4 Oregon Trucking Associations, Inc. Oregon Truck Dispatch FROM THE PRESIDENT Jana Jarvis OTA President/CEO VOLUNTEERISM. NOT A uniquely American value, but a value that is more broadly shared in America than in other industrialized nations. In an article in the Stanford Social Innovation Review from 2018, the author, Susan N. Dreyfus, stated that Americans are 15% more likely to volunteer their time than the Dutch, 21% more likely than the Swiss, and 32% more likely than the Germans. Volunteering is part of our national fabric and has been since this country came into existence. In 1831, Alexis de Tocqueville noted in his ninemonth tour of the United States that there is a uniquely American tendency toward volunteerism. In his Democracy in America he states: In the United States, as soon as several inhabitants have taken an opinion or an idea they wish to promote in society, they seek each other out and unite together once they have made contact. From that moment, they are no longer isolated but have become a power seen from afar whose activities serve as an example and whose words are heeded. This American tendency to unite for a common cause allows us to more clearly see what unites us than what divides us. We saw this play out after the events of 9/11 when this nation was attacked, and we banded together as we searched for answers. The flag reappeared on everything and we committed together to fight the evil that had attacked this great nation. But that event was over 20 years ago, and now our nation is as divided as ever. Volunteerism is declining, from community-based organizations to religious and educational organizations. Most people still value volunteerism but are pressed to find the time to devote to whatever cause they support and they are more willing to write a check than to give of their time. Non-profit organizations are struggling with this change as their missions are dependent on the volunteer efforts of their membership and the bulk of their writings are focused on how to engage their membership. The Oregon Trucking Associations is not exempt from this change. As an organization founded in 1936, our 86-year history is full of key members of our industry who have driven change and brought together the support for our efforts. This didn’t happen because the dues paid for staff to implement the change. This happened because leaders of the industry were there to drive the change. As one of the most (if not the most) highly regulated industries out there, the trucking industry is clearly in the sights of policymakers as they contemplate further changes. Some of these would benefit our industry—other policies would further complicate the landscape. Changes at both the state and federal levels are currently being contemplated by policymakers and our industry is so busy trying to keep up with the demands of the marketplace that it is easy to miss what is going on around us. And while volunteerism is declining, it will be to our detriment to allow that to happen. There is simply too much at stake. I have heard it said, by multiple prognosticators, that the trucking industry will change more in the next 10 years than it has in the past 100 years. Will you be too busy to affect this change? There is no time like the present to get involved in your industry. There are multiple opportunities to volunteer. In 2023, the Legislature will largely be comprised of individuals with less than four years’ experience on the job. Volunteer to be a Key Contact and help that legislator (even if they are from a different party than you) understand the workings of the trucking industry so as policy issues arise, they can reach out to you for perspective. Volunteer for an OTA committee. These committees range from policy issues, technical issues, to workforce and image issues surrounding our industry. The committees are scheduled to meet quarterly at a minimum and drive OTA’s agenda. Our Board of Directors is pulled from our active committee participation and the Board evaluates our direction moving forward. Or hold your hand up high and volunteer for a leadership role in this organization. Leaders are pulled from the ranks of active members, and they “Volunteer! Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” –Arthur Ashe Oregon at the Crossroads
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