| JUNE 1985 |
One of the goals of this management committee is to establish an Advanced Emblem for the Section. The purpose of this emblem is to promote and encourage a greater exploration of the desert, and to stimulate more interest of the membership in other parts of the desert.
In the last election, where this emblem was first proposed, the vote was 61 for the emblem, and 61 against. This indicates that the members are interested in this emblem, and that perhaps with some modification and better explanation this emblem will be adopted. (2/3 of the vote is needed for adopting it).
The thoughts behind the emblem are listed below:
1. The DPS emblem status can be achieved with relative ease. After that you only have the list finisher status.
2. Many members may never finish the list, but the advanced emblem would provide some recognition.
3. Since the DPS list is not as long as the SPS list, having a SPS type of senior emblem did not seem appropriate.
4. The DPS charter is to explore the desert. Therefore adding exploratories, canyons, ghost towns, etc. as a requirement seemed quite right.
5. Most of us are list oriented. If something is not on a list we are reluctant to do; but if it is on a list, many of us will go to any extreme.
6. There are people who are also interested in other areas of the desert. The list finishers may find a challenge in this area.
7. This emblem is not a requirement for becoming a list finisher. Therefore the "hard core" do not have to do it.
8. As with other emblems, this would be under the honor system so the administration should not be a problem.
9. The name of the emblem will be selected by the membership by suggestions and a vote.
For convenience the requirements for the advance emblem are listed below:
| (a) | Has been a member for at least two years |
| (b) | Is an emblem holder |
| (c) | Has climbed two peaks from each group of the Peaks List |
| (e) | Has participated in two exploratory trips |
| (f) | Has visited four ghost towns or mines, which are described in a guide book, park brochure, AAA map |
| (g) | Has hiked a desert canyon, must be objective of the trip |
| (h) | Has attended two special events, identified as such in the Schedule by the Management Committee |
| (i) | Has visited sand dunes ** |
| (j) | Has visited desert hot springs ** |
| (k) | Has applied to the Section Secretary or Treasurer in writing, listing the dates of accomplishment of the requirements |
| * | The name of this emblem shall be established in a succeeding year. |
| ** | Either (i) or (j) must be accomplished on a scheduled trip |
I would like to receive your comments/recommendations by the November DPS meeting. Please phone me or send me a post card. Thank you.
Maris Valkass |