Volunteer Activities

We may carry and relocate existing bog bridges. Work area will be wet/muddy and slippery. Rubber boots might be the best option for footwear, depending on recent weather. Work gloves and insect repellant are recommended. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes (or muck boots). While this is likely to be a short day, bring lunch/snack and water to drink. Because of limited parking, we'll meet at the Benedict Pond parking area in nearby Beartown State Forest.

Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes. Work gloves are recommended. Bring lunch/snack and water to drink.

This will be a bit longer day than our usual and we'll be out in the woods so come prepared, water, food / snacks, rain gear, bug repellent, etc. Foul weather cancels.

The volunteer role of the Hiking Chair is to support leaders in offering a variety of hikes to AMC members and other participants, with a safe, fun, inclusive, and welcoming approach. The one-year term starts November 1. The Hiking Chair works with trip leaders to:

• Schedule hikes
• Encourage interested hikers to become leaders
• Assist interested people in signing up for Leadership Training
• Participates in Leadership Training
• Assist Leaders-in-Training to find mentors for co-leads
• Encourage leaders to lead hikes of varying levels of difficulty year-round
• Assist new or existing leaders with posting hikes on the AMC website as needed
• Answer leader's questions regarding AMC or Western MA chapter policies, referring to pertinent documents online at amc-wma.org, and
• Hold informational and social gatherings with leaders from time to time, as necessary.

The Hiking Chair serves on the Western MA Chapter Executive Committee and:

• Attends monthly Executive Committee meetings
• Submits monthly reports to the Executive Committee, and
• Sets up an annual budget for hiking and stays within the budget.

The Hiking Chair may also:

• Enlist other AMC members to serve on the Hiking Committee to assist with its activities
• Serve as a resource for the Tuesday Hiking group, which has their own coordinators and emailers to promote and publicize hikes, and
• Organize hiker training programs (such as winter hiking, snowshoeing, backpacking, etc.).

AMC's 12 chapters, run by volunteer Executive Committees, support the organization's mission on the ground by leading trips, offering outdoor skills and leadership training courses, and creating opportunities for conservation action and stewardship at the local level. These dedicated volunteers help activate their communities, often launching people on a path toward greater engagement with AMC's mission of protecting and enjoying the outdoors.

AMC Western MA Chapter welcomes all interested candidates to inquire, and we invite the full participation of all individuals currently underrepresented in the outdoor community. The Chapter Vice Chair supports the Chapter Chair in leading the all-volunteer Chapter Executive Committee to advance the agreed-upon goals and serves for two consecutive years with the expectation that they will move into the Chapter Chair role after the Chair's two-year term. This position also serves as a liaison between the Chapter and the larger organization of AMC-with the Chair, they represent the organization at the local level and are an essential link between the staff, the Board of Directors, and the local Chapter members and volunteers. Areas that the Vice Chair will, or might be, involved with include:

• Attends and provides input in monthly Executive Committee meetings
• Recruitment and nomination process for Executive Committee members
• Event coordination, including Annual Meeting and Annual Planning Meeting
• Other projects as agreed upon to advance the Chapter goals
• Opportunity to attend weekend retreat at AMC property and AMC Summit with Chapter funds
• Participates on the Chapters Committee (Chairs, Vice Chairs, Regional Directors, and Volunteer Relations staff), including attending meetings and providing input (three regular planning meetings, including two in person, and occasional online meetings due to organizational updates)
• Coordinates with various Chapter committees as needed

Ongoing orientation is provided by the Chair, Regional Director, and Volunteer Relations staff! Preferred qualifications:

• Must be a member of the AMC or become a member before election
• Organized, good communicator, willing to learn new things, willing to work with a diverse group of individuals; responds promptly to email and voice communications; is a team player
• Attention to detail while maintaining a broad view of Chapter and AMC goals and needs
• Access to a computer and some degree of computer proficiency for document management and information flow, or be willing to learn and utilize online resources
• Enthusiastic promoter of the Chapter and the AMC!

Time commitment: ~5 hours per week. AMC Western MA Chapter welcomes all interested candidates to inquire, and we invite the full participation of all individuals currently underrepresented in the outdoor community. We look forward to hearing from you at info@amc-wma.org. Thank you! AMC's 12 chapters, run by volunteer Executive Committees, support the organization's mission on the ground by leading trips, offering outdoor skills and leadership training courses, and creating opportunities for conservation action and stewardship at the local level. These dedicated volunteers help activate their communities, often launching people on a path toward greater engagement with AMC's mission of protecting and enjoying the outdoors.