Get Involved

There are many ways to get involved in moving our community toward sustainability through Sustainable Bellingham--hence, the Acorn model of concentric circles. The center circle represents a very high level of time and energy commitment, with concentric circles--similar to those made by throwing a stone into a pond--emanating from the center representing lessening degrees of commitment.

Joining the Vision Team

The Vision Team is the center circle of highest commitment, and is similar to what other organizations might call "a steering committee.” Serving on the Vision Team is by the invitation of current Vision Team members. If you're interested in serving, here's what we ask of you:

1. Come to a few meetings to connect, let us know about yourself and your desire to contribute, and observe and learn about our process.
2. Before committing to join, we request that you browse our website (www.sustainablebellingham.org), and familiarize yourself especially with the following pages:
   • About Us: http://sustainablebellingham.org/index.php/about-us/who-we-are
   • Relocalization: http://www.relocalize.net/understanding_relocalization
3. Read the last two months of meeting minutes: http://sustainablebellingham.org/wiki/wikka.php?wakka=MeetingMinutes
4. Agree to a time commitment (six months or more is ideal).

Want to be on a Sub-team and not in the Vision Group?

Our Sub-teams are the next level of commitment, and are action oriented. We currently have an Events Team and a Website Team, and are open to having many more teams -; your ideas are welcome. If you're interested in joining a sub-team, here's what we ask of you:

1. Observe at least one meeting before jumping in.
2. Familiarize yourself with our website (www.sustainablebellingham.org) and read the last two months of meeting minutes for that group:
3. http://sustainablebellingham.org/wiki/wikka.php?wakka=MeetingMinutes
4. Agree to a time commitment of 2 months--or a project specific commitment.

Want to be a general or “on-call” Volunteer?

The “Volunteer Team” is the outer circle representing the lowest level of commitment. The reality is that some “volunteers” may choose a very high level of commitment and involvement. It's really up to you. Some volunteers or interns might choose to donate a specific number of hours per week or per month; some might commit to a specific project, and some might be available on an “on-call” basis. Let us know if you're interested in being a Volunteer, and we'll discuss your interests and availability.

Some ideas for volunteers can be found here:
http://sustainablebellingham.org/wiki/wikka.php?wakka=IdeasForVolunteersAndInterns

Sustainable Bellingham is a member of Whatcom Volunteer Center. Volunteers can sign up through WVC and receive some benefits for their work.