GVR seeks volunteers for Board, committees

To fulfill its mission to provide recreational, social and leisure educational opportunities that enhance the quality of members’ lives, it takes a corps of volunteers to serve on the Green Valley Recreation Board of Directors and its committees.

The annual call is out for GVR members to consider volunteering their experience, background, talents and time for one of four vacancies on the board, or on a committee.

Of the 12-member board, current President Altie Metcalf said one-third are replaced each year; board members serve for three years, with positions rotating each year.

Metcalf said people moved to Green Valley because of the many activities offered by GVR and become so involved doing what they enjoy that they don’t have time to volunteer.

“Ironically, GVR’s success at offering a myriad of activities is its downfall when it comes to asking people to volunteer time for the GVR board and committees because people are just too darned busy.”

On the flip side are newcomers who aren’t familiar with the organization and may be skittish about jumping in and volunteering.

As board positions change annually, so do committee chairs. “All chairs are reassigned by the board ... change is healthy,” said Nominations Committee Chair Mike Banks.

As all committees have non-board members, members who don’t like being in a position of leadership can still serve by volunteering on a committee or being a monitor at events.

Banks said three candidate receptions are planned and will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 2 p.m. at the Santa Rita Springs Anza Room; Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 5 p.m. at Canoa Hills Saguaro Room and Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 2 p.m. at the Madera Vista Recreation Center.

Asked the purpose of the receptions, Metcalf and Banks agreed it’s to generate interest, to get GVR members and residents to put a toe in the water.

Qualified candidates must be GVR property owners with their name on the title and should be open-minded, fair, have pro-active leadership skills, practice good communications and listening skills—and be a team player with a vision for the future of GVR.

Metcalf added that the candidate receptions help to ensure a good slate for the February elections. “It’s a blend of finding residents who have time and have a broad view to represent the entire community.”

Prospective board members would help decide the future of GVR and respond to issues that affect the organization, such as “How do we continue to meet the needs of the current membership while being responsive to changing demographics? What new activities/sports might be supported? How can GVR become more energy efficient?”

“It’s an opportunity to bridge the gap from reading and hearing (about the GVR board) to meeting and talking with board members. You can make a difference,” Banks said.

Ellen Sussman is a freelance writer in Green Valley. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net.