VOLUNTEERS

 

Dan Dahlke
W.E.Ethics Committee Volunteer

I just returned from a very fun W.E.clinic & show in Eugene, OR. While there I was able to reconnect with many 'experienced' competitors and was thrilled to meet so many new enthusiasts. It is really gratifying to see this sport take off in popularity; and it's doing so because it's fun, friendly, challenging AND we all get to play with whatever horse we happen to have around, from gaited ponies, to giant draft horses.

 None of this happens though, without a full compliment of volunteers. It takes a LOT of volunteers to put on a show, and a LOT of volunteers to run the W.E. organization. At this show I said 'hello' and 'thank-you' to a number of familiar faces; TJ Cruden at the gate, Mark Klingler as TD, Karen Hansen doing, well, anything and everything right along with her husband Graham; not to mention the indefatigable Dan Dahlke (he's a super hero in my eyes because my dog bit him once..last time my dog was allowed out in public). Most of the competitors pitch in too, doing as much as they can. Sometimes that involves FOOD like the pulled pork that arrived at our potluck..um YUMMYNESS (Amy and her hubs) and silverware that magically appears, and then gets washed and returned courtesy of Emily Elias. 

All these people helping each other and interacting together creates a supportive and welcoming atmosphere for all. 

Now, take this event; add increasing popularity and number of shows (see the event calendar  HERE,  there are upwards of 5 events per weekend all over the country now) and think about all the people running all these shows. It's quite something. Now add the nationwide organization who must coordinate and manage ALL these activities (and track the records). All those folks are volunteers too! 

In case you haven't checked out how many people volunteer for USAWE and  the committees required to run it,  may I present to you all the people, on all the committees for your USAWE organization (Region 1 members highlighted in yellow)

All committees are appointed by the USAWE Board of Directors.

Affiliate Organizations Program Coordinator
Email: AffiliateOrganizations@usawe.org
Kristine Strasburger

Awards Committee
Email: Awards@usawe.org
Chair: Erin Leal
Members:
Kimberlee Barker
Lori Fisher
Lynn Maloney
Barb Sullivan

Coaches Network Committee
Email: Coaches@usawe.org
Chair: Trisha Kiefer-Reed
Members:
Emily Kemp
Ashley Smith
Andrea Sullivan
Kat Waters

Competitions Committee
Email: Competitions@usawe.org
Chair: Kris Blacklock
Members:
Jeanne Bond
Susan Watkins

Ethics Committee
Email: Ethics@usawe.org
Chair: Dan Dahlke
Members:
Cindy Branham
Marcy Buffington
Ali Kermeen
Glynna Hoekstra
Ali Kermeen
Adair Soho

Financial Oversight Committee

Members:
Leesa Nero

 

Licensed Officials Committee
Email: LOC@usawe.org
Chairs: Christy Reich & Doreen Atkinson
Members:
Jeanne Bond
Kellee Campbell
Leslie Martien

Marketing Committee
Chair: Kiki Pantaze (R4Director@usawe.org)
Members:
Heather Hiller
Jody Fontanetta (Graphic Design)
Stephanie Kame (Graphic Design)
Gillian Ockner (Website)
Adrienne Raymond (Website)
Kristine Strasburger (Website)
Barbara Price (Oversight & Assistance)

Membership Committee
Email: Membership@usawe.org
Chair: Olga Hendrickson
Members:
Jacqueline Ely
Mindy Finelli
Heather Hiller
Kate Steffes

Rules Committee
Email: Rules@usawe.org
Chair: Jeanne Bond
Members:
Glynna Hoekstra
Leslie Martien
Barbara Price
Amy Star

Youth Development Committee
Email: altyson@gmail.com
Chair: Alex Tyson
Members:
Olga Hendrickson
Melissa Main
Kasey Riddle
Shannon Rowe

 THANK-YOU, THANK-YOU, THANK-YOU!! 

Next time you're at an event..thank a volunteer!!