Ginny Drumm

Candidate for vice president

I want to be the next Vice President of the American Volkssport Association. I look forward to the challenge of serving on the Executive Council with other committed members to lead our organization as it grows and prospers.

My vision for the AVA is that we strengthen our grassroots foundation and grow, slowly but steadily, as each of us infects new participants with our enthusiasm for volkssporting.

The challenges facing our organization are primarily a result of declining participation. Our financial base has eroded and our source of volunteers at all levels has shrunk. If elected, I will work to increase participation by helping to redefine “volkssporting.” This can be done by placing the emphasis on the quality of the event rather than the quantity of events. I see a quality event as one with friendly, informed workers, and clearly marked trails. New participants will see what it is that sets volkssporting apart and will value their experience. As our membership increases we will have more to offer potential sponsors and partners.

Working for thirteen years as an instructor for The Diet Workshop, a weight management organization, I developed public speaking and motivational skills. My customer service skills were honed while working in a bank for five years. During that time I was also an active volunteer, serving on the board of two Parent Teacher Organizations and filling various positions with the Girl Scouts of the USA. In addition to being a troop leader, I was the business manager for a day camp for five years where I utilized my accounting training and added to my organizational skills. I am now retired and have the time and resources to devote to carrying out the business of the organization.

I discovered volkssporting in 1985 and immediately became involved with Queen City Skywalkers (QCS). Volkssporting leadership roles include president of QCS since 1993, president of Ohio Wander Freunde since July, 2002, Area Coordinator for the Ohio Volkssport Association from 1994 through 1997, and Mid-America Regional Director from 1997 until 2001, EC X and EC XI.

I worked in the AVA National Headquarters as the interim executive director for five months in 2002. With this experience, I will bring a unique perspective to the board. I have a working knowledge of our headquarter operations and a good relationship with the staff which will help unite our organization.

Working together, we can make the American Volkssporting Association the premier walking organization. I appreciate your support.