Michelle Song
Each week we bring you a personal story from one of our members and volunteers. For our volunteer profile this week we talked to...
Name: Stacey Lissit
Branch: Seattle
How long have you been volunteering with The Mountaineers? 12 years
What activities do you participate in with The Mountaineers? Hiking, navigation, Wilderness First Aid
VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP QUESTIONS
WHAT FIRST BROUGHT YOU TO THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I moved to Seattle from the east coast in 2002. I wanted to learn about where to hike in the PNW and find people to hike with. What I found was so much more - an amazing community of people passionate about the outdoors, lifelong friends, leadership skills I didn't know I had, confidence... there's a long list!
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED AS A VOLUNTEER?
When I moved out here, I didn't know about hiking safely in the mountains of the PNW. Through The Mountaineers I acquired skills and knowledge to hike, backpack, navigate, and snowshoe. I have vivid memories of Mountaineers hike leaders helping me to cross a raging stream in a downpour, navigate a steep snowfield, and use the "rest step" to help ascend a steep slope. Those small moments of support, guidance, and encouragement had an enormous impact. Being a hike leader, conducting new hike leader seminars, serving as chair of the Hiking Committee, being a volunteer "victim" for a WFA class - for me these are all about giving back.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
Just one? Reaching the peak on a sunny day, eating lunch, and enjoying the views while chatting with my fellow hikers - I always love that part of the hike.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU DO AS A LEADER TO MAKE YOUR PARTICIPANTS FEEL WELCOME?
I always include an ice-breaker question during trailhead introductions that serves as a conversation starter and starts to build community in the group. I try to chat with every hiker at some point during the day.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ASPIRING VOLUNTEERS?
LIGHTNING ROUND
What's your favorite close-to-home adventure? Discovery Park in the winter; Artist Point in the summer.
What 11th Essential do you bring on most trips? Hiking poles
Post-trip meal or go-to place of choice? Bacon burger on a gluten-free bun
What's next on your bucket list? Hiking in the Dolomites
If you could be adept at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Cross-country skiing
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.
