New Volunteers!

New Volunteer: Welcome to Irreverent Warriors

Thank you for stepping up and becoming a part of the Irreverent Warriors (IW) mission. By volunteering, you are joining a tribe that is dedicated to bringing veterans together using humor, camaraderie, and therapeutic events to combat isolation and improve mental health. You’re not just a volunteer; you’re now part of a movement that saves lives.

At Irreverent Warriors, our mission focuses on helping veterans reconnect with joy and community, pulling them out of the isolation that so often accompanies feelings of hopelessness. Through our signature silkies hikes, we break down barriers, encourage vulnerability, and foster lifelong bonds among veterans who understand what it means to struggle and heal.

The Magic of Irreverent Warriors

The silkies hikes may seem odd at first glance: groups of veterans hiking through cities wearing tiny silky shorts. But there is purpose behind it. Silkies act as a great equalizer, breaking down walls of bravado and competition. When veterans meet in this lighthearted and humorous way, laughter and camaraderie take over, creating an environment where vulnerability and authenticity thrive. Veterans reconnect with their playful, joyful selves—a side often buried by the weight of their experiences.

In this space, veterans find others who “get it.” Surrounded by peers who understand, emotional safety nets begin to rebuild. These hikes have brought over 50,000 veterans out of isolation, many of whom were struggling with suicidal ideation. The bonds formed during these events create lasting connections and support systems that combat loneliness and despair.

A New Phase: Mentorship and Healing

Over the past decade, Irreverent Warriors has excelled at fostering camaraderie and connection. Now, we are entering the next phase of our mission: focusing on mental health through mentorship and healing. Our goal is to equip veterans with a “triangular compass”—an emotional first aid kit filled with diverse healing experiences they can share with others. This includes exploring alternative therapies and promoting nature’s profound capacity to heal emotional trauma.

Many of us have relied on pharmaceuticals and talk therapy for years, but at IW, we also champion alternative healing methods. Meditation, prayer, silent hiking, camping, CBD, plant medicines, and cold plunges are just some of the modalities that have transformed lives within our community. We are committed to sharing these options and building a strong referral network to guide veterans toward what works for them.

A Call to Action: How Do You Heal?

As a new IW volunteer, your healing journey matters. One of the most powerful ways you can lead is by sharing your own experiences with mental health and healing. Vulnerability and honesty inspire others to explore their own paths toward wellness. Each IW leader must be able to confidently share what they do to stay on top of their mental health, no matter how unique their approach may be.

Assignment

Before completing your orientation, we ask you to reflect on your own mental health journey. Take some time to answer the following questions:

  1. How do you heal?
    • What practices, routines, or modalities help you maintain your mental health?
  2. What steps do you take when you’re struggling?
    • Do you have a go-to action plan when you’re feeling overwhelmed or isolated?
  3. How would you share your healing journey with others?
    • How can you explain your methods in a way that inspires and empowers someone else?

Please write your responses and share them with your sponsor/mentor. This exercise is a foundational step in becoming an effective IW leader. Your story has the power to ignite change and show others that healing is possible.

Thank you for your dedication to this mission. Together, we’re building a community where no veteran has to walk their journey alone. Let’s continue to push boundaries, explore new paths to healing, and save lives.