By Bill Turman, Chapter Chair

Hello Fellow FTA Members and “Future” FTA Members,

I hope this message finds you well and enthusiastic about our mission to build and maintain the Florida Trail System. As we continue our journey, I wanted to take a moment to address an important topic that has been on my mind — our identities within the FTA.

Throughout our involvement in the FTA, we are often referred to by two names: "Member" and "Volunteer." Today, I'd like to explore what these terms mean to each of us and how they define our contributions to this wonderful organization.

According to my trusty old Webster's Dictionary, a "Volunteer" is one who willingly offers their time and service without obligation. On the other hand, a "Member" is described as someone belonging to a society, acting as a representative of a legislative body or a collective entity. Both titles hold merit and honor, but I believe there's a meaningful distinction between them.

When we think of a volunteer, we envision someone selflessly stepping up to lend a hand whenever needed. These individuals might not necessarily carry an FTA membership, yet their dedication and support are invaluable. Many times, we've witnessed non-members, like university groups, join us in our maintenance activities, and we are immensely grateful for their help. In such cases, our immediate goal is to encourage them to become official FTA members and further strengthen our community.

Conversely, a "Member" is someone who not only joins the FTA but also wholeheartedly embraces our mission. They pledge to support the FTA financially, actively participate in various outdoor activities, and promote our cause. A true member is committed to the growth and maintenance of the Florida Trail System, eagerly taking on leadership roles and driving positive change. As members evolve, they have the opportunity to extend their involvement beyond the chapter level and engage with fellow members from other chapters. They play a vital role in shaping the FTA's future by participating in conferences, voting for board members and officers, and steering our collective direction.

In my view, volunteers are the lifeblood of the FTA, graciously contributing their time and efforts to our cause. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their selflessness. However, members are the backbone of our organization, providing the necessary support, resources, and leadership that make the dream of a trail spanning Florida a reality.

Now, I'd love to hear from each of you — which term resonates more with you, "Volunteer" or "Member"? How do you define your involvement in the FTA?

On a different note, I'm thrilled to share that we've just completed an exceptionally successful trail maintenance season, including the construction of a replacement bridge. Additionally, our Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve Campouts, as well as Winter Hike/Paddles, were a big hit. However, we recognize that we could do even more throughout the year with more active and engaged Activity Leaders.

I encourage all of you to spread the word about the FTA among your friends, colleagues, and neighbors. Share with them the significance of their membership dues and the impact of their involvement in furthering our cause. If you're looking to make a difference within the FTA, consider becoming an Activity Leader, participating in trail maintenance, attending chapter meetings, or taking on an officer role.

Together, let's build and fortify our chapter and the entire FTA community.

Looking forward to seeing you all at our upcoming August Chapter Meeting on the 17th at Leu Gardens.

Happy Trails!

Bill