Membership: A Vital Part of the OHF Mission

Members are essential to the work of OHF. Without them, OHF would not be able to fulfill its mission.

Supporting community health and helping our friends and neighbors in need has been at the very heart of the Ottauquechee Health Foundation’s mission, ever since it began over two decades ago. But this important, life-changing work would not be possible without the tireless efforts of OHF members.

For the remaining newsletters in 2022, we are going to focus on the role of members and spotlight several of them. Members will share what being an OHF member has meant to them, and what it’s like to join other members and create solutions for local health needs.

If members choose to, they can increase their involvement. By working with an OHF committee, they can provide input, lend their expertise, and offer guidance to the Foundation. For example, members work with the OHF Board to oversee the policy and governance of the Foundation and carry out its mission of fostering and supporting community-based health care.

In the community, members serve as advocates and ambassadors for OHF. They serve as an important link between the Foundation and the towns OHF serves by promoting the Foundation to those who may need its services as well as to those who may support or donate to its efforts. Members also volunteer to help at OHF-sponsored events like Share the Warmth or Race Around the Lake.

OHF members play an important part in the Foundation’s annual meeting. They elect new OHF members and trustees and they approve any changes to the bylaws.

And finally, members are asked to donate to support the mission of the OHF. Member donations account for 85% of all money donated to the Foundation.

While doing this work, members also support one another and form a strong, multi-dimensional team supporting key health services and initiatives throughout OHF’s service area. In fact, when noting what’s most fulfilling about membership, OHF members often point to the rich, productive spirit of collaboration with other people who are also striving to meet local health needs and make a difference in people’s lives.

While the responsibilities of members are not burdensome, their role is an important one. And by joining in these efforts, they join a team dedicated to providing health services and resources that can help and strengthen the community for generations to come.