Volunteer Leaders Program

CPAWS Calgary/Banff is committed, through our strategic plan, to a large amount of wilderness conservation work in Southern Alberta. An effective Volunteer Leaders Program (VLP) bridges the gap between limited staff, and the volunteer base that is broad, diverse and demanding more engagement in conservation work. Check out the recent work done by our 2007-2008 participants, in the Nahanni and Volunteer Leader Program articles in the July 2008 issue of Green Notes.

For more information: What is the Volunteer Leaders Program? Expected Outcomes Training Structure The Ideal Volunteer Leaders Program Participant CPAWS Expectations Benefits to Participants Application Process Sponsors

What is the Volunteer Leaders Program?

For the past two years the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society - Calgary/Banff Chapter has identified, recruited, trained and involved a number of volunteer leaders to organize and direct various conservation campaigns and projects. This has noticeably increased the capacity of our organization do more conservation, outreach and educational work. The Volunteer Leaders Program has become one of our most valuable efforts and we are excited to begin a new year of the program in Fall 2008.

Through the program CPAWS encourages the development of a wide range of participants’ skills and knowledge in a wide range of relevant topics such as leadership and conservation through training session and workshops. In return, participants apply their skills within CPAWS on pre-organized campaigns and the leaders’ own conservation projects, developed and executed individually or in groups and under the guidance of CPAWS staff.

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Expected Outcomes of the Volunteer Leaders Program

• CPAWS Volunteer Leaders understand how to work within the organization and with other volunteers and design appropriate projects in collaboration with CPAWS staff for execution by volunteers.

• CPAWS has the tools, resources, and infrastructure to learn from its experiences and continually improve an efficient and effective Volunteer Leaders Program.

• Volunteer Leaders are implementing meaningful projects; working to the standards of staff and CPAWS; and receiving appropriate support.

• Volunteer Leaders are establishing and nurturing volunteer bases specifically working on conservation campaigns throughout Southern Alberta.

• CPAWS is better able to meet conservation challenges through effective collaboration with volunteer resource people.

• More volunteers are connected to CPAWS in various localities and are broadening their understanding of environmental protection issues.

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Training Structure

• Regularly scheduled training sessions
  Approximately twice a month, speakers representing government, corporate and non-profit sectors lead workshops specifically related to a variety of topics such as leadership skills, fund development, conservation principles, and tools for conservation including: political systems and advocacy, stakeholder relations, campaign planning, economics and corporate sustainability. The estimated number of workshops per year is approximately 10-12. A few additional sessions are set aside for project-building and additional questions and topics that arise during the program year.

• Resources and recommended reading
  CPAWS staff provide resources and a compilation of materials on leadership and conservation. Specific readings may accompany the training sessions. CPAWS staff members are available one-on-one as needed to support each participant on various aspects of their work.

• Field trips and additional opportunities
  When the opportunity for participation in multi-stakeholder processes and regional meetings on conservation issues arise, Volunteer Leaders are often invited to participate or observe as a learning experience.

• Evaluation
  CPAWS will determine results of the program through ongoing evaluation based on the objectives and timelines as well as annual formal evaluations. Results are compared from year to year in order to work towards continuous improvement.

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The Ideal Volunteer Leaders Program Participant …

• expresses a passion for wilderness and a deep desire to make a positive difference,
• has education or knowledge in conservation/environmental work,
• possesses experience working/volunteering with CPAWS or another comparable environmental or conservation group,
• exercises excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills,
• demonstrates responsibility and initiative to search for new opportunities for fundamental change and growth,
• has leadership experience or shows potential for being a leader,
• is committed to participating in all CPAWS Volunteer Leaders Program activities and training sessions.
• may have experience in program planning or project management.

This program encompasses a very diverse group of individuals from different levels of education and experience, and very different fields of study and work. We welcome applications and inquiries from anyone who demonstrates leadership qualities and is committed to being part of a new set of conservation leaders in our community.

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CPAWS Expectations of Participants

• Attendance and participation in all training sessions and meetings - approximately 2 evening training sessions/minimum 4 hours per month for meetings as well as some additional weekend sessions(2-3 times per program year). A detailed schedule is provided upon acceptance into the Program.
  Note: A year of the program refers to an academic year lasting approximately 10 months. The 2009 academic year will begin in January 2009.
• Commitment to an average of 10 hours of volunteer work per month in addition to the training sessions.
• Reading and reviewing articles and resources according to the schedule.
• Providing ongoing evaluation throughout the program, through written and verbal reports.
• Fundraising of $500 over the course of the year to assist in costs associated with the program.
• Considering participation in an additional year(s) of the Program, to continue existing projects and act in a mentoring role for new Volunteer Leader Program participants.

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Benefits to Volunteer Leaders Program Participants

• Receive unique training from leaders and CPAWS staff
• Gain hands-on opportunities to learn and apply knowledge and skills
• Receive ongoing support and direction for projects and campaigns from CPAWS staff
• Assist CPAWS in fulfilling our mission:
  • To enhance understanding of Canada’s wild ecosystems,
  • To promote understanding of ecological principles,
  • To reform Alberta’s protected areas legislation to provide meaningful protection,
  • To encourage individual action to accomplish these goals, and
  • To achieve protection by working cooperatively with government, First Nations, business, other individuals and stakeholders.

• Receive a certificate, letter of reference and recognition upon completion of the program
• Meet existing conservation leaders and many other people working in the environmental and conservation sector.
• Build valuable experience, skills and knowledge for future volunteer and employment opportunities in the conservation/environmental field.

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Application Process

Candidates who are interested in applying for a Volunteer Leader Position are invited to complete the following process.

1. Complete the application form. Click here to download it in PDF format (~135K).
   • Responses to CPAWS VLP questions
   • Signed and dated commitment statement

2. Attach the following documents:
   • Resume which includes educational, professional and community experiences, as applicable
   • 3 references and one letter of support submitted by an employer, teacher, or supervisor. The reference should speak to character, professional and/or community initiative and leadership,
   and attest to suitability for the CPAWS Volunteer Leaders Program (VLP).

Eligible candidates will be contacted by the CPAWS Outreach Manager for an interview.

For more information please contact:

Outreach Manager
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society
Calgary/ Banff Chapter
1120 - 1202 Centre St. SE.
Calgary, AB T2S 0M1
lallan@cpaws.org
Telephone: (403) 232-6686
Web site: www.cpaws-southernalberta.org
Fax: (403) 232-6988

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Sponsors

The Volunteer Leaders Program is generously sponsored by: