The Mountaineers
It’s the last week of our spring fundraising drive and we are beyond grateful for the 153 people who have contributed $36,064 toward our goal of $40,000. In these final days of May, your gift of any size will help inch us closer to the finish line.
At our Gala last month, we heard from 18-year-old Herman Meyer. Herman is the President of the Mountaineers Adventure Club (MAC), an after-school club where teens practice technical skills, plan their own outings, and learn how to be responsible and inclusive recreationists.
We thought you’d like to read an excerpt from the speech he prepared for The Mountaineers community.
As I reflected on what I wanted to share with you tonight, I kept coming back to the importance of community. It’s less about what you do, and more about who you do it with. I met friends here who I never would have known otherwise. People who believe in me, grow with me, and inspire me to give back… People who are growing into leaders like you who will positively influence the outdoor community and help protect public lands for generations to come. I want to acknowledge that privilege has played a significant role in my ability to access these opportunities. Historically, many communities, especially communities of color, have been intentionally excluded from the outdoors. And there are still high barriers to entry.
All people should be able to benefit from access to natural lands and outdoor education. And all people should feel welcomed into communities like ours. The long-term health of our natural lands depends on it.
In June I will graduate from high school, and this life change has me thinking about the future. The cost of living in our area is rising, and I wonder how many families will be able to afford outdoor experiences. Temperatures are rising too, and I wonder how long we’ll be able to ski near Snoqualmie. I worry that if we don’t do enough now to support more people in caring about wild places, the places we love won't be around for others to learn and grow from, too.
MAC students on a recent backpacking trip to Ancient Lakes. Photo by Carl Marrs.
Herman passionately wants other kids and adults to feel how he has felt in this community. And he wants more voices to join in protecting our public lands.
Donations to The Mountaineers fund equitable access through our youth program Mountain Workshops and scholarships for youth and adults. They sustain a gear library for individuals, families, and groups to borrow what they need. They support leadership development so that volunteers can cultivate an inclusive outdoor community. And they fund conservation and advocacy work, so that our community can speak up for policies that protect public lands for future adventurers.
On the night of The Mountaineers Gala, Herman and some of the other teens from MAC pooled their own money and donated $500. “We wish it was more, but it’s a start,” Herman shared with the audience. “And we hope you’ll help us build on this gift for our and future generations.”
We are hoping to raise $40,000 by the end of this month to support our mission. And thanks to our generous community, we are 90% of the way there! Your gift today will enrich the community by helping people explore, conserve, learn about, and enjoy the lands and waters of the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
If you are considering a gift to The Mountaineers this season, you can send a check or give online this week to help us get over the finish line. A gift of any size will help create the kind of safe and welcoming outdoor community that we all envision.
As a 501(c)3 organization, gifts made to The Mountaineers are 100% tax-deductible. The Mountaineers, Tax ID 27-3009280, is located at 7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115.
