To achieve our goals, we need to educate, organize, and catalyze community volunteers to carry out the work associated with our mission. These activities include: tracking critical land-use issues; educating and engaging our members and the general public about these issues; securing local media coverage, educating government decision-makers about what the law requires, and empowering local activists with tools to be effective advocates.

We need volunteers to fill a variety of roles important to protecting Whatcom County’s rural areas. As listed below, volunteers can help on our substantive (policy) issues, membership and fundraising, and outreach to government officials and the public.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Policy

1.    Political Strategy and Actions:
Evaluate substantive projects with respect to FWW goals and strategy. Advise Steering Committee on political actions, conduct research on specific land-use issues, and monitor agendas and meetings of county council and planning commission. Develop action plans for issues as they appear on government agendas.

2.    Legal Strategy and Actions: Evaluate substantive projects with respect to FWW goals and strategy. Advise on legal actions and coordinate with legal director in Futurewise Seattle office.

Membership and Fundraising

3.    Membership Planning and Development: Identify and recruit additional volunteers and members. Find members in each city and area of Whatcom County.

4.    Fundraising Coordination: Identify potential major donors (corporate, foundations, and individuals). Prepare grant materials and help secure grants and large contributions. Identify potential mid-level donors and prepare written materials to attract such contributions.

Outreach

5.    Government/Media Relations: Develop and maintain active contacts with key County and City elected and appointed officials. Meet with media representatives and prepare press releases on key topics. Recruit and manage student volunteers from WWU, WCC, and BTC. Coordinate with Seattle office of Futurewise on statewide issues.

6.    Public Communications Strategy, Media, and Materials: Formulate communication and media-materials plan for organization and individual projects. Prepare and implement public relations content, including brochures, photographs, and video productions. Design, build, improve and manage FWW website. Work with policy people on issue-specific talking points, press releases, and email action alerts to members. Prepare periodic (e.g., quarterly) member newsletters and organize public meetings on key topics.

For more information on Futurewise Whatcom and to volunteer your time, energy, and talents, please contact: Eric Hirst or Tris Shirley, Whatcom@Futurewise.org