It seems like we are constantly trying to share a message or some information with the people we serve in the OHV community. Routine information, safety messages, “how-to”, and even some pitches about upcoming activities or events are part of the mix.
Digital communications offer plenty of ways to connect with people and share information these days. One popular method involves short videos. We’ve probably all seen those as entertainment, but they can also be an excellent delivery method for information related to our interests in OHV recreation.
Combining a visual component with dialogue allows us to get our point across more completely. A brief message that illustrates the points we want to make can more deeply influence the recipient as compared to the usual written messages we’ve experienced in the past. Video delivery is quite popular these days and with all the digital devices in the world it is easy to create and distribute.
Let’s say that a club has some difficulty getting volunteers to participate in trail maintenance workdays. Often the problem with participation can be that some people don’t know what to expect so they shy away from getting involved. A club can produce a three-minute video that covers what is involved in a trail maintenance day. It can show how people are dressed, what tools they are using, lunch, and a segment of the volunteers having some fun during recreational riding time that is built into the event. A safety message can be included calling attention to best practices with tools and general safety considerations.
Putting on a riding event? How about a short video that lets participants know how things will go once they arrive at the site? It would be easy to briefly cover the process that includes things like sound testing, registration, map/roll chart/GPX distribution, a rider’s meeting, a lunch stop, and how to check back in as you complete the event.
Videos don’t have to be complex productions. They need to be simple, move quick enough and be short enough to keep people’s attention, and get the intended message across. Some videos can incorporate a series of still pictures that are sequenced with the narrative. About anyone can contribute to a video or assemble the final product. Readily available editing tools make it easy these days.
Recently one of our board members, Tom Niemela (OR), did an excellent job putting together a short video to remind people that winter is passing and spring trail maintenance is coming soon. Tom talks about some recommended tools and tips he has for trail maintenance. It is much easier to address tools when you can show and handle them in the video. His work is a great example of how a short video can be used! Thank you, Tom!
There are a ton of topics we can address with video. We encourage people involved in OHV clubs and associations to incorporate short videos into their information sharing. What a great way to inform and inspire volunteers, share safety messages, provide info about topics like trail etiquette, club events, and about anything else you can think of that contributes to a positive future for OHV recreation!