We’re so happy that you’re interested in volunteering with Bird School Project! Our mission is to inspire and equip people to study, steward, and love their local environment through experiential learning and direct exploration. Our volunteers play an important role in helping us push forward our mission and we strive for them to feel like a valued part of the BSP community.
The area with the greatest need for volunteers is in the classroom. Classroom support truly changes how our Bird School lessons turn out. With the help of our volunteers we can reduce the student teacher ratio. As a result our sessions become much more meaningful because team leaders have more time to reach and connect with each individual in their group. For people who wish to volunteer, but are not available during school hours, we also appreciate the help of volunteers for tabling at community events, leading family bird walks in English and Spanish, and with raising donations for our program. We prefer a commitment through the school year, but we are happy to work with volunteers on creating short- and long-term volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Group Facilitator [Education]
Description: Lead students in exploring their school yard by facilitating observation making about birds and recording data. Volunteers help facilitate short lessons on bird sounds, using binoculars, identifying birds, and basic naturalizing skills.
Relevant skills and interests: Teaching, natural history, ecology, wetlands, birding, hiking, working with children, outdoor education
Requirements: Participate in 3 trainings with BSP, Fingerprinting and background check are necessary for working with SCCS
Time commitment: 1 school year, weekdays only, on going for 4 weeks, 1 session per week, 2-3 hours per session, but may shift as needed for different schools
Outreach and Events
Description: Engage with the community through educational activities and conversation to promote awareness of our mission and opportunities, and encourage support for BSP through donations and volunteerism. Lead family bird walks on occasion.
Requirements: Attend a volunteer orientation.
Relevant skills and interests: Friendly and outgoing, knowledge about BSP and its mission, fundraising, community engagement.
Time commitment: Typically on weeknights or weekends. Scattered events throughout the year.
What is the process of becoming a volunteer?
We want to know more about you and your interests, please submit an application detailing your talents and passions, past experience, and current availability.
After you’ve submitted a form, you will receive an email from a staff member with more details on the orientation, paperwork, and training required before starting.
Attend orientation where we will practice birding skills, participate in workshops on teaching environmental education and group management
Fingerprinting + Background check
Attend 2 trainings
Please note: If you are under 18 years old, you will need to complete a parental consent form and instructions on the application process for minors. We will email you the parental consent form once you submit the application through Google Form.