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About KathyHometown: Artesia, N.M. |
Q&A with Kathy Kolt
Kathy makes good things happen for her community through her volunteerism and voice, as she
tells others about the NWTF by writing for her
local newspaper.
NWTF: Tell us about you and how you got involved with the NWTF.
Kathy Kolt: I was a flight attendant for more than 40 years, but I'm retired now and consider my job to be volunteering in my community. About a year and a half ago, I got into archery, and one of my friends said I needed to meet NWTF Regional Field Supervisor Mike Jasper. So I did, and agreed to host an NWTF banquet for him. Once I learned more about the NWTF, I saw that it is not just about turkey hunting; it is about community and conservation. Now, I use every chance I get to tell people about the NWTF.
NWTF: We hear you have an innovative approach to letting your community know about the JAKES program.
KK: Yes, I write a column for my local newspaper, the Artesia Daily Press, on a volunteer basis and can pretty much write about anything I want. Since I'm an active volunteer for our area, I cover all the news. In Artesia, if you don't know who I am, you must live under a rock! Because people know me, I can ask for help and they usually will. And when they help, they read about themselves in the newspaper, because I make sure I thank them for [their efforts].
NWTF: What tips can you give others on getting the word out about the JAKES program?
KK: It is imperative to reach out to retired people and get them involved, because they have the most time to give. Attend a state NWTF meeting. At my state meeting, I learned what worked in other neighborhoods and bounced ideas off other volunteers, and that helped me a lot. Volunteer for more than one organization. Once people start to know who you are and see everything you are involved with, how can they say no to you? And it doesn't hurt to have big oil companies around like we do here in New Mexico. (laughs) I have a generous community. Once I tell people how what we're doing helps our children, somebody will write a check.
NWTF: What tips can you give others about getting support from their local media?
KK: If you give a reporter all the details about an event, it usually will get coverage. And if you write something up for them, even better. Even if you write something and let them put their name on it — hey, whatever works. Getting press coverage is so important.
NWTF: Why do you think it is important to get the word out and get youth involved in the outdoors and in the JAKES program?
KK: I cannot stand the pain I feel when I see a young person go down the wrong path and get hooked on drugs. We have to start children young and keep them busy doing something. A bored teenager is a teenager waiting to get in trouble. Get them outside and let them enjoy what God created, and they will remember it for the rest of their lives.
NWTF: Will you share one of your favorite JAKES memories with us?
KK: I took a picture of Jake (the program mascot) from the JAKES Activity Book, added "Even turkeys don't do drugs" to it and enlarged it. I got permission from the editor of my newspaper to have a coloring contest for first and second graders. The top three winners would win a new bicycle. The newspaper agreed to print the coloring page for free, and I went to the schools to talk about the contest. Once the contest ended, I collected the coloring pages, hung them around the newspaper office and had retired teachers judge them. We had first and second graders from five schools enter the coloring contest, and it received so much attention from the community. It was one of the best things I've ever done, and I even got to take three children to Wal-Mart and watch them buy their bicycles.
NWTF: What do you like most about the NWTF and being a member?
KK: That the NWTF is a community organization. I also like how the money NWTF volunteers raise can be spent in their own communities. And I can always call the NWTF and get answers about how to help my community more.
I've had so much fun with the National Wild Turkey Federation. I've found that the more you do, the more the public is willing to help you. It's like one big circle. Good things just keep happening. — Melanie Swearingen