Where a Mom Can Find a Village

When I first started the idea for Bigfoot Books, another mom friend of mine said to reconnect with mom groups in my area and that is how I found Jessica from The Mom Walk Collective Vancouver. I reached out to her and she responded with the most welcoming response. Inviting me to the next walk, encouraged me to bring my kids, and then I got to meet some amazing women in my community.

I was so blown away with this group and their desire to bring community together, which is what BFB is all about to. I sat down with Jessica to get the lowdown on this amazing group in the PNW.

Kayla: Hi Jessica! I am so happy we have made it through flu season (maybe? haha) and might be on the other side! Can you describe momwalkco to anyone who might not know about It? 

Jessica: Of course! The Mom Walk Collective is a national organization of moms who volunteer to put together free walks and events for moms in their local communities to come together and build the village that so many moms are looking for. Being a mom is hard, we shouldn’t be doing it alone when we can walk through it with others.

Kayla: It is hard! And I know I need my mom friends to even get through the day sometimes! How did you decide to lead this chapter? 

Jessica: When my second kiddo was a few months old, I was looking for groups in the area to connect with, and I found the Ridgefield chapter of The Mom Walk Collective and decided to attend one of their events. I then found the Portland chapter as well and started joining their walks when they were held in Vancouver. It quickly became apparent to me that there were a lot of Vancouver moms looking for the same type of connection and attending these events as well, so I decided to start a new Vancouver chapter to serve this community.

I grew up in Vancouver so I know the area well, and I thought - I can help other moms find new parks, paths, walks that they may not have tried yet, and we can do it together.

Kayla: I love that. You found a need and you made it happen. Seriously, mom's are the best haha were you always a walker? 

Jessica: I got big into walking after my first kiddo was born, as it was a good daily mental reset for me to be out in nature. I would sometimes get together with a friend and try a trail or a park, but most of the time it was just me and my kiddo going for a walk together. As much as the walking was good for me, it also sometimes felt lonely, especially seeing other groups of parents together with their kids. I didn’t have a lot of people who I knew around me with similar aged children. So when I found the opportunity to start this chapter while me second kiddo was still little, I thought - what a great way to create the community that I have been wanting, and hopefully it will serve the same need for others.

Kayla: Especially if you are recovering from labor, walking is one of the first things you can do safely. Do you have to be a walker to join? 

Jessica: No walking experience necessary! The only requirement to join one of our events is that you are a mom. You don’t even have to bring your kids with you, there is no age restriction, the goal is for everyone to feel welcome no matter what stage they are in of motherhood. Our walks are simple and stroller-friendly, so any ability level is welcome. We even have moms come to our park walks and just hang out at the playground with each other.

Kayla: I love the inclusivity. I am sure it is very appreciated by the community here. What are some of your favorite memories you have with momwalk co? 

Jessica: Last spring, we did a trail walk on a cold wet day, and I expected nobody to show up. Our winter walks had been (understandably) low attendance the previous few months, but to my surprise over 40 moms showed up that day! That was when I realized how much people need this type of community.

I’ve heard so many moms say they are new to Vancouver, or their baby was just born and this is their first outing. It’s such a special thing to have people join us when they are in a brand new stage and meet others who are doing the same thing.

My best mom friendships were made on these walks. It’s truly been a blessing for me that people show up with open minds and open hearts - that’s where deep and lasting connections are made.

Click the image to sign up for future walks!

Kayla: You have found your happy place and I love that! I hope more people can find this amazing group of moms and enjoy the village!

Any advice for fellow moms out there looking to build community?

Jessica: Don’t be afraid to say hi to another mom at the park, at the store, getting coffee. Moms need moms just like kids need other kids, she will probably be glad you started the conversation.

Start small - attend one walk or event, host a lowkey meetup at your favorite place, do something you would have done anyways that fits into your normal life and invite someone to join you. You will be surprised how often that’s all the push someone needed to get out and make that connection!

Kayla: I love this so much!! If you want to know anymore about momwalkco, you can reach out to Jessica here!

Thank you for reading!

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