Building a New Road
Join the Development Team, Board, or become a Coach to be part of something great, and continue opening a world of possibilities for so many people!
I found out this summer that the road I’d been taking to start and end my bike rides from home was going to be closed for 3 weeks to be repaved. I was thrilled because it was such a mess that it was a serious hazard to ride, forcing careful maneuvering and elevated stress through sections that offered no option but to simply hope all goes well. I was also frozen in a bit of panic because this meant that, instead, I would have to ride the road that I had my bike crash on in 2020 that left me with a broken elbow and a 6 month recovery from a brain injury - a road I once loved, but hadn’t mustered the nerve to return to since the crash.
The new road is open and it’s awesome! Cycling bliss. Smooth sailing and a blast to ride. Flat to gently rolling terrain, that sweet new pavement makes the potential those miles held all this time a reality. It’s perfect for easy or recovery rides, and also for pushing the limits with short intervals and Time Trials.
I loved getting back out there on my crash route, the goldilocks challenges of the climbs it offers, and the lack of stress from the other road so much that I quadrupled my riding time during the road closure and have increased my fitness so significantly that I am able to make full use of the new road at a new level. The two roads connect and it’s a whole new world out there now.
Now, gritting my teeth with determination and smiling in joy of the experience, instead of gritting my teeth in distress and smiling in relief that I survived.
Yes, Verge programs are paused for the moment to focus on building a new road and rejuvenate myself from burnout. Over the next month I will be interviewing folks from our Summer Outreach, and others, to gauge their areas of interest and availability, then we will meet as a group to discuss roles and determine the development team that will spend the next year building the organization, together, that I have needed and not had.
I understand what this means in the moment for many folks, my heart does bleed, but I cannot continue without support and an organization. (There is a possibility of upcoming winter or spring programs.) The goal is long term and to keep Verge alive and thriving for many years and many people to come, including you. I hope you understand that I have put every ounce of my being into your children and this program since I founded it over 7 years ago and I hope you will support this effort.
In a nutshell: A run club is typically operated and supported by its members with requirements to volunteer and contribute in order to participate. This has not been the case with Verge members. Verge is a unique program with unique needs. It is requiring me to find an alternate way to operate that works for all. This means ongoing need for additional funding and hired staff. I feel that the way forward is a hybrid model:
A formal organization to support the program.
In season, program specific requirements for families to volunteer and contribute to the team by helping with tasks and coordination that also aids in strengthening and unifying the Verge community + an annual team fundraising/social activity (Flutie 5K is the target activity).
Ultimately, expansion to provide for the need/demand while also increasing funding and partnership opportunities.
What is needed right now for what is? A Development Team, a Board, and Coaches.
In more detail: A group of committed folks to work together and help part time - Fundraising managers/coordinators; funding seekers; networkers; marketing/communications/PR person(s); people good at managing/coordinating; volunteers to help with associated tasks; Board members with business, finance, nonprofit management and development, communications experience. Time commitment: Depends on role - from 1-2 hours per month to 10-20 hours a week. Certain roles may be paid or develop into paid positions.
Interested people can email me at arussell@teamverge.org to discuss your area of interest and availability.
Join the team to be part of something great and continue opening a world of possibilities for so many people while bring the community together and shaping lives in a positive way!