An Annual Update on CMC Reporting Through Navex Ethicspoint

It is time to share the results of a second year with Navex Ethics Point, a third-party reporting system that allows members and staff to report on behavior and misconduct anonymously and have CMC leadership follow-up.

In 2023 we fielded eleven reports on ten separate cases. Each case received is investigated with outcomes depending on the severity of the case and what is unveiled in the investigation. We respond to every case and while response times occasionally lag due to staff capacity, that is not a reflection of the importance of reporting unethical behavior or the seriousness with which investigations are undertaken.

A second year with ten cases is a good start. While that might sound odd, and it seems zero cases would be better, this shows a continued use of the system. Staff is aware that we need to continue to spread the word so that everyone who interacts with CMC understands that they have access to this reporting system. We also want member, staff, and volunteers to know the value of their reports, even, and especially when it feels hard to take that step.

The results from these ten cases in 2023 again varied. It is important to note that one of the best outcomes of these reports is twofold: having a place for folks to report and having the hard and important conversations that move CMC forward.

In 2023:

• One member left voluntarily upon being informed that his actions were harassment.
• Two leaders were removed from their roles due to harassment.
• One member was removed from the club for threatening behavior
• There was one internal staff complaint
• Two leaders worked through ongoing education to continue their leadership journey with CMC
• Two folks filed reports that were effectively reminders for leaders about protocol for trips
• And there was one unfounded and outdated complaint that was dismissed.

The secondary results included several women feeling at ease in their roles with the club again. Staff feeling supported and knowing there were repercussions for members with unacceptable behavior and a growing sense of accountability within the club.

While CMC continues to flourish in many ways from Youth Programming and avid and committed volunteers to thousands of members out on trips, it is important to face the uncomfortable places that still exist. In doing so we expand the Colorado Mountain Club's capacity to serve all of its members current and future as we continue to grow our community.

Learn more about filing a report here.

You can file a report online anytime at: coloradomountainclub.ethicspoint.com