The Friends of Wompatuck

An evolution of volunteerism
Early Volunteerism
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Wompatuck Advisory Council
8 non paid appointees
regular meetings with park supervisor to
communicate concerns.
Wompatuck Trails Advisory
Ad-hoc group concerned with trail conditions &
repairs.
Became recognized by DEM (DCR)
The Friends of Wompatuck State Park
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An expansion of the trails advisory group
Formed to assist DCR with all park operations
Reaching out to all user groups & stakeholders
Advertize and organize a kick off meeting
Buying In
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It’s your facility, you are a stakeholder and an
important part of the process
You have a voice
It’s fun, there are opportunities for all
It’s social, you will be working with new friends &
groups towards a common goal
My Philosophy
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Give in a little (don’t be a control freak)
Listen a Lot (be receptive to ideas, you think you
know it all but you don’t)
Put the pieces together (combine resources)
Everyone together (all volunteer projects are run
through “the meeting”)
Avoid the “I’m gonna do it all” type
Thank your volunteers
Formalizing the group
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Mission Statement
(should reflect goals of the organization)
Election of board
Official Non-profit (yes or no?)
(if you are supporting an existing non-profit, you
might not need to)
Regular meetings
(important to keep the group engaged)
Liability
Ask a lawyer
(don’t guess, it might not be as bad as
you think)
 Waivers
(if nothing else, a good exercise, good
reminder)
 Keep records
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Trail Maintenance Days
Outreach
Maps & Kiosks
Coordinating Groups
Apply for Grants
Fundraising Events
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Fun! Everyone Involved
Website & Newsletter
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www.friendsofwompatuck.org
Contracted Projects
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Need an expert, project too big?
South Shore Science Center programs
entrance area beautification
field improvements
dock construction
accessibility projects
legal & tax matters
Assisting Charitable Events
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Pan Mass Challenge Kids Ride
Parkwatch
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your eyes & ears
trail reports
110 Members Strong
Part 2, SAFETY
Time to
be a
control
freak !
Training
OSHA 10 hour training course
Husquvarna chain saw certification + proficiency
American Red Cross CPR & 1st responder certification
Handouts (lymes, West Nile, EEE, poisonous plants)
Personal Protection
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Personal Protection Devices: eye & hearing
protection, hardhat, boots, gloves, chaps, reflective
gear, cones,
1st aid
Prevention (deet, tec-nu)
Team Leaders
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Pre trip orientation to group (count)
Cell phone or 2 way radio (exchange phone
numbers)
Maps
Anyone have an allergy bees? peanuts?
Water & snacks
Parents are in charge of their kids!!!!
Have a lighter duty project ready (kids/
elderly)
Not Just Personal Safety
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Wetlands & vernal pools
Natural heritage areas
Protected & endangered species
Invasive plants
Invasive insects
THANK YOU
Additional resources
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Friends of Wompatuck State Park
www.friendsofwompatuck.org
Occupational Safety & Health Administration
(OSHA) www.osha.gov/dte/oti
Flyers on Health Risks: Massachusetts Dept. of
Public Health www.mass.gov/eohhs/
Chain Saw Training: You Tube, How to work with a
chainsaw - Tutorial from Husqvarna