Shifting Gears, a local non-profit in Bellingham, is announcing a week of programs and activities in celebration of International Women’s Day on Friday, March 8, 2019.

To bring more attention to the benefits of the outdoors and changing societal norms, Shifting Gears plans to take over the outdoor spaces in the week leading up to International Women’s Day: “Wild Womxn Week.” Anyone who identifies as a woman and wants to explore the outdoors can sign up for activities offered by local partners such as REI, Recreation Northwest, YMCA and the Joyriders. A full list of activities can be found at letsshiftgears.com

After a week of getting dirty, muddy and sweaty, Shifting Gears is encouraging women to embrace their feminine side and transform themselves into their inner diva at the first annual “Wild Womxn: From Dirt to Indulgence.” In partnership with Boundary Bay Brewery, women are invited to an indulgent evening of auctions, drinks, dancing and sisterhood at Boundary Bay’s Mountain Room, on Friday, March 8th from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Tickets cost $30 and can be bought online at brownpapertickets.com/event/. All proceeds from tickets sales will be used to fund hiking and biking programs during 2019 that break down barriers preventing women from exploring the outdoors.

In honor of celebrating our local women, Shifting Gears is seeking nominations for the inaugural “Bellingham’s Wild Woman of the Year Award.” This is award will honor a Wild Woman in the Bellingham Community who has been redefining what it means to be a woman outside. This is someone who has overcome barriers and inspired others this past year with their resilient spirit and drive to thrive outside. Nominations will be accepted until March 1 at letsshiftgears.com. The award will be presented at the March 8 event at Boundary Bay Brewery.

Shifting Gears is a women-led, women-directed non-profit in Bellingham, WA that is creating welcoming recreation opportunities that encourage confidence, wellness, growth and joy. By participating in Shifting Gears programs, community members will walk away with the tools that they need to attain their recreational goals, and feel empowered to reach other personal goals.