Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Prevention Committee
Committee Overview
SHSAP Executive Committee
In December of 2023, The Mountaineers established the Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Prevention Advisory Committee with a commitment to redouble our efforts to support and steward a healthy, safe, and welcoming community free from any form of sexual harassment or assault. The SHSAP Committee Charter was adopted by authority of the Board of Directors (“Board”) and is a standing advisory committee.
new Policies
As of Oct 2025 we have two new policies- a revised Mountaineers Code of Ethics and a new Behavioral Standards Policy. These new policies create shared expectations for behavior, including standards that explicitly prohibit sexual harassment, sexual assault and other forms of misconduct. The SHSAP committee has prioritized development of new policies to help strengthen accountability; helping members and volunteers understand their responsibilities and the consequences if community standards are violated.
In a volunteer-led organization—where people often work closely together, sometimes in remote or high-trust settings—strong behavioral standards are especially important. Everyone has a role in maintaining safe learning environments!
Filing Complaints
Sexual harassment and sexual assault are never acceptable behaviors in The Mountaineers under any circumstances. We assume people who report sexual harassment or sexual assault are telling the truth and must be supported throughout the investigation process.
The Mountaineers respond to concerns consistently and fairly, support those who experience or report misconduct, and take timely action when behavior does not align with our values and board approved policies.
If you have experienced an instance of sexual harassment or sexual assault, please consider filing a behavior complaint.
Please visit this page for information about how to file a behavior complaint.
Current Executive Committee members
- James Henderson- Chairperson
- Erin Vagley- Vice Chairperson
- Nomi Rachel Fuchs - Communications Chair
- Tess Wendel - Safety Committee Liaison
- Ramki Pitchuiyer- Equity & Inclusion Liaison
- Amanda Piro- Branch Leadership Liaison
- Tom Vogl- CEO (ex-officio, non-voting)
- Becca Polglase- Director of Programs & Operations (ex-officio, non-voting)
The Mountaineers has 16,000 members! In order for this work to move forward we need to have a larger group involved with this effort. Per the SHSAP Committee Charter, the Implementation Team specifically seeks representation from across the organization:
- Branch Community Safety Committee Representatives (maximum one per Branch)
- Climbing Council Representative
- Scrambling Council Representative
- Hiking Council Representative
- Sea Kayaking Council Representative
- Snowshoe Council Representative
- Global Adventures Representative
- Meany Lodge Representative
- Stevens Lodge Representative
- Baker Lodge Representative
- Kitsap Forest Theater Representative
Interested in volunteering for this committee? Please use our Application form!