Nationwide 4wd or overlanding association to join?

[Martin Hand]

What are some professional 4wd or overlanding associations that are nationwide and worth looking into to join? Something that ideally stands for preserving and educating it's members would be nice. I would like to join something that has a higher purpose.

 

[smritte]

That really depends on where you live. I spent most of my life in a Jeep club that was part of a California association (Cal4Wheel) and CORVA (Cal off road association) Blue ribbon is more off road conservation and CORVA is like Cal4 but more ATV, Buggy and 4wd. They all have volunteer projects.

With "Overlanding" being a recent fad, your going to be in a 4wd group that has people who want to overland. If its a new overlanding group, they may not have anyone with long time experience. My experience with Overlanding people has been, their all happy to be there but little direction other then camping.

My current group I've been with for a few years is the third "Overlanding" group I tried. It took a while to find people I really clicked with. My Jeep club broke up after 40 years due to the new members not getting along.

Your choices are, find a local off road association. These will have clean ups and possibly fixing trails and or maintaining areas. Find a local group you click with and see if they know of any volunteer projects.

Helping the off-road community is very rewarding. I was in charge of quite a few projects over the years as well as in charge of one of the better black diamond trails out here. Getting someone to organize these things is difficult. getting people to help out is easy. Your challenge is whether or not someone has taken up that roll in your area.

Its good to see someone who wants go give back. There are very few of us left.

 

[WandereR]

I just know local 4x4 club. Check on MeetUp for local groups to you. That might be a good start.