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!
I want to sign up my company or group
Email or call Anne Marie Hertl, Community Activism Manager.
annemarie@wmeac.org
616-451-3051 ext. 40
I want to volunteer as an individual
Email or call Anne Marie Hertl, Community Activism Manager.
annemarie@wmeac.org
616-451-3051 ext. 40
What will volunteers be doing?
Lead ArtPrize in its efforts to host a more sustainable event! Engage with visitors at one of the S.O.R.T. Stations while offering enthusiasm and education about compost, recycling, and landfill. By encouraging the proper placement of discarded materials, you’ll help ArtPrize’s 400,000 visitors keep Grand Rapids clean during their visit!
Basic training available. Company sign up available and encouraged. Three-hour shifts available for volunteers.
Preferred Qualifications
- Basic knowledge of sustainability / waste management (encouraged, but not required)
- Comfortable engaging with visitors
- Assign a Champion to attend 30-minute training encouraged
- Able to lift 30 lbs (encouraged, but not required)
- Able to be on your feet for length of shift
- Able to sign up for more than one shift
Tasks
- Engage with visitors at S.O.R.T. Station
- Educate about proper placement of materials
- Record observations of how visitors interact with receptacles to improve system design at future events
- Monitor carts
- Occasionally replace full carts
- Communicate your HUB’s needs with Sustainability Volunteer Lead and the ArtPrize S.O.R.T. Coordinators
Volunteer Benefits
Volunteer Benefits
- A free Event Guide (includes map)
- A free ArtPrize Metro Card (for 10 free rides on the Rapid and unlimited use of the Silver Line during ArtPrize)
- Access to Volunteer-only events
- Daily raffle entry for prizes
- Voucher to food truck vendor
- Limited-time SORT T-shirt
- SORT Buttons
Company Benefits
Thank you for your interest in your company or group participating in the first ever ArtPrize S.O.R.T. station volunteer opportunity!
When your company or community group signs up to volunteer for days, shifts, or stations during the duration of ArtPrize our collaborators want to thank you for your commitment to supporting sustainability.
If your company or community group can guarantee 20 or more volunteers, the WMEAC Communication team will publicly thank you via our active Facebook page and other social media channels. All of our participating companies and community groups will be included in a WMEAC blog highlighting the importance of volunteer participation.
All volunteers will receive:
- A free Event Guide (includes map)
- A free ArtPrize Metro Card (for 10 free rides on the Rapid and unlimited use of the Silver Line during ArtPrize)
- Access to Volunteer-only events
- Daily raffle entry for prizes
- Voucher to food truck vendor
- Limited-time SORT T-shirt
- SORT Buttons
Volunteering for the ArtPrize S.O.R.T. station will ensure the success of our community collaboration, including the City of Grand Rapids, Kent County Department of Public Works, and ArtPrize.
Help us encourage responsible recycling and waste management at Downtown events!
Email or call Anne Marie Hertl, Community Activism Manager
annemarie@wmeac.org
616-451-3051 ext. 40
WOMEN AND ENVIRONMENT SYMPOSIUM - 2017 PLANNING COMMITTEE
When: The first planning committee meeting will take place on August 1st, 2016 from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Where: WMEAC Office
RSVP: Anne Marie at annemarie@wmeac.org
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.
We are currently looking for volunteers to join this committee and take part in the event planning. In accordance with our inclusion and diversity principles here at WMEAC, we strongly encourage the participation of women of color who may be interested in the planning process. As we continue to identify the intersections of environmental justice and gender equity it is important to improve the representation from communities most impacted.
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 on the first Friday of the month from 9:00 - 10:00 am at the WMEAC office. 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.
When: The first planning committee meeting will take place on August 1st, 2016 from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm.
Where: WMEAC Office
If interested, please contact Anne Marie at annemarie@wmeac.org.
MAYORS’ GRAND RIVER CLEANUP
WMEAC is proud to host the 13th Annual Mayors’ Grand River Cleanup. This event will be hosted on September 10th, 2016 from 8:30 am until 1:00 pm! There will be a small breakfast available before the event and a light lunch after the event. Founders Brewing Company will provide beer to volunteers who are 21+, and live music during lunch!
To be part of this year's cleanup, please fill out the sign up form here. If you want to be a site leader there will be a chance for you to indicate that during the sign up process.
ROOFTOP/RAIN GARDEN WEEDING
Our lovely rooftop garden is part of what makes our building so unique. Installed in 2007, the green roof is the first of its kind in the City of Grand Rapids. This garden absorbs roughly one inch of rain water and helps reduce storm water runoff.
