I was able to find this - which helps, and hopefully you understand where I am going with this. This in itself, doesn't mean much to the average reader. To your point above, they're not reading it. It's not resonating, and it carries very little weight.
Like the news, people gloss over things until its sensationalized in some way, or some type of monetary value gets attached to something.
So, what is wrong with the OFSC considering adding a little more detail in the communication, maybe "sticker shock" type,
As an example, "last year alone - 5 projects were completed in District 7. Because of a lack of volunteers, collectively, those projects cost $80,000.00 to complete, using hired contractors and equipment. Had volunteers been available, these project costs could have been reduced by 50%, or $40,000.00, that otherwise would have went to grooming etc.
Put some context to it and maybe - people will look closer and think about doing something?
The Value of Volunteer Time
Volunteers provide their time, gas money, equipment, and personal wear and tear on their machines, all without compensation.
The value of this donated labor directly reduces the amount of permit money that needs to be spent on external services, such as paying contractors for trail work.
Therefore, each volunteer represents a significant financial saving to the OFSC, allowing the organization to invest more of its resources into maintaining and improving the trail system for everyone.
I'm guessing like many you -
(A) either don't check the privacy act box when you buy your permit to receive e mail news letters from the OFSC
(B) haven't been receiving then but also haven't followed up
(C) just don't read them
These things are well covered ....
Sorry, another post!
With the other one, and one above, what I am trying to say is if the OFSC in their call to arms for volunteer help/support etc, could put in their press release -
Last year, due to downturn in volunteers - $$$ of money was spent where had their been volunteer support/help - it could have been put to other expenses.
I am trying to understand what value is brought if I volunteer or don't.
If I don't buy a permit - I know I don't add X to the system
If I do, or don't volunteer - what VALUE does that add or subtract from the system?
That's where I was going with that
The org was built on volunteers, it made it through darker times then this over the past almost 60 years. All achieved by riders who wanted trails bad enough to do something about it. Currently there is over 6000 volunteers from all walks of life, some CEO's of Fortune 500 companies, some are just ditch diggers. Staff is ever evolving and people in volunteer the OFSC's leadership rolls are no slouches to hiring qualified staff to lobby and handle day to day business for the org. Lots of people speaking as if the OFSC should be running like a top right now, even after several low snow seasons, covid, 52% increase in costs across the board, an ever growing recession and now Trumps tariffs. Hell I'm surprised no has blamed the OFSC for Yamaha bailing on sledding yet LMFAO
Edit: 15 pages in this thread and I don't think there's one single reply saying - "I'm going out to trail work this weekend and club meeting next week to see if I can help"