The Mountaineers
Each week we bring you a personal story from one of our members. For our member profile this week we talked to...
Name: Julie Dasso
Branch: Olympia
How long have you been volunteering with The Mountaineers? 6 years
What activities do you participate in with The Mountaineers? Climbing, scrambling, hiking, trail running
10 Essential Questions
WHAT FIRST BROUGHT YOU TO THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I first joined The Mountaineers to meet other people who enjoy climbing and hiking. I took the Basic Climbing course through the Olympia branch in 2016 and met so many wonderful climbers and volunteers who inspired me to continue and give back.
How did you get started as a volunteer?
After graduating Basic Climbing in 2016, I was encouraged to become a climb leader by some of the instructors and leaders in the Basic Climbing course. I took the Outdoor Leadership course, became a hike leader, and the rest is history.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
It's so difficult to pick one favorite memory; there are so many! Each end-of-course celebration picnic with Basic Climbing students where we get to share stories of our climbs, have fun, and encourage new graduates to continue in Intermediate and leadership roles are the best memories I'll take with me.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU DO AS A LEADER TO MAKE YOUR PARTICIPANTS FEEL WELCOME?
Listen to everyone and let them know their voice matters. Use their preferred names and pronouns. Invite them into conversations and ask their thoughts on topics of discussion.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ASPIRING VOLUNTEERS?
Do the trainings! Many of them are online through the Mountaineers website which makes them accessible, but in-person trainings are also very valuable. What you learn or re-learn in trainings can lay dormant, but when you need to use the material it will be very useful.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Smile or game face? Smile
What's your favorite close-to-home adventure? Trail running
What 11th Essential do you bring on most trips? My Rocky Talkie
What's next on your bucket list? More traveling
If you could be adept at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Slacklining
NOMINATE YOURSELF FOR MOUNTAINEER OF THE WEEK
Mountaineers volunteers come in all shapes and sizes, varying widely in age, outdoor experience, and length of time involved in The Mountaineers. Part of what makes our community so unique is the broad diversity of our leadership, and we hope these weekly features highlight how our trip leaders, course instructors, and committee and branch officers support our community. We are always seeking self-nominations for our Mountaineer of the Week, and we invite you to share your story. Trust us, we want to hear from you!
If you’re a leader (or want to nominate a leader to spotlight), send an email to Michelle Song to make a recommendation.
