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RV_CONUS's avatar
RV_CONUS
Explorer
Oct 04, 2013

Volunteer On-Site During Shutdown!

It appears that the Government Shutdown is going to continue. As such, we are considering departing our Volunteer Site until such time as operations return to normal, if feasible. Take the time to visit family, etc.

Remaining as a Volunteer at a National site cost free, without contributing to the mission, is not something we are comfortable with continuing.

We have always paid our way, and will continue to do so. We are in a position, that we do not need a free RV site.

Depending upon where we are when normal operations return, depends whether we go to the expense to return. We Volunteer because, it has been fun. The location we are at appears to have sufficient staff and local volunteers that our absence would most likely, not create a hardship once things return to normal.

We are unable to perform any Volunteer function while on shutdown.

Is any other Volunteers in the same position, if so, what are your thoughts?

20 Replies

  • Just Simply, thank you.

    We hope you and other Americans and Visitors get to enjoy our National Treasures, soon.
  • To RV Volunteers CONUS and all the other volunteers, state, national, and every level, that make our parks so great. My wife and I can't thank you enough, even if the children in DC play their games, point fingers and try to ruin so many good things by thinking only of themselves.
    Sir and Madame our hats are off to you for your hard work and dedication, so that so many of us can enjoy the outdoors. We truly appreciate it!!!

    gary & marilyn
  • It seems to me that you ARE performing a service, just by being there to provide some sense of security for the facilities, Vandals do not like witnesses...
  • Here's a question for you. Are you isolated? In other words if something happens to you or the campground while you are there, are you comfortable that you could get help? I know they said law enforcement would still be working, but are they down to skeleton crews?
  • I'm not in the situation. But, I suspect you would still be performing a service even if it is just making sure the park is not abused by others.
  • Thanks for the thought provoking responses.

    Not noble or misguided. As I get older, fair and just, right and wrong, seems to be almost too simple in a very convoluted and complex world.

    Just an honest and sincere question.

    Thanks again. I'll post what we decide. Maybe things will change sooner than expected, and it will be a moot issue.
  • I CERTAINLY WOULD NOT feel guilty about staying! The situation you are in is through no fault of your own. At the absolute least, you are owed a place to stay through the balance of your original commitment. Given a choice, I would stay! Being forced to leave is another story.
  • We took a position with a defined period of service.

    During the shut down we could stay or leave. It was left up to us.

    We decided to stay as our reservations, for the rest of the year, were already made and confirmed.

    We cannot do anything "official", but we can keep "on eye on the place." I also see a lot of little projects that will be much easier with no campers.

    So stay we will and hope for a quick resolution.
  • Your sentiments are noble, but misguided. You took the job with all good intentions of performing 100% of it. Now due to a situation that is beyond your control, you have no duties to perform. Not your fault. Stay put.

    I am a government worker without a job and I don't mind. And I am sure that the vast majority of America will not will not mind; but I wouldn't post here anymore as some will take it as taunting and it could get ugly.
  • We are unable to perform any Volunteer function while on shutdown.

    This should be your main basis for leaving. There's no need to feel guilty over a free site if circumstances made it that way and not you.

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