Imagine a volunteer-based organization that always had people on-hand to do work--even physical projects; that had enough money to fund improvements and to plan for future expansion; that regularly held events and enjoyed big community turnouts; that dealt with setbacks calmly and with a sense of perspective.

It might sound like a fairy tale, until you spend a little time with the Butler-Freeport Trails Council.

Recently, I attended one of the council's monthly meetings. It was the largest volunteer-based meeting I've attended in a while, with about 30 people there. The meeting was lively, and input and commentary weren't confined to only a few people.

The Butler-Freeport Trails Council is notable for getting things done: trail improvements, trail extensions, facility development, community involvement.

I think they've been successful for a few reasons:

•    They inspire people, inside the organization and outside it, with their vision. A few indefatigable individuals started the project with a vision, and were able to communicate this vision to create a team dedicated to the cause. Over time, the project acquired a momentum and life of its own.

•    They communicate, with regular and open meetings, newsletters, email lists, a Web site, a Facebook group, and more. They use every available channel to connect with the community and with each other.

•    Their processes are transparent. Work is discussed openly in regular meetings, and credit is given where it's due.

•    They balance project work with fund-raising, and they aggressively pursue funding sources.

•    They have a broad base of volunteers, and they invite volunteers to take on responsibility--but they also provide structure in which those volunteers can work. For example, they provide a Trail Project Worksheet and a clear process for reviewing and approving projects.

•    They complete what they set out to do.

What struck me as I sat in that meeting was the confidence that the people in the room had, individually and as a team. They believed in what they were doing, and they trusted each other to do the right thing.

They seemed to feel that any problem could be handled and that whatever happened, they would succeed. I can't imagine anything that could stand in their way.