MISSION: Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders is an all-volunteer, nonprofit running club whose mission is to promote running as a means of lifelong health and fitness for persons of all ages and levels of ability and to foster a sense of community, camaraderie, and collaboration within the club and with other running organizations. VISION: 1. Support for Runners LMJS offers support and resources for the broadest possible range of runners, walkers, and anyone else interested in running. LMJS welcomes and invites everyone, both members and non-members, to participate in its activities. 2. Club Races: LMJS conducts frequent races throughout the year in a low-key, fun environment. Its races are runner-friendly, well managed, and affordable. 3. Other Club Activities: LMJS offers other activities to promote running, to educate its members, and to foster camaraderie. Such activities include fun runs, participation in relay races, swarming of other races, and social events featuring guest speakers with expertise in running and related fields. 4. Club Membership: LMJS encourages runners to contribute to the sport of running and to help carry out the club’s mission by joining as a club member. The benefits of belonging to LMJS include special, members-only entry fee for all races, lower prices on club apparel, discounts at local running stores, and priority in being included on relay teams. 5. Volunteerism and Leadership: LMJS inspires, encourages, and trains its members to assist and participate in club functions by volunteering at races and in other club activities. LMJS cultivates and supports volunteers who take on leadership responsibilities in the club. 6. Communications: LMJS communicates frequently with its members and with the running community as a whole through a variety of ways including social activities, email bulletins, and updates to our website. 7. Involvement in the Community: LMJS is a resource for the community in which it resides and is a part of the social fabric that makes the East Bay unique. LMJS assists and supports, as resources permit, other organizations that are aligned with its mission.