The A.T. Volunteer Leadership Meeting (VLM100), held August 15-17, 2025, drew rising leaders from 27 A.T. Clubs (out of 30) along the length of the Trail. The event provided space for sharing good ideas between clubs, emphasis on how to support volunteer development within clubs, and resources for leaders at all levels in the management of the A.T.

Sessions met or exceeded expectations, as communicated through session evaluations, and people reported that the topics were of significant relevance to their club. Ninety-five percent reported that they are very likely to use the information gained at VLM. Participants reported the greatest benefits of the workshop included feeling energized and connected to people and other clubs, as well as grasping how clubs and ATC interact together to support the A.T.

Volunteers were asked to share the most important thing they learned, here is a sample of responses:

“What inspiration and motivation you have given me! I already was working on some of this, but you have given me renewed energy to take with me. Thank you for all you have put into this weekend. It is already creating [ripples].”

 

“Excellent set of sessions, relevant topics, and incredibly knowledgeable staff leading informative sessions. This workshop exceeded my expectations.”

 

“I was asked by our president to attend. Even looking at the agenda, I wasn’t sure what I would be able to bring back. In addition to the outstanding content, the most valuable takeaway was the networking. This was exceptional. Thanks for all for the exceptional planning and execution.”

Additionally, attendees reported that having opportunities to share challenges and successes with other Club leaders was one of the most significant benefits of attending VLM.

The Club-led poster sessions provided an interactive and engaging way for volunteer leaders to formally share information on numerous relevant topics. Club representatives were stationed around the room with informative posters and shared short, informal presentations with small groups, allowing ample time for questions and discussion. Attendees had the option of visiting several poster presentations or using the session to take a deeper dive into just one or two topics throughout the two rounds of presentations.

Poster sessions included:

Training as a Tool for Volunteer Development with the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club: The GATC Training Program aims to help new volunteers feel welcomed, prepared, and confident by offering orientation sessions, formal workshops, and informal training and mentorship opportunities.

Organizational Strategic Planning with the Maine Appalachian Trail Club: An overview of the Club’s three-year strategic planning process. The Club identified five areas of focus: trail center construction, communication processes, membership numbers and diversity, new fundraising opportunities, and continuation of knowledge within the Club.

Membership Development with the Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club: The Club’s Membership Growth Committee committed to elevating awareness of the Club within their community. Their strategy included planting 500 trees, partnering with municipalities and communities, increasing social opportunities and offering a broader range of activities, and focusing on mentorship and relationship-building within their board.

Local Management Plan for the Next Generation with Connecticut AMC: The Club is in the process of updating their Local Management Plan for the first time in over 20 years. The process includes a working group that meets monthly with the goal of creating an up-to-date manual to ensure a smooth and accurate transfer of knowledge and processes.

Club Vitality Checklist with the Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club: Through the process of completing ATC’s Club Vitality Checklist, long term and new members assessed the Club’s day to day operations and identified three areas for improvement: develop a gift accepting policy, implement an annual budgeting process, and offer an orientation for new Club officers.

Where’s Your Club House? with the Maine Appalachian Trail Club: Overview of the Club’s process of planning, fundraising, and constructing a base of operations for their trail crew and seasonal housing. The Club shared potential plans to add a facility for record storage and explore marketing the base as a training facility for other organizations.

The Next Generation Advisory Council also held its annual meeting concurrent to the VLM100. In addition to members contributing to the overall goals of VLM, the team spent valuable time deepening relationships, experiencing the A.T., speaking with ATC’s leadership, and reviewing and making recommendations to their council’s charge. The Council supports ATC’s overall mission by offering perspectives on key programs under development.

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