a space designed for personal growth and reflection.

## The Ideal Group Leader

The ideal group leader

Has a born-in passion for mental health, movement, connecting with nature and building community.

Has 5 extra hours per week to dedicate to a meaningful cause for at least one year. Yes, you can leave any organization at any time and we can also ask you to leave, but we are building with legacy in mind and we need people who can commit and be ALL IN on this mission to build with us.

Is independently financially stable with the ability to volunteer with no expectation of pay. This is a deeply beautiful journey of service that all participants commit to at Speak Your Mind.

An ability to manage groups with high emotional intelligence and desire for human connection.

An ability to self-motivate and market/promote their group on Facebook and other social platforms.

Nature informed therapy or clinical therapists/psychologists a plus.

## Our Impact

![img](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a6315db1eb8d081603d9ea/028252c7-347e-4196-8c79-b81d2a4db4bb/Mountaineering+Guide+Trifold+Brochure+in+Pink+White+Modern+Minimalist+Style+-+2.jpg)

Since launching, we have helped thousands find support, connection, and healing through our Outdoor Movement Groups. 100% of participants surveyed have reported:

A noticeable improvement in mental clarity and emotional well-being.

An increase in social connection and a sense of belonging.

Said they would return again.

We believe mental health should be accessible, community-driven, and rooted in nature. Join us and take the first step toward a more connected, grounded, and supported version of yourself.

### Why Our Groups are Donation-Based

Our Outdoor Movement Groups are made possible through a donation-based model. This approach allows us to keep our events accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, while also ensuring that we can continue expanding our reach. It’s a great way to pay it forward and support the growth of this beautiful mission!
Every contribution helps us:

Cover Essential Costs – Donations allow us to pay essential legal, marketing, insurance, and admin costs as well as nourish the important people who run the organization.

Grow Our Mission – With your support, we can bring these healing experiences to thousands more people in the future and execute our long term plan to expand across the USA, affecting up to 500,000 people per year.

By choosing to contribute, you’re not just leading an event—you’re helping build a mental health movement that supports long-term well-being and connection for all during a severe mental health epidemic.

## Come Join Us!

We’d love to have you be part of this growing community of people prioritizing their mental health, movement, and connection.
🔹 Visit Our Website to Learn More: https://speakyourmind.men/joinusoutside
🔹 Apply Here to Lead Your Own Group! – https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/sym-group-leader-application
🔹 Support the Mission for Others: If you resonate with the mission and want to support but can't lead a group, feel free to join a group before applying or donate to help us reach our goals to help more people! You can donate here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/angels-for-angels/speak-your-mind

Please text Mario with any questions: (808) 855-8831
1 attendee

Past events (78)

Sat, Apr 19, 2025, 7:00 PM MSTOutdoor Mental Health Group Leaders Wanted!
This event has passed
2 attendees

Find us also at

Related topics