Volunteer Opportunities with BYNC

BackYard Nature Center is always looking for individuals who are keenly interested in the values inherent in nature and community service, and who would like to be associated with BYNC either as a board member, volunteer, or serving on one of BYNC’s operating committees.  If interested in becoming a board member, volunteer, or serving on a BYNC committee, please contact board member Linn Carey.  You can also find us on The Volunteer Center of New Trier Township website.
 

      Volunteer Nature Photographer/Reporter  

BackYard Nature Center hosts events 2-3 times per month in New Trier Township, primarily in outdoor settings such as the Skokie Lagoons. The volunteer will receive direction from the Site Manager as to specific needs at each event, but tasks will primarily include photography and writing skills. Please contact Linn Carey, for specifics.

      Volunteer Site Supervisor

BackYard Nature Center hosts events 2-3 times per month in New Trier Township, primarily in outdoor settings such as the Skokie Lagoons. The volunteer will receive direction from the site master steward and would be asked to promote positive stewardship attitudes among the participants help make the experience educational, help ensure safety precautions are being followed, and help keep an eye on burn piles and tools/gloves. If interested in this position, please contact Daniel Kielson,BYNC@backyardnaturecenter.org.

      Partnership Committee  

The goal of this Committee is to develop and nurture partnering relationships with organizations and agencies that can further the mission of BYNC – connecting children and adults with the wonders of nature.  The partnering will include individuals representing schools and park districts in New Trier Township, the Cook County Forest Preserves, Chicago Botanic Garden, the Volunteer Center of New Trier Township, Chicago Wilderness, local community go green organizations, and others.  The developing of partnerships will, in part, play a major role in the direction and kinds of activities and events developed by the Program Committee.  
 

        Program Committee 

The Program Committee, in conjunction with other organizations and agencies, shall be responsible for administering and recording the program activities – stewardship, learning, and unstructured play – that are sponsored by BYNC.  Where appropriate, the Committee identifies and acquires needed resources such as personnel with expertise relevant to the activity, equipment, refreshment, transportation, etc.  Program activities are geared to school groups of various levels, community groups for children (e.g. scouts, interfaith) and adults (e.g. garden groups, rotaries), as well as for individuals and families. Programs can be developed by BYNC in partnership with other organizations or agencies.    
 

        Publicity Committee   

The Publicity Committee’s main goal is to inform the public and promote BYNC’s mission - connecting children and families with the wonders of nature. This committee works closely with the Program Committee and Website Committee (esp. website calendar) in publicizing BYNC’s events and building a local community presence.     
 

        Fundraising Committee  

The goal of this Committee is to develop a fundraising strategy and action plan with regard to: (a) whom to solicit (e.g. individuals, local businesses, nature/outdoor-based businesses and corporations, non-profit organizations that confer donations, etc.), (b) developing a process and the content by which a potential donor will be approached, acknowledged, and thanked, (c) establishing a data based system by which records will be kept, and (d) in conjunction with the annual budget process, setting annual fundraising dollar targets.    
 

        Website Committee  

The Website Committee shall be responsible for overseeing the content and modifications the BYNC website.  The purpose of the website is to convey the information that can connect individuals and groups with nature, to enhance their enjoyment and learning, and foster good stewardship values of the natural world at sites throughout the New Trier Township community. The Website Committee shall determine what content shall be posted on the site. The Committee shall engage various outside professionals when appropriate for website development, and shall be in close contact with other BYNC committees to ensure that all areas of BYNC activity are well represented.