To become a member of the Connecticut Water Trails Association there are no membership fees. All we ask is that you volunteer your time to at least one event over the course of the year. The purpose of the Connecticut Water Trails Association is to bring together individuals as well as groups, who want to work together to achieve a common goal – preserving and protecting Connecticut’s Water Trails.

So why are there are no membership fees to be a member of the Connecticut Water Trails Association?

There are already several established organizations who are advocates for Connecticut’s Water Trails and have paid staff as well as lawyers on their boards fighting for our water trails. There is no need for the Connecticut Water Trails Association to duplicate their efforts. Our objective is to coordinate and work with and through our membership to support these already well established programs and the efforts being pursued by all of the current water trails organizations in our state.

By keeping the Connecticut Water Trails Association an all volunteer organization we would not have to, as most of these other organizations, focus the majority of our time on fundraising by trying to collect membership fees or pursuing the limited Grant monies available to pay for staff salaries and programs.

Our main focus and goal is to help coordinate water trail efforts with other groups, allow water trail groups to share their ideas, recruit volunteers, help promote water trail based programs and events, and focus on paddler’s rights.

Our  primary role will not only be limited to just networking - but we would also focus on helping to get the word out and try to supply volunteers for any efforts which are already in place and may need support on. We will work with all of the water trail groups in supporting their already established programs.

This allows the Connecticut Water Trails Association to be able to supply a resource which is much, much more important and valuable than money to outdoor organizations – volunteer manpower.

As a member you will receive a quarterly newsletter as well as a membership card. We will also inform you of any special discounts or sales from the outdoor retailers we are working with when then become available.

As a member of the Connecticut Water Trails Association all we that we ask is that you are willing to volunteer your time to help work on projects which may come up. We would like you to you fill out the form below and email it back to us at : Connecticutwatertrails@hotmail.com

Connecticut Water Trails Volunteer Survey

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering offers many benefits... Here are some reasons to volunteer: 

Learn Or Develop A New Skill

Volunteering is the perfect conduit to develop a new skill or to discover a new talent. It is never too late to realize new skills or accumulate knowledge. Employers are often seeking well-rounded individuals who have good teamwork and goal setting skills. Planning and implementing a major event can develop goal setting, and planning skills. Serving on a volunteer committee is a great way to learn group dynamics and team work. Serving as a committee chair increases facilitation skills. The possibilities are endless.

There are so many options for being involved in your community. No one person is an island. People and societies co-depend on each other for survival. We can bridge the expanding gap between communities and societies through volunteering. Volunteering is ultimately about helping others taking part in impacting people's welfare and happiness. What better way is there to connect with your community and give something back? Do you feel strongly about something that is happening or not happening in your community and want to get involved? As a volunteer, you certainly return to society some of the benefits that society gives you.

Volunteering brings together a diverse range of people varied backgrounds. Both the recipients of your volunteer efforts and your fellow volunteers can be a valuable source of inspiration and an exceptional method to expand your interpersonal skills. You do not know who you will meet, what new information you will acquire, and how this could impact your life.

Volunteering is about donating your time, energy, and skills generously. As a volunteer you make a decision to help freely -- free from pressure to act from others. Volunteers generally convey a sense of achievement and motivation which ultimately is generated from the desire and enthusiasm to help. For others volunteering may simply be a break in regular routine or an opportunity to create balance in their lives. Volunteering around a personal interest or hobby can be enjoyable, relaxing, and revitalizing. That energy and sense of fulfillment can even be carried over to other situations and sometimes help to relieve tensions and foster new perspectives for old situations.

Watching those around you can allow you to identify leadership qualities that you most appreciate and can develop in yourself. Volunteer groups are often groups of peers that respond more to leadership than management. When you volunteer there are many opportunities available to lead by persuasion, show innovation, and share your ideas and values. Volunteer settings allow you to learn strategic thinking and conflict resolution skills. You will learn about your community, about trends and concerns, about people and about resources--all of which can help you develop your own leadership potential.

Networking - Volunteering offers an incredible networking opportunity. You will develop lasting personal and professional relationships. Not only is it a great way to learn about people from all walks of life, different environments, and new industries, but you can also hear about job openings, gather valuable employment information and develop great references.

Sometimes job duties change and you may no longer be doing things you used to do and liked. Volunteering is a perfect means for keeping those skills sharp and current.

It is much more effective to practice a new skill than to read about it or study it in a classroom. Volunteering is an excellent venue to experiment, practice, and test new techniques and skills. The opportunity to build your self-confidence through practice is offered. Additionally, volunteering provides opportunities to observe others to determine best practices.

Volunteering is a perfect way to explore new fields. Sometimes a volunteer experience can direct you to something you never thought about or help you uncover a new skill or interest. You can strengthen your personal/professional mission and vision by exploring opportunities and expanding your horizons.