OUR MISSION
Environmental Traveling Companions believes that everyone, regardless of physical or financial limitations, should have the opportunity to experience the challenge and beauty of the wilderness. Through ETC's Sea Kayaking, River Rafting, Cross-Country Skiing and Youth Leadership School adventures people with disabilities and other special needs overcome perceived limitations, attain greater personal freedom and confidence, and better understand themselves in relation to others and the environment.

WHO DO WE SERVE?
Every year over 2000 people with special needs join us on outdoor adventures. These are people of all ages, people who have hearing impairments; people who have physical, emotional or developmental disabilities and people living with serious illness, such as cancer or HIV/AIDS. ETC collaborates with over 80 social service agencies and schools who rely upon our programs to provide a vital extension of their own services. We also provide outdoor education programs for school groups and economically disadvantaged youth.

WHO ARE OUR GUIDES AND VOLUNTEERS?
Our guides are highly skilled and trained volunteers who are experienced in adapting outdoor adventures for people with special needs. They are professional, caring and love what they do. All guides are CPR and First Aid certified. Every year ETC trains interested people to serve as outdoor guides in each of our programs. We are committed to recruiting a diverse community of guides that reflect the diversity of people for whom we provide accessible adventures and strongly encourage people of all ability levels, ethnicities, and orientations to apply.

HOW ELSE CAN I GET INVOLVED?
ETC's community of volunteers is composed of over 400 dedicated and enthusiastic people. Opportunities exist to help with office work, equipment maintenance and special event coordination. Several seasonal full time internship positions are also available in each of our three programs.

WHERE DID WE COME FROM?
ETC was founded in 1972 by three commercial raft guides who began offering whitewater rafting trips to disadvantaged youth and people with disabilities. Over the years we have expanded to also include sea kayaking and cross-country skiing programs. ETC is the largest and oldest organization of its type in California--annually providing outdoor adventures to over 2000 people with special needs.

HOW ARE WE FUNDED?
ETC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are generally supported by gifts from corporations, foundations and individuals. We also obtain funds through membership drives, fundraising trips, program fees, and special events.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The ETC Board includes: Dick Blair, Darryl Burton, Sally Buynoski, Bob Derzon, Nat Gleason, Steve Herzog, David Kennedy, Howard Levitt, Craig Moody, Harriet Moss, Thaxter Sharp, Chuck Slaughter, Richard Weiss, David Yacubian, and Diane Poslosky (Ex Officio).

Page rev April 28, 2008

INFORMATION

Environmental Traveling Companions
Fort Mason Center
Landmark Building C
San Francisco CA 94123
Telephone:
  (415) 474-7662
Fax: (415) 474-3919
E-mail:

STAFF BIOS
Diane Poslosky
  Executive Director
Mia MacHatton
  Office Manager
Davido Crow
  River Program Manager
Allison Maffei
  Sea Kayak Program Mgr
Kristi Grøtting
  Winter Program Mgr
Cheyenne Berry
  Youth LEAD Program Mgr
Jenn Porreca
  Executive Assistant