Veterans event

THE ACTUAL HIKE ITSELF IS FOR VETERANS, ACTIVE DUTY, NATIONAL GUARD, AND RESERVISTS ONLY.

Participants hike 22km (13.67 miles), while carrying 22kg (48.5lbs), wearing Silkies, combat boots, and a ruck – 22 representing the 22 military suicides a day.

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 and camaraderie as a coping mechanism than anything else. Civilians are not allowed to hike but are welcome to volunteer and/or meet us at the bar stops along the way!!!

The mission of the Silkies Hike is to bring veterans together with laughter and camaraderie, create a support network for veterans, and 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

For Irreverent Warriors Silkies Hikes

This Code of Conduct is an understanding between hike coordinators and Irreverent Warriors staff on how to conduct themselves and maintain order 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 U.S. veterans with the strongest veteran based support network, reduce the impact of PTSD 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 that 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.

Thank you,

Jesse James CEO & President Irreverent Warriors

1. Community Presence
   1. We are guests of the communities we hike through.
   2. We will conduct ourselves in a respectful manner to those that live in these communities.
   3. We will obey the laws of the communities we are hiking through.
   4. 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 If someone outside our group escalates a conversation, please notify a hike coordinator or designated staff and walk away. We will not be baited into debates.
   5. We should contribute to the community, not take 
Make it cleaner, shake hands, kiss babies; make the community feel good about us, our mission, and our presence there.
2. Behavior
   1. All hike participants will show other attendees Respect with race, gender, sexuality. We respect the human rights and the dignity of all participants and treat them fairly and honestly.
   2. Male participants will treat female participants with the respect they deserve and likewise for female 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. Traditionally, the boundaries of personal space.
3. Public Intoxication
   1. We strongly prohibit public consumption and public 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.
   2. Police yourself and 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.
   3. These are not glorified bar We have a mission to accomplish. Enjoy the day responsibly.
4. Flag Policy and Political Statements
   1. American Flags, Branch Flags, and Patriotic Flags such as the Gadsden Flag, Join or Die flag and other similar flags are the only allowed flags at the events.
   2. Political flags, banners, signs or statements are prohibited at the the events are to prevent veteran suicide. We have a multitude of people that are attending these hikes and they may not share the same political views as you or others.
   3. Bar Rules No politics or religion. We’re here to have a good time.
5. Unacceptable Behavior
   1. 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.
   2. Sexual harassment and harassment of any type has a zero tolerance No exceptions.
   3. Physical violence towards fellow attendees or members of the public of any type has a zero tolerance policy.
   4. Weapons are not permitted at the Even if you have a concealed carry permit, leave it at home. Pocket knives are permissible according to local law enforcement guidelines.
   5. Any destruction or vandalizing of personal property, public property, or any other property has a zero tolerance policy.
   6. Possession or consumption of illegal drugs has a zero tolerance Medical prescriptions are to be consumed in authorized areas only.
   7. 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.

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.

What to do if you Witness or are Subjected to Unacceptable Behavior

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. You can report unacceptable behavior to any member of staff. If applicable, staff can be found in the event office onsite or you may email one of the contacts below.

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.