This article is part of the Summer 2026 edition of the Volunteer Newsletter, a quarterly update meant to equip, empower and encourage RMEF volunteers. More articles are available on our dedicated Volunteer Newsletter page.
On July 15 and 16 in Missoula, Mont., 100 RMEF volunteers and field staff gathered for the 2026 Volunteer Summit, two days dedicated to tackling some of the toughest challenges facing RMEF chapters today. The Summit brought together a diverse mix of chapter leaders, new volunteers, seasoned committee members and field staff, all united by a shared commitment to strengthening RMEF’s grassroots impact.
Over the course of the event, participants rolled up their sleeves and dove into the issues that chapters consistently face: volunteer recruitment and retention, improving event efficiency, expanding community outreach and finding new ways to share RMEF’s mission with the public. These aren’t small challenges, and they aren’t the same for every chapter. What works in one community may not work in another, and that’s exactly why the Summit mattered.
To make the most of everyone’s experience, attendees were divided into six groups. Each group worked through the same set of topics and questions, allowing volunteers from different regions and backgrounds to compare experiences, identify common hurdles and share the solutions that have worked for them. The conversations were candid, practical and rooted in real chapter experience. Volunteers openly discussed what hasn’t worked, what has and how they’ve adapted to overcome obstacles in their own communities.
What emerged from these discussions was a powerful reminder: no chapter is alone in its challenges, and no hurdle is too big when volunteers collaborate, share ideas and learn from one another. Many participants left the Summit energized, inspired and equipped with new strategies to bring home to their chapters.
Just as important, these conversations didn’t end when the Summit was over. Every discussion was documented so the insights, solutions and creative ideas shared in Missoula can benefit volunteers across the country. Over the coming months, we’ll share these findings through a series of newsletter articles, each one focused on a specific topic explored during the Summit. Whether your chapter is thriving or struggling, these upcoming articles will provide practical, field‑tested guidance to help strengthen your volunteer base, improve your events and expand RMEF’s mission reach.
The 2026 Volunteer Summit proved once again that RMEF’s greatest strength is its people. When volunteers come together, collaborate and share their experiences, the entire organization grows stronger. We’re excited to bring these insights to you and look forward to seeing how chapters put them into action.