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704 Lisburn Road | Suite 102 | Camp Hill, PA 17011 | 717.236.7644
Dear {{Constituent First Name}}:
We sincerely apologize for the lack of a July Monthly. It was quite simply a casualty of Pam's husband's illness in June and the challenges of, as she puts, swimming back to the top of the barrel once he got home and situated. Which - happily - he is!
Thanks to Jennifer from the Friends of Tuscarora & Locust Lake and Don from Friends of Michaux for tuning in to June's Chapter Chat on volunteer recruitment. And to the others who asked to be kept in the loop.
Find the loop below!
HUGE thanks also to the Friends and volunteers who made their voices heard on the budget and the proposal to send some of the American Rescue Plan funds to support the places we love best. The historic funding that was received will do incredible things in the parks and forests.
This is DEFINITELY a time to celebrate!
Yours in the Outdoors,
Marci J. Mowery, President
TRAINING (JUNE CHAPTER CHAT NOTES)
One of the biggest "challenges" set forth each year in the annual reports is the issue of volunteer recruitment. Where do we find new people? That's why the subject has always been top of mind at our annual retreats.
The recent Chat gave us an opportunity to revisit some advice from year's past - still valid. A great resource that (while statistically might be dated) is the outline provided to us by the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management several years ago on where to look for volunteers.
Find it on the Friends Resources page (under Volunteer Management) and through this direct link. There is a terrific outline for brainstorming by your group, asking key questions about churches, schools, civic organizations, other nonprofits that might offer sources of volunteers.
Always keep in mind:
A volunteer may not be interested in doing everything. You'll have trail workers, event planners, hike leaders, gardeners. Don't get hung up on the idea that "Sally Volunteer" only shows up every once in a while.
Be as clear as possible in volunteer announcements what the tasks will be, how long the day will last, and where and when the day begins. Our busy lives demand that we be able to know exactly what is expected.
Don't forget to say "so glad you could make it" when folks arrive and "thanks for coming" at the end of the day. Nothing will turn a volunteer off faster than not being welcome or feeling they have invaded a clique.
TRAINING PART TWO
Our friends at Keystone Trails Association are sponsoring a Trail Care Workshop at McConnells Mill State Park at the end of this month. Find out more - and register - at https://www.kta-hike.org/trail-care-workshop.html
KNOW
Our next Chapter Chat will take place on August 10. The subject will be PA Healthy Lands Week, an initiative included in the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. PPFF is one of five statewide entities launching this new event—learn how you can get in on ground floor!
From National Public Lands Day to A Walk in Penn's Woods, the new Healthy Lands Week is designed to promote volunteerism throughout ALL of Pennsylvania's public spaces. It's a chance for many outdoor groups across the commonwealth to come together to promote all of Pennsylvania's public spaces.
The dates were chosen to capitalize on existing initiatives and not burden organizations with coming up with something "new." It should be a lot of fun and there are plenty of opportunities for chapters to take part.
With the heatwave and dry conditions, sharing the Campfire Savvy infographic (available in English and Spanish) to your social feed would be beneficial to your park or forest. Trying to recruit volunteers? Perhaps share What Does Volunteering Do For Me? as encouragement. Raising funds for tree planting? The Value of Trees may come in handy!
Check them out—available electronically or you can download and print.
Looking for a topic that we don’t have? Let us know and we can make it happen!
SHARE
The National Association of State Park Foundations is sponsoring a virtual conference in October, hosted by PPFF! This year, we are inviting friends groups to attend this virtual event. The title, Building a Strong and Inclusive Park System, says it all. You can learn more here: National Association of State Park Foundations - NASPF Annual Conference
Registration is required to participate.
RESOURCE REMINDER:
The PPFF website is a great source of information and guidance with forms you can use and information you should know.
You receive this monthly email as a result of your position with a Chapter of the Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation, our board, or interested DCNR staff. PLEASE do not unsubscribe from this email or you will miss important Chapter information. If you are no longer a member of the Chapter's board, please contact Marci or Pam to let us know.
