Jeff Rahmlow – GeoPink/arcangl7

[GeoPink]

[GeoPink]

In responce to wzbt03’s questions…

1- Since the main board function is the two WGA events, campout and picnic, what do you intend to offer as a board member over the next 2 years to these events?

The wording of this question once again reflects the current direction of the WGA. While we all know that the board is responsible for more than just these two events, that is the only visible manifestation of the work of the board. To answer the question, I will volunteer my time, efforts and big white tent, to the best of my abilities. I look forward to being in a position to meet and work with more of our members at these events. However I also feel we must change this image of the WGA and its board by increasing member participation in projects which will make membership in this fine organization even more of a value.

2- How do you intend to help mentor the other cachers in the state who might struggle with the accepted ethics of geocaching?

First and foremost I intent to lead by example.
Secondly, I will help individual cachers to understand some of the unwritten ethics of geocaching in a private setting (usually email) as I’ve done several times in the past.
Thirdly, I don’t believe that the function of the board should include policing the geocaching activities in this state. The only exception to this would be any outright flagrant and malicious actions taken by a geocacher which would threaten the existence of the sport in our state.

3- Since it is the caches in Wisconsin that make us what we are, what caches do you currently have out there that would be considered assets to Wisconsin (including past events you have hosted)?

Yes, it is the caches that make us what we are. It is also the cachers that make us what we are. To answer the question, I am proud of all I’ve been able to learn and teach through the Manitowoc Submarine Series of caches. I truly cannot even start to explain all the good things that have happened and all the people I’ve met and things I have learned as a result of that series. Unfortunately, I’ve not yet had the opportunity to assist or host an event. I do hope to change that in the future and as always I will lean on those who have gone before and learn from them.

It is the fine cachers in this state that make us special. I hope to have an opportunity to serve you on our board.

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later,
Team GeoPink
Co-conspirators to make the world a better place…

[GeoPink]

In responce to GrouseTales…

While I wish I would be able to list a slew of things I’ve done for the WGA, I can’t. While I have been a member for over a year now, I have only been able to attend one WGA sanctioned event. I did make the fine contribution of the Pancake House, though.

I do feel that my involvement in cache hiding in my local area and my involvement on these forums has been an asset to the WGA and geocaching. While I am known to be opinionated at times, I feel this is positive as it helps all of us (myself included) to evaluate our own ideas and leanings in certain subjects and maybe rethink our position.

I have held positions on boards at my church and am in a leadership position at the Manitowoc/Calumet Chapter of the American Red Cross, helping to organize, train, instruct and maintain quality in our Health and Safety instructors throughout the chapter.

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later,
Team GeoPink
Co-conspirators to make the world a better place…

[GeoPink]

In responce to Ms. WISearcher…

I would like to see the WGA board take a more visible role in the WGA. Let’s get some things done to give value to WGA membership. I would like to see member participation in building and creating tools for the rest of the WGA to help in hiding a cache, locating public lands, asking permission, holding a public information session, talking with your local government about our activity, and on and on.
What was done in the Peoples Republic of Madison in regards to opening up their parks to geocaching is a fine example, but where can average Joe geocacher go to find out how to do that in his community? I feel this should become a priority not just for the board, but as an organization wide goal.

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later,
Team GeoPink
Co-conspirators to make the world a better place…

[GeoPink]

In responce to Trudy and the beast
“WGA Membership growth is showing a disturbing trend. In the past six months, we count 160 new members while 155 memberships expired. While we report about 650 members at year’s end, about 275 of those memberships have now expired. It appears that membership has actually leveled off at less than 400 with no growth while the number of cachers walking Wisconsin trails doubles annually. What do you see as possible reasons and how would you propose we get growth back on track?”

I find this information absolutely fascinating. Here are a few thought I have and I’m sure are echoed by many others.

• Wow. Am I still a member?
• How do I find out?
• How do I renew my mebership?
• Who are all these people that are leaving?
• Who are all these people who are members… I only see about a hundred or so folks on the forums.

The first three point are most importnant. The WGA and the board needs to have an active IT membership who can maintain an email listing for members. This should be used specifically for times as this, membership reminders. This would also be a great tool to bring folks back to the website for COTM voting and important issues that develop in the forums. Right now the WGA membership is the forums. This needs to grow to include more areas of the website and more benefits to members.

Part of the loss of membership is the natural loss of interest by geocachers who tried it but don’t stick around. But given the numbers above, the WGA is just treading water. The members need to continue to suggeest and the board needs to take steps to implement improvements to the value of membership in the WGA.

I believe one place to start is with an active website developer from among our ranks and a separate forum in the message boards entitled “WGA Website Suggestions”.

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later,
Team GeoPink
Co-conspirators to make the world a better place…

[edit]spelling, format[/edit]

[This message has been edited by arcangl7 (edited 01-15-2005).]

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