Volunteer

Go Beyond Membership: Volunteer!

There are many opportunities to volunteer at the AEEA.

Volunteer for an Event

Special Events

AEEA’s signature event is the annual Environmental Education Expo (EE Expo). There are also a number of smaller events to get involved in that focus on both education and networking.

Annual State Science Fair – Special Award Judge

Each spring AEEA presents one high school student an award for a sustainability-focused science or engineering project. This is a special category created by AEEA at the annual Arkansas State Science and Engineering Fair. Volunteers are needed for one afternoon at University of Central Arkansas campus to help review projects and determine the award recipient.

Mini-Grant Application Review

Each fall AEEA awards two $500 grants to environmentally-based educational projects. One grant is awarded to a classroom teacher and one is awarded to a non-formal educator. Join the small team of grant application reviewers and help determine which projects should be awarded based on a scoring matrix aligned with grant requirements. Grant review discussions are held remotely.

Join a Committee

Committees, composed of members and board members, are the heartbeat of AEEA. Committees are responsible for advancing the organization’s goals, programs, marketing, and internal structures. Committees are usually a one year commitment, though time investment varies with the individual committee’s annual objectives.

Awards and Mini Grants Committee

Responsible for overseeing all aspects of the mini grant and EE awards programs. Duties include reviewing and updating all pertinent materials, scoring applications/nominations against a matrix, notifying applicants and nominees, presenting awards and checks, and maintaining program records. The committee can include Board Members, general members, and the Executive Director. Committee members are not allowed to submit grant applications or award nominations.

Communications Committee

Shall publish a newsletter, update AEEA branding materials as needed, and publicize AEEA events and activities to the membership and the general public. Information will be shared through physical, written, and electronic means including: press releases, website, social media, in-person events, and online formats. The Communications Committee will solicit announcements and news from the membership on a regular basis and function as the final editor of work from other committees on special publications and events. The Communications Committee may include Board Members, general members, and the Executive Director.

Events Committee

Shall coordinate all AEEA events other than the EE Expo. Events include professional development, networking, and fundraising events. The Events Committee will provide detailed information to the Communications Committee for distribution and promotion. The Events Committee will develop partnerships with other organizations around the state to provide environmental education activities and events. The committee may include Board Members, general members, and the Executive Director.

Expo Committee

Responsible for all aspects of the annual AEEA Expo including site selection, requesting and managing the conference budget, program development, publicity, silent auction, EE awards, sponsorships, the day-of management, and all other aspects/task/functions necessary for a successful event, within the overall guidelines and policies of AEEA and its BOD. The committee may include Board Members, general members, and the Executive Director.

Membership & Outreach Committee

Responsible for developing, maintaining, and continually evaluating AEEA membership and benefits. The committee is responsible for reviewing member levels and benefits, conducting member surveys, researching and implementing ways to increase membership, and identifying partnerships that benefit AEEA members. Meetings of the Membership Committee will occur via conference call or email throughout the year. Information will be shared with the AEEA Board of Directors through email, monthly meetings, quarterly in-person meetings, and the Board of Directors annual retreat. The committee may include Board Members, general members, and the Executive Director.

I’d Love To Volunteer

Serve on the Board of Directors

Are you interested in helping shape sustainable environmental education for all ages throughout Arkansas? Do you or someone you know hope to make a difference as an educational resource and leader? The AEEA Board of Directors seeks applicants each fall.

Terms begin January 1 as a three-year tenure. Elected by the membership, any member of AEEA may seek election as a board director, and self-nominations are encouraged. Experience as an educator is not necessary. Passion for supporting environmental and outdoor education is a must.

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