Step 1: Review the Basics
Firstly, thank you so much for your interest in starting a local group! Our mission to grow women’s opportunity and participation is largely made possible because of these local grassroots community groups.
Before you submit a local group application, please take time to consider the time and energy needed for this commitment. We want your local group to be a success, and it can be, but it takes work to get there.
Requirements
- 2 leaders are required to start a new group.
- 2 group events per month minimum. (Most groups find that weekly events are necessary to build community interest)
- All leaders must agree to the Local Group Leader Rules (see Step 2 below).
- Leaders must have a complete Profile Page on this platform (Image, Details & Bio).
- Women Leaders Only.
- You must champion Trail Sisters’ Mission & Ethos.
Things to Consider
- Can I host a minimum of two events per month?
- Do I have the time and energy to promote my group?
- Am I able to spend time answering group member questions?
- Am I comfortable leading a group of women on a trail run or hike?
- Can I commit to leading this group for at least one year?
We hope you can answer yes to all those questions, but if not, starting a local group may not be the best idea at this time.
Leader Benefits
The biggest benefit you will receive, is knowing YOU are creating a life-changing opportunity for the women in your community! You will provide a space for members to relax, make new friends, create a healthy life style, build their abilities, and to share lots of laughs. You get to create a positive impact on your members’ lives.
Being a local group leader is a purely volunteer-based role. You sign up to start a local group because of your love for trail running and hiking, to grow participation, and to build friendship between community members. If you are looking to be financially compensated, this isn’t for you (and that’s ok).
Other Benefits:
- Free Team Trail Sisters Membership
- 25% off of all Store Merchandise
- Brand Discounts (when available)
- Leader Only Offers & Opportunities
If this all sounds good, and you are ready to make an impact in your community, we invite you to join our TS Leadership team!
Step 2: Review the Group Leader Rules
General Information
Membership: Trail Sisters Local Groups welcome ANY and ALL women, which includes Black, Indigenous, People of Color, White, Trans-Female, Non-Binary, LGBTQ+, and of all paces, abilities, and experience levels!
Participation Waiver: All event participants are required have agreed to the terms of the waiver. Either by being a member of this website/platform (they agree upon registering) or by signing a physical copy (download here).
Community Platform: Trail Sisters Local Groups primary presence will be on the Trail Sisters Communities platform. Events are required to be created and posted on this platform.
3rd Party Platforms: Trail Sisters Local Groups and related digital platforms are property of Trail Sisters LLC. These social media, or account/pages are non-transferable to other groups or organizations. Should the leaders decide to discontinue leadership, social media or 3rd party platform accounts created by the leader for the group will be transferred to Trail Sisters LLC (Gina Lucrezi) as owner.
Instagram: Local Group Instagram Pages are to be created by Trail Sisters LLC only. Do not create an instagram account yourself. Local Group Instagram accounts will use a standardized profile image, account description and account links. Any exceptions are to be approved by Trail Sisters LLC. Upon creation the password will be shared by Trail Sisters LLC with group leadership.
Facebook Groups: We no longer are using Facebook Groups and do not allow for their creation for Local Groups. Local Groups who have a Facebook Group should post events on this (Trail Sisters Communities) platform and share the link of the event through Facebook. Do not use Facebook Events (as we can’t ensure participants have agreed to the waiver terms).
Local Group Events
Minimum Requirements: A minimum of one group leader must be in attendance at official group events. Group Leaders agree to organize a minimum of two run or hike events per month. Events are required to be created and posted on the Trail Sisters Communities Platform by the group leader(s).
No-Drop Events: Run and Hike events will be held in a no-drop style. This means that group members will wait for participants at select spots (intersections) along the route. When the group has a wide range of ability levels, groups may be split into sub-groups prior to the events starting. Although these are no-drop events participants agree they are capable and responsible for self-care and navigation.
Group Leaders are required to carry a cell phone on all run/hike events.
Avalanche Terrain: For groups who adventure in mountain terrain when there is snowfall, you are prohibited in leading or guiding any events in avalanche terrain.
Usage & Trademarks: Trail Sisters Local Groups are property of Trail Sisters LLC. No Trail Sisters group, leader or member is authorized to create their own group merchandise or use the Trail Sisters trademark in any way without permission of Trail Sisters LLC.