I understand what you are saying Artsay. I am not attacking GWG. It's just that this postion is required to cover 5 states worth of gyms. I don't know why Kelly was unable to make it, I have not spoken with her. But it takes a lot of dedication and willingness to shell out their own cash to drive to and from meetings like this. So to make comments like GWG, stating that he hopes the level of enthusiasm is there when rescheduled..that is takin a dig at the volunteer.People need to be a little more charitable with their understanding that things don't always go as planned and we strive to do a good job in keeping open communication with the community.
I would hope that all Red climbers maintaine a level of enthusiasm no matter what!
What would be great is if we could get volunteers from each "local" state to step up an volunteer to be that's states Rep. THis would certainly reduce the burden on one person and will give solid information to the hands of others to help out!We started a Rep Network about three years ago, we held a series of training sessions. We actually had a HUGE turnout but the result was they came for the meeting and their buck stopped there. We need more proactive, willing volunteers out in the field! Let the RRGCC know if you would be interested.
Gretchen
RRGCC Meeting Tonight
Gretchen,
My statement: "I just hope there is this level of response from the climbing community when it is rescheduled." was made to reflect the level of interest shown last night by those who did show up wanting to hear what the RRGCC was going to present. Again, I would say that I hope we have that same level of response and interest when it is rescheduled.
It was frustrating to hear that the meeting was canceled and there was nothing to share with those who did come out specifically for it. It is certainly understandable that schedules need to be changed. If this is the case, it would be nice to have some information that can be shared with those who did make the effort to show their support but I also understand this isn't always available.
With regard to giving up my time to hit the road, I choose to support the climbing community in the following ways:
-Boy Scout Climbing Merit Badge Councilor, soon to be BSA Climbing Instructor certified.
-I run a program for under privilaged children in order to expose them to the joys of climbing in a safe environment. This happens about every other month.
-I sponsor a program where I take visually impaired children climbing with their family.
-I run a ministry out of my church where I take the youth climbing. I do this in order to hopefully instill a sense of appreciation for the out of doors since I believe the out of doors is the greatest classroom. It also allows me to challenge these youth beyond what they believe they are capable of.
-Participated in "Climbing for a Cure" in support of the St Judes Childrens Research Hospital fund raiser last month.
The individuals I choose to interact with in these volunteer activities are potentially the future climbing community.
I don't have the time to hit the road however I will be more than happy to share the information with our local area if given the tools to do it effectively.
Geoff
My statement: "I just hope there is this level of response from the climbing community when it is rescheduled." was made to reflect the level of interest shown last night by those who did show up wanting to hear what the RRGCC was going to present. Again, I would say that I hope we have that same level of response and interest when it is rescheduled.
It was frustrating to hear that the meeting was canceled and there was nothing to share with those who did come out specifically for it. It is certainly understandable that schedules need to be changed. If this is the case, it would be nice to have some information that can be shared with those who did make the effort to show their support but I also understand this isn't always available.
With regard to giving up my time to hit the road, I choose to support the climbing community in the following ways:
-Boy Scout Climbing Merit Badge Councilor, soon to be BSA Climbing Instructor certified.
-I run a program for under privilaged children in order to expose them to the joys of climbing in a safe environment. This happens about every other month.
-I sponsor a program where I take visually impaired children climbing with their family.
-I run a ministry out of my church where I take the youth climbing. I do this in order to hopefully instill a sense of appreciation for the out of doors since I believe the out of doors is the greatest classroom. It also allows me to challenge these youth beyond what they believe they are capable of.
-Participated in "Climbing for a Cure" in support of the St Judes Childrens Research Hospital fund raiser last month.
The individuals I choose to interact with in these volunteer activities are potentially the future climbing community.
I don't have the time to hit the road however I will be more than happy to share the information with our local area if given the tools to do it effectively.
Geoff
I agree with gwc. If I remember correctly. the rrgcc had to reschedule the meeting last year also. At rocktoberfest I was surprised to see only about 4 or 5 rocksport people there, even though there are 50 or so regular members that climb there. Nobody knows much about the rrgcc at rocksport, they have no phamplets or anything like that. I volunterred to help with this at Rocktoberfest but haven't recieved anything useful like I was told I would. The coalition is great at dealing with forestry types and access, at that it's first class! But, its' weak spot is dealing and communicating with its' members. Ex: sending emails the day before or of an event where help is needed, (or never at all) never updating its own webpage with news, etc. If donations are needed for future projects they are going to have to come from new memeberships which won't happen if the RRGCC isn't better at PR.
Kevin
Kevin
Thanks for the feedback Kevin. ANd you are right, the RRGCC does have a tough time with getting the word out in a timely and effective manner. THis is something that we do struggle with and try to improve. Suggestions are always WELCOMED!! We still need someone that will take on the membership database and are willing to keep it up to date on a regular basis. There definitely is time commitment involved and willingness to to help out with this communication issue.
As always in the non-profit world we run on a skeleton crew and are in dire need of volunteers willing to step up and help resolve some of these frustrations!!!
As always in the non-profit world we run on a skeleton crew and are in dire need of volunteers willing to step up and help resolve some of these frustrations!!!
Just genuinely disengenuous.
Gretchen,
I did step up and volunteer but nobody contacted me like I was told i would be. I know others who have told me the same type of story: they wanted to volunteer, were welcomed, and then never given anything to work on or with. I know the rrgcc has its kinks to work out and i will continue to support it with my membership and whatever I can afford, but I, GWC, and lots of people are there willing to work and not gotten-back-to. That does tend to put people off at a time when we need all the personal resources and good will we can muster.
Kevin
I did step up and volunteer but nobody contacted me like I was told i would be. I know others who have told me the same type of story: they wanted to volunteer, were welcomed, and then never given anything to work on or with. I know the rrgcc has its kinks to work out and i will continue to support it with my membership and whatever I can afford, but I, GWC, and lots of people are there willing to work and not gotten-back-to. That does tend to put people off at a time when we need all the personal resources and good will we can muster.
Kevin