Equity & Belonging Committee
At The Mountaineers, we believe all people should feel belonging in the outdoors. We have experienced first hand the transformative power of nature, and we believe everyone should have access to nature. We recognize that the experience of being outdoors is not the same for everyone, and we’re committed to working to create a Mountaineers where all people can see themselves and be seen as their full and true selves.
Quick Access
- Background/Historical Context
- What does Equity & Inclusion mean to The Mountaineers?
- How will I know I'm welcome here?
- How can I get involved?
- Committee Members
Background
Since its founding in 2018, The Mountaineers Equity & Inclusion Committee has served as an advisory group helping the organization identify barriers to participation and explore ways to build a more welcoming and accessible community. Through partnership between volunteers and staff, the committee has supported inclusive leadership, offered guidance on equity-related efforts, and contributed to a culture rooted in safety and respect. As our understanding of equity evolves, so too does our language - bringing with it a renewed commitment to fostering true belonging.
In 2025, the Equity & Inclusion Committee became the Equity & Belonging Committee, reflecting a deeper commitment to fostering true community. With this change came an updated charter, approved by the Board, that reaffirms the committee’s advisory role and aligns its work with The Mountaineers’ long-term vision for equity, access, and belonging.
The committee’s purpose is to work in partnership with staff to identify and resource ways to reduce barriers to participation at The Mountaineers.
What does Equity & Belonging mean to The Mountaineers?
We seek to foster a culture of equity and belonging by reducing barriers and creating welcoming spaces. We have built our new strategic plan - Adventure with Purpose - around this belief that “every individual can find inspiration and belonging in the outdoors through Mountaineers community, programs, and books.”
Belonging is walking into a room and fitting in without a second thought. Belonging is the ability to focus on the task in front of you and fully engage in your environment. Belonging is the feeling of security, when you can show up as your true self and find acceptance… We want everyone to walk into a Mountaineers space and say, “I see myself reflected in the other faces and backgrounds here.” “I’m not intimidated by the language the instructors are using.” “I understand what’s expected of me and others so that we can all create the best experience possible.””
– Tom Vogl, CEO, The Nature of Belonging
How will I know I’m welcome here?
We have been working to build a safe and respectful culture. All of our members and guests must agree to follow our Member Code of Ethics and Standards of Participant Conduct, which outline the type of behavior we expect to foster physical and emotional safety. To support this, our Board of Directors created a Prohibited Behavior Policy and a robust Prohibited Behavior Investigation Policy. Anyone can report complaint behavior via our complaint form.
We also offer opportunities to provide anonymous feedback after every activity you participate in. Volunteers can see the feedback you share. The feedback is truly anonymous, and helps us identify what we’re doing right and what we could be doing better.
We will continue offering dozens of E&I training opportunities and resources each year, and focus our efforts to lower existing barriers to participation within The Mountaineers.
How can I get involved with the committee?
Contact Michelle Song, our Associate Director of Leadership, at michelles@mountaineers.org. Share your knowledge either as a volunteer or participant.
We encourage you to engage with our Equity & Belonging Committee Resources to help you deepen your personal impact.
Committee Members
Volunteers
- Ramki Pitchuiyer, Chair and Board Representative
- Dave Foong (he/him), Everett Branch, Board Representative
- Meredith LaFrance (she/her), Bellingham Branch
- Robert White (he/him), Seattle Branch, Board Representative
- Cece Venzon (she/her, Seattle Branch
- Jard De Aragon (he/him), Everett Branch
- Natalia Martinez-Paz, Tacoma Branch
- Steve Payne, Seattle Branch
Staff
- Michelle Song (she/her), Associate Director of Leadership Development
- Becca Polglase (she/her), Director of Programs & Operations
- Mira Poling Anselmi, Director of Communications & Engagement
- Tom Vogl (he/him), CEO