Ramblers
"If people volunteer, they will care more about the walking environment.”
As press officer for the London Metropolitan Walkers 20s to 30s Group, Eleanor Harris has seen membership double through innovative volunteer recruitment schemes.
“New volunteers and members are the lifeblood of London Met Walkers and we entice them in every way we can,” says Eleanor. “Our ‘themed walks’ programme gained us new members this autumn, as hundreds turned out for the London Film Festival-timed ‘film location’ walks. We’ve also attended events like the Thames Festival (attracting crowds of 750,000), and printed a publicity leaflet for new members.
"But it’s the welcome we give newcomers that makes the difference. We make a speech and collect potential volunteers’ names. If people volunteer, they walk more and will ultimately care more about protecting the walking environment.”
