[pct-l] Getting started

[jomike at cot.net (JoAnn M.)]

"Message: 11
Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2006 20:35:04 -0700
From: "Jerry Goller" <jerrygoller@backpackgeartest.org>
Subject: RE: [pct-l] Getting Started; San Diego to Campo - Donations
To: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Message-ID: <004b01c62484$fe603a00$0200a8c0@jerrys2435>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Good idea. Then the PCTA could make a contribution to the Kick Off to help
pay for it....cause somebody has to pay the expenses incurred putting it
on.....

Jerry


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-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net
[mailto:pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net] On Behalf Of stillroaming
Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2006 8:30 PM
To: pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] Getting Started; San Diego to Campo - Donations

>>>
On the trail, we are all equals, so we accept no money from hikers.  Your
generosity may be expressed next year by making a contribution to ADZPCTKO
2007.
<<<

Could a donation be made the Pacific Crest Trail Assoc. instead? After all,
it is the trail that makes the journey possible, not the ADZPCTKO.

Scott Parks"

I respectfully disagree. It is my understanding that the ADZ got it's start as a VOLUNTEER group of past thru hikers who wanted to DONATE their time, energy and money, and give to a new group of thru hikers a good send off, trail information, camaraderie, encouragement and be of assistance to all hikers starting the PCT, particularly those nobo.

In my opinion, the best thing about the ADZ is that it comes from the heart and soul of hikers, to the heart and soul of hikers. All the months upon months of preparation, scheduling, planning, organization, maintenance of the web site, answering questions, etc. is all independent VOLUNTEER labor. Yet, without the help of contributions, financial, labor and equipment, help run the annual event. But, I believe once an all volunteer group becomes involved with any agency other than another all volunteer agency, the entire scoop of, in this case the ADZ, will drastically change, forever. The purism of volunteer work, in my way of thinking, will now be just a part of a larger organization run by paid staff. 

For whatever it's worth, I am a member of the PCTA and volunteer in numerous ways to help facilitate the protection and promotion of the PCT. I believe in the organization, whole heartedly.

Anyway, there is my 2 cents worth...well, maybe long enough to qualify as 3 and a half cents worth.   :)

JoAnn