Bonnie Johnson

Candidate for Regional Director

North Central Region

My first volksmarch was in April 1986 at the Springbrook Nature Center in Fridley, MN. Little did I know it would become my major hobby, exercise and a time of fun and challenge with a chance to see our country by foot. Now with 1200 events and 1200 kilometers in addition to some biking kilometers, I still look forward to getting out each week to participate in a walk or biking event.

My current employment is with Hennepin County as a Child Support Officer. I telecommute and work at home every other day. With less travel time during the week, it allows me more time to work on the AVA and club projects. I also do a variety of church and community volunteer functions.

In the past, I have served as secretary for 3 years and president for 4 years of the Twin Cities Volkssport Club. I have participated in many club activities from the ground up, putting on two to four events each year as well as serving as a point of contact for four YRE/Seasonal walks and a bike. Beginning in April of this year, I will be leading a group walk each Thursday to promote the area year round/seasonal walks and bikes. This will also serve as a market for new walkers, fellowship of walking with someone each week and gainful attendance for the yre/seasonals.

I have been the North Central Regional Director since July 2001 and will be up for re-election this year. Each Regional Director (one from each of the 10 regions), is put on a committee which best suits their background, experience and skills. I have been working on the Fundraising Committee. Our committee is the one promoting the pups, eagles and bears for the AVA with the hope that everyone is buying these cute little keepsakes. I also work at keeping in contact with each of the 38 clubs in the North Central region to represent and bring their concerns to the Executive Council board and meetings. Contact with the clubs is either by visitation, letter, email or phone and I maintain an open door to any and all for information and questions.

If I am re-elected as the North Central Regional Director, I will do my best to represent each club in this region and fulfill my obligation as a member of the AVA Executive Council. I will put the clubs best interests forward. My goal is to work with the clubs to motivate growth in walk participation and get new walkers involved so they feel a part of the organization. This in turn will help the clubs as well as the AVA. Thanks for allowing me to serve you for the past 2 years.