WMEAC relies on caring volunteers like you to carry out our mission of leading environmental protection. We are all part of West Michigan’s environment, so we must work together to protect and positively influence our natural surroundings. WMEAC volunteers average 10,000 hours every year for various programs, professional, and maintenance needs! We need you to volunteer West Michigan to protect our environment!
Page last updated 10/09/2018.
EDUCATION VOLUNTEERS FOR RIVER CITY WATER FESTIVAL
Date: Thursday, October 18 and Friday, October 19
Event Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Volunteer Shifts: 8:15am – 12pm or 11:45am – 3:30pm
Environmental organizations from around the state will be gathering to bring watershed education to students in the Grand Rapids area. Educators from WMEAC, Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds, Plaster Creek Stewards, Cranbrook Institute of Science, GVSU, and the
Grand Rapids Public Museum will be presenting lessons on a wide range of water related issues including toxic substances, invasive species, non-point source pollution, and habitat restoration. The goal of this festival is not only to educate young students about water systems, but to also provide school teachers with ideas on how to conduct watershed related lessons and activities in the classroom.
Volunteer support is needed to help these educators at their tables. Volunteers will assist presenters in keeping time and with setting up their lesson. This is a terrific opportunity to discover which water issues we are currently facing, and how organizations are working to solve these issues.
You may choose to sign up for a morning shift, an afternoon shift, or both! Send an email to t4watershed@wmeac.org to volunteer.
TEACH FOR THE WATERSHED
Teach for the Watershed
Are you passionate about protecting water? Do you want to share your love of nature with the next generation of environmental stewards? Volunteer with Teach for the Watershed and share watershed education at schools and water festivals this fall.
Send us an email or call our office at (616) 451-3051 for more information.
*Volunteers must pass a background check to work with students.
GREEN ROOF GARDEN MAINTENANCE
Did you know that WMEAC was the first zero-stormwater discharge site in Grand Rapids? One of the ways we manage our stormwater is with our green roof! We need help weeding the green roof garden to keep it working the way it should! Lend your green thumb to the cause and help pull weeds all while enjoying a great view!
Email us at volunteer@wmeac.org to let us know you want to share your enthusiasm for gardening!
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION
The Director of Operations has various administrative tasks for the right student or retiree with interest/experience in non-profit management, financial operations, and general administration.
Email us at volunteer@wmeac.org and share some of your skills with us, and we’ll do our best to find you a good fit.
GREEN DRINKS GREETER
Description/Background: Every month people who work in the environmental field meet up at informal sessions known as Green Drinks. The event is held on the third Thursday of the month in the evening at various venues throughout Greater-Grand Rapids and the Lakeshore. Attendees will vary from students and academia, non-profit, government, and sustainable business professionals.
Calendar Time Scope Commitment: The event takes place once a month on the third Thursday of the month from 5:00 – 7:00 pm.
Responsibilities of Volunteers:
- Support the WMEAC table the day of the event. Most commonly either setting up or breaking down the table.
- Help greet attendees
JOIN A COMMITTEE
WMEAC hosts a number of committees to help with our internal policies and procedures, provide guidance, and expand our network for effective community engagement.
Are you interested in a more formal commitment with WMEAC?
Let us know if you are interested in learning more about our Event Planning, Fund Development, Policy and Advocacy, IDEAL (Inclusion and Development of Environmental Allies and Leaders), and event specific committees like the Grand River Clean Up, Blue Tie Ball, the Annual Meeting, and Women and the Environment.
ARCHIVAL/RESEARCH VOLUNTEER
Looking for research assistance to help assess items for submission to WMEAC archives and review of documents to help prepare for major milestone event.
Volunteer should be studying non-profit management or archival/information studies.
Email us at volunteer@wmeac.org and share some of your skills with us, and we’ll do our best to find you a good fit.
Women and Environment Symposium
Description/Background: The first Women and Environment Symposium took place in 2010 in partnership with Grand Valley State University’s Women’s Resource Center. The intent of the event is to integrate and elevate women and environmental topics and the intersections between the two. Historically, the event has held workshops, panel discussions, a keynote speaker, and presented awards. The event is held at a GVSU campus in late winter/early spring. The organization of the event committee is segmented into subcommittees including logistics, honoree, inclusion, speakers, sponsors/budget, and marketing.
Calendar Time Scope Commitment: A one-time meeting takes place in the last spring/early summer to brainstorm and decided potential keynote speakers and the event theme for the upcoming event. Full committee meetings take place from September – March.
Monthly Time Commitment: The full committee meets monthly at the WMEAC office from September through March. Committee members are also expected to join a subcommittee to support action items and event needs. Time commitments vary based on subcommittee.
Responsibilities of Volunteers:
-
- Create event concepts, themes, and topics.
-
- Create and finalize event logistics including agenda, food, location, and time.
-
- Promote the event and honoree award opportunity.
-
- Facilitate inclusion.
-
- Plan and organize supporting community events with the keynote speaker to compliment community engagement.
-
- Brainstorm and secure event sponsors alongside WMEAC’s Director of Development.
-
- Meet monthly with the full committee during event planning months.
Contact: volunteer@wmeac.org
Blue Tie Ball
Description/Background: The Blue Tie Ball is WMEAC’s signature fundraising event. It occurs in April – as close to Earth Day as possible. In addition to a cocktail hour and sit down dinner, we provide a short program highlighting several programs as well as a really fun live ‘experience’ auction.
Calendar Time Scope Commitment: September – April
Monthly Time Commitment: Committee meeting meets 1-2x/month plus some independent work.
Responsibilities of Volunteers:
-
- Determining menu, drinks, entertainment and decorations
-
- Soliciting live auction items
-
- Assisting with sponsor development and solicitation
-
- Assisting with developing a strong host committee – a group that will use their connections to recruit attendees.
Contact: Mary Robinson at mrobinson@wmeac.org
Evening on the Lakeshore - Marigold Lodge
Description/Background: A fundraising and education/engagement lakeshore event to make our lakeshore-focused programs and initiatives more visible to the lakeshore community.
Calendar Time Scope Commitment: May – August
Monthly Time Commitment: approximately three meetings as well as some independent work
Responsibilities of Volunteers:
-
- Help determine menu and program
-
- Assist with developing a strong host committee that will use their connections to recruit attendees
-
- Solicit Lakeshore sponsors
-
- Assist in soliciting door prizes
Contact: Mary Robinson at mrobinson@wmeac.org
Annual Meeting
Description/Background: Annual Meeting with WMEAC’s membership, donors, stakeholders, and partners to celebrate and acknowledge the past fiscal year and corresponding accomplishments at an organizational level. Event includes community time and networking, an award ceremony, and Board of Director selection by members. Event will take place in late October or November.
Calendar Time Scope Commitment: June – Setting and securing venue and date, October – November – event planning
Responsibilities of Volunteers:
- Securing event venue and event food menu.
- Supporting day-of setup and breakdown needs.
Supporting day-of registration tabling needs
Contact: Mary Robinson at mrobinson@wmeac.org
Mayors’ Grand River Clean Up
More info coming soon!
