b'Our Most Valuable Resource.By Patty Companik Volunteers! Often, we hear from clubs that they dont have enough volunteers. We also hear from people willing to volunteer that I want to volunteer but dont know what I can do or how to get involved.So, lets look at the ways people can volunteer and when/where their support is needed. First of all, volunteers are needed all year long. There is a misconception that there is only a need to help with trail work and grooming. Though these are two very critical areas where volunteers are needed, they arent the only ones. Everyone brings something different to the table; creativity, ideas, skills and other relationships. A lot goes into running a club and(This article features previous year pre-COVID-19 group volunteering event photos)caring for the trails it is responsible for. People can help remotely (dont haveAre you good at baking? Many eventsmedia platforms allow you to post to be local) or locally. The opportunityare in need of baked items. Not a greatthem directly; if not, reach out to one to be involved has improved withcook or baker? Thats fine too. Let theof the officers to see how they can get online conferencing, like Zoom,club know you can donate purchasedthem from you.etc. Just because people live farfood items to support the event. Ride-away no longer means they cannotins are a great example of this type ofI have no skills!Ok, so there are a few participate. need; donate the hot dogs, burgers,of us out there who think this. Dont Do you have leadership skills?We arewater, drinks, coffee, rolls, and so on. let this stop you from getting involved! clubs but also have a lot of business- Not local to bake or bring anything?Attend a meeting and provide input like responsibilities. There are officerAlso not a problem: offer a donationon the clubs decisions or offer to work elections every year for clubs. Clubstoward the purchase of these items.an event for an hour. You can keep it leaders are set up differently, mostEither way is greatly appreciated bysimple, but dont be afraid to step in.having the basic board of officers:the club. And then we have the outside trail President, VP, Secretary, TreasurerAre you organized? Selling clubwork.Contrary to popular belief, and Trail Master. But many havemerchandise is another way tothis is basically a year-round need. additional board positions: Asst Trailsupport your club. Even if the clubSome clubs advertise work days for Master, Membership, Public Relations,has someone doing this already,weekends, others do things during Events/Fundraising Officer, and theadditional help is welcome. Creatingthe week.Either way, your help is list goes on. Find out when the cluban order form, posting to social media,appreciated and very much needed.you belong to meets and attend to getordering merchandise, keeping trackFall Needsan understanding of their leadershipof inventory, bringing inventory toFall is when clubs focus on clean up structure. It is also a good idea toevents to sell, the list goes on for whatsand preparation before the snow flies: obtain a copy of their bylaws andneeded in selling club merchandise. debrushing, trimming back branches, policy so you understand what each position is responsible for. Do you have technical skills?This typecleaning up fallen trees. If your club Can you sell?Every club has to doof support can be done from anywhere.has work days when youre not able to events and fundraising to supportYou can help create a website andjoin them, reach out and ask if there is a their operating needs. Offering to helpmanage the sites content or helpcertain portion of the trail you can care with an event or fundraiser can be aexpand a websites current capabilitiesfor; I like to refer to this as adopting a simple but important introductionif they already have one. section of the trail.to helping your club. In this specificDo you take photos?Many clubs lovePainting stakes is another area area, all kinds of support are needed.getting photos of members that weresomeone can offer to doand do on For example, you can sell tickets totaken on their trails. Not everyone cantheir own schedule in preparation for support the clubs fundraising. There isbe everywhere, so your photos helpwhen the team will need them. When nothing better than hearing from a clubshare with others the excitement ofthe time is right, offer to help pound member, Ill take 10 tickets and sellriding their trails - and in many casesin those stakes or rope off areas on the them on behalf of the club. the conditions of the trails. Many socialtrail.16 | Snowmobile VERMONT'