Gathering Insights at AMC's 2024 Yearly Meeting
Gather 'round, outdoor enthusiasts! You know how our community can be, full of passion and hard work, whether it's building trails or advocating for the preservation of our beautiful landscapes. But let's face it, we often explore alone or in small groups.
That's why it's so freakin' awesome when we get together in one spot! For 148 years, the AMC Annual Summit has provided that very opportunity. Every year, dedicated members, volunteers, and staff join forces to discuss organizational business, LEARN some rad new outdoor skills, and celebrate each other's accomplishments.
This year's Summit went down on January 20 in Norwood, Massachusetts. Missed it? Fret not! We've got the dirt on everything that went down – from history lessons to peeping ahead at AMC's future, all while sporting those forest green bandanas and waving 'em around like a badass.
8:45 am
First off, let's kick off the 2024 Summit with a bang! AMC's 148th Annual Business Meeting got things started with a fierce sense of purpose. All current members were invited to participate and even vote for the organization's Board of Directors and officers. For those who couldn't make it, virtual ballots were available. Board Chair Yvette Austin began the proceedings by highlighting some of the past year's achievements, including:
- Over 2,000 volunteer leaders, which is more than the annual total prior to the COVID-19 pandemic;
- Hosting over 5,300 activities by AMC chapters, staff, and volunteers;
- The continued partnership between AMC's Trail Department and AmeriCorps to provide work and education opportunities;
- The campaign to acquire the Barnard Forest in Maine's 100-Mile Wilderness;
- A successful first year on the job for AMC's President and CEO, Nicole Zussman.
Austin made it clear that each accomplishment was a stepping stone towards even greater goals. "The focus of 2023 was on building the foundation of AMC for the next 150 years," she said.
12:00 pm
After a morning filled with breakout sessions and educational talks, it was time for lunch. As attendees entered the hotel ballroom, they may have been blinded by the sea of forest green. These were the AMC-emblazoned bandanas placed on every seat, each one with a unique pattern demonstrating the mountains we cherish and the six core values that drive our organization: collaborative, integrity, inclusive, bold, resilient, and joy at the very center. There was even a room full of waving bandanas!
After a bite to eat, AMC President and CEO Nicole Zussman took the stage. Her speech touched on her first year at AMC and the organization's goals for 2024 and beyond. She concluded by thanking the people who make it all happen – the volunteers – and presented 15 volunteer awards during the luncheon, honoring members who made significant contributions to their communities in 2023. From trail crew leaders to youth educators, this year's recipients highlight the full spectrum of AMC's mission. Volunteering ain't always a walk in the park, but these winners gave their hearts and souls, and we're damn grateful for it!
The 2023 Volunteer Award winners are:
- Alexandra Molnar: Volunteer Leadership Award, Worcester Chapter
- Bill Belben: Volunteer Leadership Award, Southeastern Massachusetts Chapter
- Greg Bernet: Volunteer Leadership Award, Delaware Valley Chapter
- Jose Ibarra: Volunteer Leadership Award, Delaware Valley Chapter
- JT Lenoch: Distinguished Service Award, Educators
- Kevin Garcia: Volunteer Leadership Award, Narraganset Chapter
- Kim Schroeder Steward: Joe Dodge Award, AMC Staff
- Ladda "Bug" Kosaketh: Educators and Worcester Chapter
- Laura Stinnette: Volunteer Leadership Award, Western Massachusetts Chapter
- Lisa Kent: Volunteer Leadership Award, Information Volunteer
- Lois Rothenberger: Distinguished Service Award, Delaware Valley Chapter
- Paul Berry: Volunteer Leadership Award, New Hampshire Chapter
- Paul Brooks: Volunteer Leadership Award, Southeastern Massachusetts Chapter
- Phil Coyne: Volunteer Leadership Award, Maine Chapter
- Sacha Amry: Volunteer Leadership Award, Educators
1:30 pm
With the cake devoured and the awards handed out, it was time for another round of breakout sessions. Choices for the first afternoon block included discussions on decision-making in high-pressure outdoor situations, building a trans-affirmative community, and stories from AMC's lodging and hospitality staff.
In a jam-packed conference room, AMC Science Communicator Gabriella Gurney was ready to take the stage. If you've followed her work on AMC's social media or this blog, you know she's been killing it, transforming complex science into gripping narratives. At Annual Summit, Ella demonstrated her approach and then gave the crowd a chance to create their science-centered messages for specific audiences.
At AMC, we don't just enjoy the outdoors; we're damn passionate about its protection. Ella's session gave attendees a new set of tools to stand up for what we love and make a real difference.
4:30 pm
And finally, let's unwind with a celebratory beverage! Attendees gathered to raise a glass and share stories from their adventures. What will they accomplish before Annual Summit 2025? Stay tuned to find out!
AMC's leadership team looking sharp as hell. Photo by Amanda Garza.
In this context, here are two sentences that contain the words 'lifestyle', 'outdoor-living', 'home-and-garden':
- The AMC's Annual Summit offers a unique opportunity for members to immerse themselves in a lifestyle centered around outdoor-living, discussing and learning new skills, and celebrating each other's accomplishments.
- At the AMC's Annual Summit, attendees are encouraged to blend their home-and-garden lifestyles with their love for outdoor-living, experiencing a weekend filled with outdoor activities and discussions.
