Ray Korpi:
> BTW, in the interesting thread on volunteerism, one note not made
>was regarding volunteer burnout--so many times I've seen people get
>tugged eight different ways and just fizzle.

That's an important point, one, as you so correctly point out, ignored
thus far in our discussions.

It's important in any effort which depends on volunteer labor to plan
on turnover. But, this is no different than the business world. It
means one must plan to spend time and energy recruiting and training
newcomers after each season, if the project is of any size at all.

And, to take steps to keep turnover at a reasonable level. Expressing
appreciation seems like a simple first step - I've heard some horror
stories regarding trip-leading for one Seattle-area organization during
a "tweeters" discussion over the past summer. The stories I heard made
it sound as though volunteers were expected to be thankful for the
opportunity. In fairness, HawkWatch - the organization running the
Goshutes project - has done the same at times.

So, I think getting jerked around is far too common. We try to do
good at PAS but know we're not perfect, too many folks involved and
far too many ways to screw up.

- Don Baccus, Portland OR <donb at rational.com>