Patty Proulx

Candidate for secretary

It has been my privilege to represent the volkssporters of the Northeast Region as their director for the past four years. I would like to continue serving our association as AVA Secretary, putting to use the insight I’ve gained from 25 years in this sport, as well as my experience as a secretary which includes membership in the New Hampshire Association of Education Office Professionals.

My vision for the AVA is that we focus more on the fun we have sharing this fitness activity with friends and family. I love this sport - it’s unique. Yes, we have unique challenges, but I believe that a strong foundation of volkssporting volunteers is in place to move us forward. New initiatives already underway, such as testing electronic ESR’s and a more attractive and informative webpage are excellent tools to assist in reducing paperwork and promoting quality events. Time and money are not unlimited and we must make effective use of our resources at all levels to avoid volunteer burnout.

In 1978, volkssporting in the US was two years old and the AVA only the dream of a group of dedicated individuals when I put my daughter Jessica in her backpack for a walk. Not our usual walk. A volksmarch. My father was visiting us in Germany and I thought a sightseeing walk in the mountains around Heidelberg would be a change of pace from the usual tourist activities. When I finished that 8km uphill and 2km straight downhill trail I never realized what a fulfilling role volkssporting would play in my life. I did realize two things that hold true even today - 1) the view from the top was worth the climb and 2) this was an activity I wanted to continue.

My involvement in volkssports has challenged me to do things and go places I never dreamed were possible. On the local level this includes membership in clubs across the country, co-founder of Magnolia State Volkssport Club, founder and president of Granite State Trail Walkers, serving as club secretary, event director, trail master, brochure publication, award design, publicity chair, sitting check points, registration, and even cooking eight cases of bratwurst when my husband the Food Chair went TDY unexpectedly.

At the national level I served as Southeast Director on EC V, Northeast Director on EC XI, EC XII, member of the AVA Short Range Planning Committee 89-91, the Ad Hoc Friends of Volkssporting Committee 90-91, AVA Liaison to Special Funds Development Committee 99-01, AVA Recognition Awards Chair ECV (to celebrate the AVA’s 10th Anniversary in 1989, IVV Honors were presented for the first time in AVA history, the second AVA Hall of Fame was awarded and “Founder’s Club” plaques were presented to the 28 still active clubs from the original 35 chartered clubs in 1979), and AVA Recognition Awards Chair ECXI and ECXII. In addition, I have attended five conventions either as a delegate or participant (85, 89, 91, 97, and 01).

More important than the list of states, number of events, or distance in km I’ve traveled, are the many friends I’ve made along the trails and the leadership experience I’ve gained from working with equally dedicated volkssporters over the years. I’ve had fun. I want to share that experience with others but I need your support.

Thank you.