Bluewater has developed and implemented a Volunteer Incentive Program. This program provides members the opportunity to earn recognition in the form of discounts on Chapter merchandise and trips, in return for volunteer time.

Volunteers earn credit for hours committed toward tasks needed for the Chapter to succeed in its mission: collecting and preserving historical data and artifacts on railroading (particularly in Michigan) and disseminating the knowledge collected from those efforts to the general public through restoration and operation of passenger cars during excursions or through maintaining our reference library.

In pursuing these activities, Bluewater stands apart from other NRHS chapters and railroad historical groups. While many groups collect historical data, restore some cars or even operate a static museum, very few have a policy of acquiring, restoring and operating vintage passenger railcars. In this, we give the public the opportunity to experience "living history" in our rolling museum. We can all be proud of our accomplishments.

We accomplish our mission through our volunteers who take the time to complete various projects. The volunteer effort takes place at the Saginaw roundhouse, on-board during excursions, or "in the field”. Hours credited under the program shall be proportional to the time committed to doing the job properly.

You can contribute and be recognized in many areas. The Volunteer Incentive Program document below describes these in detail. In addition to the great personal satisfaction of seeing a job well done, members also receive tangible benefits.

Please review the Volunteer Incentive Plan and consider where you might be able donate some of your time. If you are unsure where your talents could be utilized, ask any of your Chapter officers.