How
Can I Help The OSTA?
Article from Sep
- Oct 2006 Buckeye Trapper
by Mark
Basinger
The OSTA is your organization and mine. We are a collective group
of individuals that are interested in the conservation of our
natural resources. We may have many other outdoor interests as
well, but we also love the challenge of trapping.
The OSTA is a large organization of around 1700 members. There
are a wide variety of talented individuals in this group. Some
are great trap-tinkerers, some are great organizers, and some
are great storytellers. The truth is, we all have talents, some
of them just haven’t been found yet.
I would ask that each of us search out our talents and consider
applying them toward helping the OSTA become an even better organization.
How? There are a multitude of ways in which we can help the OSTA.
The biggest way most of us can help is by making a donation. Not
necessarily a donation of money, but of time and talent.
A donation of time could be helping out at a spring or fall meet,
sport show(s), banquets, fur auctions, or our annual convention.
A donation of talent could be in a variety of ways as well. Some
of our talented help includes convention demonstrators, demo announcers,
sound technicians, story writers, and the actual construction
of the demo area itself. A plus to the donation of time to the
OSTA are the “special forces” hours awarded. Special
forces hours add up quickly – especially at the convention
– and allow you to receive some rather nice items of appreciation.
Donations can also be in the form of money, either directly or
indirectly. The OSTA welcomes donations of both types. Donations
can be made in the form of a general nature, or directed towards
something like the Charles Dobbins Scholarship Fund. Fur sale
commissions and donated auction items could be included here as
well. Not only do the OSTA fur auctions help the seller, but they
also benefit the organization. Auction items are always appreciated
and make our convention auction most unique.
Another donation of talent would be in the form of leadership.
For most people this is something that you “grow into.”
None of us are born leaders, we learn and “grow as we go.”
Leadership can also come in a variety of ways. An example would
be organizing a trapper education class, or giving a talk at a
local school. It may involve the coordination of an advanced trapper
workshop or running the OSTA booth at a local fair or sports show.
Staff positions within the OSTA organization are also a way to
become involved in leadership. Volunteer positions – from
being a County Organizer to elected positions such as the Vice
President or even the President of the organization – are
possible.
The OSTA is truly made up of many great people who share their
time and talents for the love of trapping. After becoming involved
with the “inner workings” of this great organization,
I am truly blessed to see this dynamic organization grow and evolve
into the best organization I know. Won’t you please help
us make the OSTA the best it can be? As a force of one we can
do a little, but as a force of 1700 strong each pulling and working
together we can accomplish so much more. Contact your District
Director and ask what you can do to help. Join us, won’t
you? ### Mark Basinger, 18336 Goudy Rd., Dalton, OH 44618
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