The Mountaineers
The Mountaineers puts a large emphasis on the importance of leadership, and we encourage our members to become an activity leader and join our vibrant volunteer community. But what does it really mean to be a leader for The Mountaineers, and what is expected of these individuals?
This article was updated in April 2018.
Who are our leaders?
Leadership at The Mountaineers can take many different forms, but generally speaking, we use the term “leader” to describe someone who has been approved to independently lead one (or more!) of our many activities. Each activity has its own set of leader requirements, which typically includes a combination of activity-specific technical skills and interpersonal soft skills. Generally speaking, Mountaineers leaders should (in no particular order):
- Be humble, respectful, caring, and considerate
- Have strong communication skills
- Be focused on the group’s well-being, as well as the success of each individual
- Participate in The Mountaineers community and be a team player
- Have sound judgement and decision-making skills, and a focus on safety above everything else
- Solicit and take feedback to improve your personal leadership
- Have experience and the physical abilities commensurate with the trips you choose to lead
- Meet the technical skills as outlined by the Activity Standards, including an appropriate knowledge of navigation, first-aid, and conditions assessment
- Be familiar with The Mountaineers standards and operating procedures, including posting and closing trips, carpools, and liability
- Be a member in good standing
- Believe in The Mountaineers mission to help people explore, conserve, learn about, and enjoy the lands and waters of the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
If you are interested to become a leader, please submit a leader application or contact your Activity Committee Chair for more information about their committee’s specific prerequisites!
What are our leaders responsibilities and benefits?
When you become a leader for The Mountaineers, you receive access to additional permissions and information on our website. For example, as a leader, you can:
- Post trips, clinics and seminars, and events - including stewardship activities!
- View feedback from your participants through your profile page.
- Write blogs for our website.
- Review member Participation Notes, to use when Screening Participants for your trips.
- Opt into our monthly LeaderLines email, which provides information, insights, and updates curated specifically for our volunteer leaders.
- Receive discounted attendance to our Leadership Conference, held annually during the first weekend in December!
- Access our exclusive Leader Benefits.
For additional information - or if you have any questions - please visit the Leader Resources page of our website or contact Member Services.
Thank you to our leaders
The Mountaineers sincerely appreciates the time and energy that our leaders invest into our organization. Our volunteer leaders are the backbone of our programs, and without them, we wouldn’t be able to serve a fraction of our membership. Thank you for all that you do to enrich our community at The Mountaineers!
If there is anything we can do to improve your experience as a volunteer leader, please let us know. We are here to support all of the amazing things that you and your committees do for the organization!
