Introduction

The purpose of this handbook is to provide easy-to-use guidance for section leaders and those interested in taking on additional leadership within a Green Mountain Club section. It is an attempt to "pass the torch" of knowledge and experience of the many good folks who have led GMC sections for nine decades. 

The effort to create such a document originated in the GMC Sections Committee which met on several occasions during 1997 and 1998. This committee presented a final report to the GMC board of directors in January 1999. One of the suggestions of the committee was that sections collectively prepare a handbook to guide the individual sections and their officers. This guide would serve as a companion to the already existing A Trip Leader's Handbook and GMC Trail and Shelter Maintenance Manual.

Overview: Green Mountain Club and Its Sections

• Each is responsible for maintaining a portion of the Long Trail and/or Appalachian Trail;
• All section members are members of the Green Mountain Club;
• Each section elects one member to represent it on the GMC board of directors. The number of seats on the board of directors equals the number of sections plus an equivalent number elected by the GMC membership as general directors.

GMC sections do not exist by themselves. Their activities are carried out by volunteers with different backgrounds and interests and their own ways to support a section and the GMC. The sections are an integral part of the Green Mountain Club and share its mission:

The mission of the Green Mountain Club is to make the Vermont Mountains play a larger part in the life of the people by protecting and maintaining the Long Trail System and fostering, through education, the stewardship of Vermont's hiking trails and mountains.