Appalachian Mountain Club Adapts to the Pandemic
NEC member the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), an outdoor-focused nonprofit organization, has embraced innovative strategies to keep doors open and continue foster the enjoyment and protection of the outdoors.
The COVID-19 pandemic had dealt an immediate blow to the AMC, and the nonprofit was forced to fast track fundraising and allocate their resources strategically. AMC prioritized conservation projects, citizen science, and conservation policy, focusing on the recently passed Great American Outdoors Act. The AMC also prioritized a small group of caretaker staff, who have continued to provide basic services at the White Mountain huts along with safety functions.
“AMC is a strong community of outdoor enthusiasts and conservation stewards. This group of stalwart supporters and volunteers has been key in helping us manage through and lessen the overall impact of the pandemic on AMC’s mission,” CEO John Judge told the Boston Business Journal. “Inherent in our model is the way we help people experience the outdoors in a communal way — this includes folks eating meals together, naturalists programs for schools, group travel, and overnight accommodations in bunkhouses.”
The New England Council congratulates the Appalachian Mountain Club on continuing to conserve and promote the enjoyment of the outdoors despite this year’s challenges. Read more from the Boston Business Journal.