22 Kilometers with 22 Kilograms for the 22 Veteran Suicides a day - in
combat boots, a ruck, and SILKIES. THE ACTUAL HIKE ITSELF IS FOR
VETERANS, ACTIVE DUTY, NATIONAL GUARD, AND RESERVISTS ONLY.
The Irreverent Warriors Silkies hikes are a series of events across
the nation designed to PREVENT veteran suicide by bringing veterans
together using humor and camaraderie to heal the mental wounds of war
through therapeutic events and entertainment.
Irreverent Warriors is PREVENTING veteran suicide through the use of
unconventional therapy. Veterans are different, and therefore use
different methods of coping. In the face of tragedy, a veteran is more
likely to use humor as a coping mechanism than anything else.
Civilians are not allowed to hike but are welcome to volunteer and/or
meet us at the stops along the way!!!
The mission of the Silkies Hike is to bring veterans together with
laughter and camaraderie, to provide a day of therapy. These hikes
support and spread our bottom line: "put the gun back on safe, put it
back on the nightstand, and stick around a bit longer."
CODE OF CONDUCT
This Code of Conduct is an understanding between hike participants and
Irreverent Warriors leadership on how to conduct themselves during
Irreverent Warriors events. The mission of Irreverent Warriors is to
bring veterans together using humor and camaraderie to heal the mental
wounds of war, through therapeutic events and entertainment. Our
vision is to provide ALL veterans with a strong veteran based support
network, reduce the impact of PTS, and eliminate veteran suicide. We
provide a sense of community for veterans that is unique to a new
generation of veterans. Our programs are events that bring veterans
together in large quantities, more so than any other organization -
using veteran friendly methods of coping: humor and camaraderie. When
veterans come together at our events we give them an opportunity to
connect, bond, love, and support each other. The connections and bonds
made at our events allow veterans to create their own support network.
The support that we give each other makes us less likely to commit
suicide.
We also partner with veteran organizations who provide other services
to veterans; services such as jobs, training, money, housing, service
dogs, and more. The mental and spiritual support that we give each
other, combined with the introduction of other services, gives
veterans the help and hope they need to stop considering suicide. We
want everyone who attends our hikes to have a safe, enjoyable bonding
experience. This code of conduct is to ensure the safety of all
participants and will be enforced by hike coordinators and their
delegates. Any violation of this policy will be met with immediate
dismissal from the event.
1. Community Presence
We are guests of the communities we hike through. We will conduct
ourselves in a respectful manner to those that live in these
communities. We will obey the laws of the communities we are hiking
through. We will not negatively engage with protesters, groups, or
individuals along the hike route. We explain to people who we are,
what we are, and why we are there. If someone outside our group
escalates a conversation, please notify a hike coordinator or
designated staff and walk away. Do not be baited into debates. We
should contribute to the community, not take away. Make it cleaner,
shake hands, kiss babies; make the community feel good about us, our
mission, and our presence there.
2. Behavior
All hike participants will show other attendees respect in respect to
race, gender, sexuality, rank, branch, and personal beliefs. We
respect the human rights and the dignity of all participants and treat
them fairly. Inappropriate touching, grabbing, and unwanted fondling
will be met with immediate dismissal from the hike and reviewed for
further action. We understand there is a common bond among service
members and that touching is usually acceptable behavior. Know the
boundaries of participants and remember that “no” means no.
3. Public Intoxication
We strongly prohibit public consumption and public intoxication. We
understand that attendees are consenting adults and are free to
indulge in the benefits of being an adult but at no time will we allow
patrons of the events to become intoxicated to the point where they
are a danger to themselves or others. Police yourself and others.
Public drunkenness will distort our message to the community and
exacerbates the stereotypes of veterans. We are ambassadors of
Irreverent Warriors, our mission, and veterans all over. These are not
glorified bar crawls. We have a mission to accomplish. Enjoy the day
responsibly.
4. Flag Policy and Political Statements
American flags, branch flags, and patriotic flags such as the Gadsden,
Come and Take It. Honor and Remember, Thin Blue/Red Line, and other
similar flags are the only flags at the events. Political flags,
banners, signs or statements are prohibited at the events. The events
are to prevent veteran suicide not about making a social or political
statement. We have a multitude of people that are attending these
hikes and they may not share the same political views as you or
others. Bar Rules basically. No politics or religion. We’re here to
have a good time.
5. Unacceptable Behavior
Unacceptable behaviors include: intimidating, harassing, abusive,
discriminatory, derogatory, or demeaning conduct by any attendee of
the event or related event activities. Many event venues are shared
with members of the public; please be respectful to all patrons of
these locations. Sexual harassment and harassment of any type has a
zero tolerance policy. No exceptions. Physical violence towards fellow
attendees or members of the public of any type has a zero tolerance
policy. Weapons are not permitted at the hikes. Even if you have a
concealed carry permit, leave it at home. Pocket knives are
permissible according to local law enforcement guidelines. Any
destruction or vandalizing of personal property, public property, or
any other property has a zero tolerance policy. Possession or
consumption of illegal drugs has a zero tolerance policy. Medical
prescriptions are to be consumed in authorized areas only. Disturbing
the peace, committing any unlawful act or any other illegal activity
not stated above is subject to removal from the hike and further
actions by law enforcement at the discretion of the hike coordinators.
6. Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior
Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated whether by an attendee,
media, speaker, volunteer, organizer, venue staff, partner, sponsor,
or exhibitor. Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected
to comply immediately. If a participant engages in unacceptable
behavior, the event organizers may take any action they deem
appropriate, up to and including expulsion from the event without
warning, future events and if appropriate, involvement of local law
enforcement.
7. Incident Reporting
If you are subjected to unacceptable behavior, notice that someone
else is being subjected to unacceptable behavior, or have any other
concerns, please notify an event organizer as soon as possible. You
may request that your report remain completely confidential. Event
staff will be available to help participants contact venue security or
local law enforcement, to provide escorts, or to otherwise assist
those experiencing unacceptable behavior to feel safe for the duration
of the event. If additional action is necessary or if you would like
to bypass the local leadership and/or remain anonymous contact
Colleen@irreverentwarriors.com
8. Scope
We expect all event participants (staff, sponsors, volunteers,
speakers, attendees, and other guests) to abide by this Code of
Conduct at all event venues and event-related social events.
Hike coordinators and staff have the final say in all decisions
concerning the safety and conduct of event attendees. Please be
respectful of their decisions.
concerts
1508
Views
20/10/2019 Last update