CHEHALIS RIVER COUNCIL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

At a March 31 meeting, some CRC members and volunteers were asked to suggest the kinds of CRC activities in which they could see themselves participating. Here are some of the suggestions:

Planting trees and shrubs along streams. Really push and implement Shade the Chehalis.

Gathering and analyzing information

• upgrade the library
• develop a GIS (Geographic Information System) project, including looking for grant support
• develop the CRC as the source for objective information about the watershed.

Sketching the Big Picture

• Bring the 1992 action plan back into focus; use to prioritize.
• Identify what agencies are doing; compare to goals of action plan.
• Identify pressures on environment; actions by agencies, cities, counties.

Monitoring a small watershed:

• encourage involvement
• keep it small scale; for example:
• survey the creek/topographic
• map control structures (e.g., culverts)
• observe sediment plumes

Floating down the Chehalis in a canoe making descriptive notes, photos, etc. For example, plan a "Headwater to Harbor" canoe trip.

Reaching out to area schools.

Planning a fundraising benefit event, for example, a concert at the MATRIX coffee house.

Getting the information out! For example, write Info Sheets: Biweekly update sheet for schools, libraries on water quality developments.

Responding to or preventing the latest watershed disaster (e.g., fish kills, etc.)

Getting involved in watershed management efforts.

Getting involved in salmon strategies.

Connecting with property owners who may be suspicious of government-sponsored projects

• Clarify Chehalis River Council's imagine: -- What's our stance for reaching out to people concerned about property rights; farmers, timber industry managers and workers?

Based in part on these suggestions, and in part on needs identified by the board, here is a list of volunteer opportunities at the CRC. We hope one or more will strike you as just what you'd like to do. If so, please write or call the CRC office and let us know.

Awareness

• coordinate outreach -- how do we get our material to people?
• handouts coordinator -- seek out and obtain free handouts on water quality and figure out how best to get them out
• seminar coordinator -- plan and schedule regular seminars/speakers
• traveling display -- prepare, take to special events, "staff," develop new displays
• develop presentations and slide shows.

Issues

• "Adopt an Issue" -- become our resident expert; draft comments, position statements for review by board.
• keep abreast of developments, keep members informed.
• write letters to editors.
• coordinate urgent actions (get others to take action).

Write articles for Drops of Water and Insiders News

Volunteers

• volunteer clearinghouse -- plug interested people into projects sponsored by other groups
• volunteer coordinator -- recruit and develop CRC volunteers.

Fund raising and membership

• develop strategies and materials
• develop mail appeals/make direct contacts
• plan and coordinate events

Grants: research and/or write grants.

Office: cover one or more afternoons a week.

Project coordinator or team leader and team participants: -- Plan and coordinate an event or project such as those listed above.

Each of the projects suggested by volunteers will take a dedicated coordinator or team to make it happen.

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