 |
News | FAQ | Contact Us |
|
Volunteer Friends as involved citizens. See what we've been doing to make a difference. Help the Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge by becoming a volunteer. The Friends' mission is to be an active advocate of the Refuge and to support its program, promote a better understanding and appreciation of the Florida panther and improve the status of the current panther population. We are currently looking for volunteers to work on the following committees or projects. Many Refuge opportunities do not require you to be located in Florida. We are seeking volunteers to assist with the following opportunities: 1. Special Events - plan, manage and recommend events that provide the public with awareness and education and also serve to raise funds for the Friends activities. Current examples of possible special events include the annual meeting, Florida Panther Week activities, the Cause for the Paws, Volunteer Day and events held in conjunction with partnering organizations. 2. Adult Education - develop brochures, power point presentations, and scripts for the purpose of addressing business and civic organizations and other interested adult groups. 3. Speakers Bureau - Make educational presentations to the general public. 4. Membership - establishes strategies to recruit new members, retain the current members and manage the membership data base. 5. Trail and Tour Volunteers - includes buggy drivers, tour leaders, trail maintenance and auto mechanics to maintain the buggies. 6. Part Time Office Staff - work in the Friends office 6/8 per week performing general administrative functions including telephone calling to maintain the Friends contact list. 7. Capital Campaign - develop a program to raise funds for the construction of an environmental education center of the Florida Panther Refuge. 8. Marketing - develop a cohesive marketing strategy that will incorporate membership materials, stationary, website, logo, and sales merchandise. Programs to be considered include the commissioning of an educational coloring book, and fund raising programs such as Adopting a Panther and Pennies for Panthers. 9. Advocacy - network with other conservation groups on subjects of mutual interest, advocate for public and private land for panther utilization and lobby elected officials and pertinent government agencies. 10. Outreach - man the Friend’s booth at events and place and monitor the education display in high traffic areas such as banks, libraries, and restaurants. 11. Newsletter Editor 12. Public relations - secures through newspapers, radio, TV and other media the maximum publicity covering the activities and objectives of the organization. 13. Newsletter Reporters - write news articles for the Friends newsletter in conjunction with the newsletter editor. 14. Youth education - develop educational programs for middle school and senior high school students. 15. Special events and exhibition staffing. 16. Design coloring books and educational materials. 17. Data base maintenance and design. Leadership Opportunities With training, Friends can take the public on guided Refuge tours, learn to lead workshops, and present programs to schools (like the Panther Posse), clubs and organizations. If you wish to assist the Friends of the Florida Panther in our work to enhance the recovery and viability of this endangered species, or just seek additional information, contact the Friends by emailing Info@floridapanther.org or call 239-353-8442 and ask to speak with someone about becoming a Friends' volunteer. We look forward to hearing from you!
|
