Wild Ones is a grassroots organization that runs heavily on volunteer effort. We depend on hundreds of dedicated volunteers like you to provide passion, skills, and knowledge that when leveraged together allows Wild Ones to move our mission forward and make a significant impact on the native landscaping movement.
Volunteering locally with your chapter is one of the best ways members can make a difference and we encourage you to reach out to the chapter leaders in your community to learn more about ways you can participate.
There are also a number of virtual volunteer opportunities that Wild Ones members can take part in at the national level which are detailed below. If you would like to volunteer for one of these areas but are not yet a Wild Ones member, we ask that you become a member first. Upon becoming a member, you will be able to access the Volunteer Interest Form.
*Please note that there may not be immediate openings in the areas listed at this particular time, but completing the volunteer form outlining your areas of interest ensures that when a position that fits your interests and skills does become available, we will know to reach out to you.
National Board of Directors
The National Board of Directors is comprised of officers, directors and ex-officio members. The board is responsible for establishing the structure of Wild Ones Natural Landscapers, Ltd., It sets the mission and direction of the organization. The board ensures ethical and legal accountability across this 501(c)(3) and is the steward of its financial resources.
Service as a board member commits you to participate in six board meetings per year for 2 to 3 hours each, plus preparation; participating on one or more board committees for 4 to 6 meetings each, plus preparation, and responding to board communications. Most board members can expect to spend 5-10 hours/month on national board work. You are also expected to attend one in-person board meeting annually, usually in conjunction with the Annual Member Meeting held at a hosting chapter’s location. Learn more.
On Hold – Membership Advisory Committee
The Membership Committee provides a forum for chapters to offer feedback on Wild Ones membership documents, procedures, and guidelines so that Wild Ones can learn from members ways that we can provide a better membership experience. The Committee is composed up to nine current/former officers/board members (or selected member representatives) from chapters ranging in age, size, and geographic reach. Volunteers are asked to serve on the committee for one year. The estimated time commitment is 4 to 6 hours per month for review of materials and meeting attendance.
Chapter Advisory Committee
The Chapter Advisory Committee provides a forum for chapters to offer feedback on proposed Wild Ones policies, procedures and guidelines so that Wild Ones can learn from chapter experiences and better understand and respond to the impact that policy and procedural changes will have on chapters. The Committee is composed of current/former officers/board members (or selected member representatives) from chapters ranging in age, size and geographic reach.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee assists in providing expertise in evaluating the budget, monitoring the financial activities of the organization, and evaluating and developing financial strategies that promote the maintenance and growth of the organization.
Governance Committee
The Governance Committee supports the smooth functioning of the board of directors in accordance with the bylaws and requirements of Wild Ones 501(c)(3) status. This committee also ensures the board operates ethically and always in the best interest of the organization.
Education Committee
The Education Committee works with Wild Ones staff to strategically plan and execute educational programs that align with Wild Ones’ mission. This includes ensuring the timely and successful completion of current grant-related initiatives, identifying potential future grant opportunities, maintaining educational content, sister engagement among members and chapters, and assessing current programs. Candidates with enthusiasm, new ideas, and a talent for telling compelling stories are preferred.
Strategic Planning Committee
The Strategic Planning Committee looks at the organization as a whole and considers longterm development. The committee considers what Wild Ones was set up to do, where Wild Ones is now, determines where we want to get to, and maps out how to get there.
Wild for Monarchs Committee
The Wild for Monarchs Committee provides a forum for chapters to update current Wild for Monarchs digital resources, help Wild Ones collect data about programs and community science projects chapters are offering that align with our partner Monarch Joint Venture (MJV), and preserve the future of monarchs and other pollinators. Volunteering on the Monarch Committee is a great opportunity to help support the development of community science projects offered by chapters. The Committee is composed of current/former officers/board members (or selected member representatives) from chapters ranging in age, size, and geographic reach. Volunteers are asked to serve on the committee for one year. The estimated time commitment is 4 hours per month for review of materials and meeting attendance.
Wild Lawyers Team
The Wild Lawyers team works together to provide legal assistance to the organization, assist chapters with their various legal questions, such as renting equipment or facilities and dealing with contractors and other vendors and also offer advice to chapters and members regarding landscaping ordinances. (Wild Lawyers cannot represent members charged with ordinance violations.)
Seeds for Education Grant Application Reviewer
Seeds for Education Grant Application Reviewers independently read and score 25-30 digital Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Grant Program applications from across the country between Nov 15 and Jan. 9. The estimated time commitment to review applications is approx. 15 hours (30 minutes per application). Judges are required to attend a training on the judging process in late October, at a time convenient for the group of 10-12 judges. There will also be a follow up meeting in mid-December to review the aggregated final results.
Journal/Blog Article Contributor
The Wild Ones Journal is always looking for quality content. You don’t have to be a professional writer or an expert in native plants to have your work published in the Journal. We’re open to submissions from anyone who has something interesting to say on topics that relate to the Wild Ones mission and are of interest to our readers. All we ask is that you submit original material with no copyright restrictions. and that you present your material in a format we can use. Learn more about the Wild Ones Journal.
Photo Contest Committee
The Photo Contest Committee reviews the purpose and categories of the annual photo contest as well as assists in tasks including but not limited to native plant review of 600+ contest images as well as finding and managing judges.
Facebook Native Plant Group Moderator
Native Plant Facebook Group Moderators engage in the private members-only Facebook group on a daily basis initiating and steering conversation, offering up advice and ensuring that members are following the community standards and rules.
Facebook Chapter Officer Group Moderator
Chapter Officer Facebook Group Moderators engage in the private Chapter Officer Facebook group on a daily basis initiating and steering conversation, offering up advice and ensuring that members are following the community standards and rules.