Now that it's Summer the rooftop is a beautiful place to be, but there are also many weeds that need to be taken care of. Come put your gardening skills to the test as you enjoy a beautiful day in the sun.
We welcome volunteers any time during our hours of operation (Monday thru Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm). You will have access to gardening tools, gloves and our facilities while you are here.
EVENING ON THE LAKESHORE EVENT PLANNING
WMEAC is currently recruiting for Lakeshore members and volunteers to work with our Director of Development to help us plan and organize the "Evening on the Lakeshore" scheduled for late August.
Please email or call Mary Robinson, mrobinson@wmeac.org if you're interested in more information or would like to sign up!
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
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
TEACH FOR THE WATERSHED
Teach for the Watershed (T4W) is building the next generation of Great Lakes Advocates through watershed education! The program is an interactive watershed education program based on Michigan Science Curriculum Standards. WMEAC's T4W program is in need of volunteers! Volunteers will be provided with educational material and training to provide students with tools to help them learn about and take action in protecting West Michigan’s watersheds.
WMEAC's T4W program will be providing outdoor environmental education to over 2,500 students this Spring alone! We need volunteer mentors to support the very fun field work with our students from Grand Rapids Public Schools, West Ottawa Schools, and Godfrey-Lee school.
Even if you missed out on the formal training sessions, we want to work with you. Contact us now if you're interested!
Please contact volunteer@wmeac.org to get involved!
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 Diversity), and event specific committees like Grand River Clean Up, Blue Tie Ball, the Annual Meeting, and Women and Environment.
Next Events Orientation - Tuesday, November 10th
If you are interested in learning more about WMEAC and our many events, please join us at our next Events Volunteer Orientation. We will share information about who WMEAC is and what we do and provide background to our events. Event committees include, but not limited to Annual Meeting, Blue Tie Ball, Women and Environment Symposium, Film Series, Mayors' Grand River Clean Up, Ottawa County Grand River Clean Up, River City Water Festival, and Green Drinks.
If you are interested in supporting an event, please sign up!
Our next Events Volunteer Orientation will be held at WMEAC.
Tuesday, November 10th
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
1007 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Please RSVP to let us know you will be attending.
Film Series
Description/Background: WMEAC has hosted a film series since 2010 in various forms. Since 2013, WMEAC formalized a partnership with UICA to host a winter film series showing one film a month from October - February. The series brings new documentary and hollywood films that are relevant to environmental and sustainability themes. WMEAC will also bring out local speakers who are able to provide context and insight into the topic for the audience. There is a $5 suggested donation for audience members and the film series is also supported by sponsorships. Calendar Time Scope Commitment: June - October: 1 -2 meetings in the summer months to research and choose the upcoming film series line-up. Minimal time, but important work support required to secure film rights, cost, and access. Research support to identify sponsors and speakers. October - February: Day of event logistical support needed the night of the film. General advertising support--sharing the Film Facebook event, for example. Monthly Time Commitment: minimal. 1-3 hours/month during the summer/fall. 3 hours/month during the film series events over the winter. Responsibilities of Volunteers:
- Research and identify relevant documentaries.
- Research availability of the film, cost, other access needs to show the film.
- Research and outreach to potential speakers.
- Simple WMEAC tabling support day-of the event.
- Advertising and promoting the film events throughout your network.
- Research and secure event sponsors alongside WMEAC’s Director of Development.
Contact: Anne Marie Hertl at annemarie@wmeac.org
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 on the first Friday of the month from 9:00 - 10:00 am at the WMEAC office. 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: Anne Marie Hertl at annemarie@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 2015, the BTB attracted approximately 200 guests. In addition to a cocktail hour and sit down dinner, we provided 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 once-twice/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
Ottawa County Grand River Clean Up
Description/Background: The Ottawa County Grand River Clean Up has been a lakeshore river cleanup event for the past 5 years. This is an event where volunteers from the community fulfill their part of being an environmental steward as they help to organize a trash pickup event along 20 miles of the Grand River and its tributaries within Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg and Coopersville involving upwards of 300 volunteers and community members. Calendar Time Scope: The event takes place once a year around late April/early May. Monthly Time Commitment: 4 – 5 hours per month for day of logistics planning. Responsibilities of Volunteers:
- Support WMEAC the day of the event by participating in the cleanup as needed
- Participate in 2-3 site leader training dates/times, answering questions, being knowledgeable of all site locations, confirming attendance with phone call prior to event date, helping coordinate site leaders the morning of (knowing bus assignments/routes), etc.
- Determine trash pick-up locations and volunteer need
- Meet & greet all buses and drivers when they arrive, as well as confirming their route assignments
Contact: Ondrea Spychalski at ospychalski@wmeac.org
