Fox Cities, Wisconsin, USA info@sustainfv.org
Footprint calculator Volunteer FAQ
Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters / Public domain

Volunteer

Give a few hours, meet your neighbors and leave the Fox Valley a little healthier than you found it. Here are the ways you can help and what to expect when you sign up.

Every project Sustainable Fox Valley takes on, from a study circle in a church basement to a spring cleanup along the Fox River, happens because volunteers show up. You do not need special training or a big time commitment. Some volunteers help once a year; others become regulars who lead their own projects. Either way, you will learn something, meet people who care about the same things you do and see the results of your work.

Volunteer roles

Study circle facilitator

Guide a small group through a four- to six-session discussion series. Facilitators keep conversations on track, make sure every voice is heard and help the group land on next steps. You do not need to be an expert on the topic; the discussion guide supplies the content.

Good fit if: you are a patient listener and comfortable with groups.

Garden helper

Plant, weed, mulch, water and collect seed at community gardens, rain gardens and native-plant beds. Experienced gardeners can help plan plant lists and mentor newcomers.

Good fit if: you like working outside and do not mind getting your hands dirty.

Cleanup crew

Join half-day crews collecting litter along shorelines, parks and storm-drain outlets, and help log what you find. Crew leads run safety briefings and keep teams organized.

Good fit if: you enjoy physical work and want visible results.

Event help

Set up rooms, greet people at check-in, hand out materials, run a table at a community fair or help with cleanup afterward. These short shifts are a great way to try volunteering.

Good fit if: you are friendly, reliable and like being where the action is.

Writer or photographer

Help draft guides and articles, fact-check rebate and program information, or photograph events and projects (with permission from the people pictured). We edit everything for accuracy and tone.

Good fit if: you write clearly or have an eye for images.

Tech volunteer

Help with the website, spreadsheets for the Energy Challenge, newsletter setup, accessibility checks or simple data visualizations of project results.

Good fit if: you are comfortable with WordPress, spreadsheets or web accessibility.

What to expect

  • A quick conversation first. After you sign up, we reach out by email to learn what interests you, when you are available and whether you have any accommodations or limits we should know about.
  • Flexible commitment. Most roles are a single shift or a few hours a season. Facilitators commit to one study circle series at a time.
  • Orientation. Every role starts with a short orientation: a safety briefing for outdoor work, a facilitation guide for study circle leaders and style notes for writers.
  • Clear tasks. At each event you will know who your lead is, what you are responsible for and when you are done.
  • A welcoming group. We expect everyone to treat each other with respect. Harassment or discrimination of any kind is not tolerated.
  • Honest thanks. Volunteers are unpaid. What we can offer is good company, new skills, practical knowledge for your own home and the satisfaction of a cleaner, greener neighborhood.

Safety

Outdoor work along rivers, lakes and roadsides has real hazards. We keep safety simple and non-negotiable.

  1. Attend the briefing. Every outdoor event starts with a short safety talk covering the site, the weather, where the first-aid kit is and how to reach the crew lead.
  2. Dress for the work. Wear closed-toe shoes or boots, long pants and layers. Spring and fall weather in northeast Wisconsin can change quickly, and riverbanks are often muddy and uneven.
  3. Use the gear. Wear the gloves provided and use grabbers and buckets for litter. Never pick up debris with bare hands.
  4. Do not touch sharps or hazards. If you find needles, broken glass in quantity, chemical containers, propane tanks or anything that looks dangerous, mark the spot and tell your crew lead. Leave it for the appropriate authorities.
  5. Stay out of the water. Unless an event is specifically organized for on-water work with life jackets and trained leaders, volunteers stay on shore. Currents and cold water on the Fox River and Lake Winnebago can be dangerous.
  6. Look after yourself and each other. Drink water, take breaks, use sun and tick protection in summer and speak up if you feel unwell.
Minors: Volunteers under 18 are welcome at many events with a parent or guardian present, and a parent or guardian must sign the event participation form. Some tasks, such as working near roadways, are adults only.
Tip: Bring a reusable water bottle and a pair of gloves you like. Our gloves work, but your own will fit better.

How to sign up

  1. Tell us about yourself. Use our volunteer sign-up form. Let us know which roles interest you, your general availability and which part of the Fox Cities you live in.
  2. Hear back from us. We will reply by email with current opportunities that match your interests.
  3. Pick a first shift. Choose an event or project. Many people start with a cleanup or garden day, then try something new.
  4. Show up and have fun. Arrive a few minutes early for the briefing and introduce yourself to your lead.

Not ready to commit? Browse upcoming formats on our events page, read about our projects or explore other ways to support the work.