[at-l] ATC ETC

[grey.owl at comcast.net]

Interesting thread and I thought that I would delurk and add my $0.02.  I am a member of the ATC, my donations come directly from my paycheck as I donate through the CFC.  All the information that I give is my mailing address, no phone numbers or e-mail addresses.  I don't get junk e-mail nor unwanted phone calls.  All the mailing go directly into the trash can.  I also am a member of several other organizations and I follow the same policy.

I notice that when trying to join on the web some of the organizations demand either my phone number or my e-mail address.  Guess what they don't get it and they don't get my money.  The one organization that I really love is Batona, the hiking club in Philadelphia.  Membership is free or $3/year  if you want a hard copy of their hiking list (Has more info than the web page).  Last weekend we were supposed to do some trail maintenance on the AT.  The weather canceled that activity, however 7 people showed up at the meeting point.  That is a lot more than the number of people that showed up for the last trail maintenance trip that I attended for the AMC.  I don't know what the yearly dues to the AMC are, but they are many times more than for Batona, yet more people show up for the Batona activities.  

I personally have organizations that are more important to me than Trail clubs/organizations or conservation organizations.  I willing make donation to the Disabled American Veterans, the local food bank, etc.  I would much rather help those people, who through no fault of their own, are not making it in the US today.  At least that what is says in the Bible (the last time I read it) but what the hell I am an atheist and what do I know.

Bob