|
|
Volunteering for the Sierra Club's Seattle Inner City Outings Program
Seattle Inner City Outings (ICO) began as part of the Seattle Group of the Sierra Club in
1991, and has grown to become one of the most active ICO programs in the National Sierra
Club. The first ICO group was established in 1971 as part of the San Francisco Bay Sierra
Club Chapter. There are now approximately 50 groups across the country serving thousands
of participants each year. Seattle ICO operates as an all-volunteer organization in partnership
with a small group of selected partner schools/nonprofit agencies.
It serves several hundred of Seattle's inner-city youths each year, providing them with
opportunities to go hiking, camping, canoeing, sledding, snowshoeing, skiing, backpacking,
rafting, kayaking, and more. Currently, Seattle ICO's partner organizations include:
Nathan Hale High School, Franklin High School, Madrona Elementary School, Bailey-Gatzert Elementary,
Hamilton Middle School, Mercer Middle School, Tukwila Elementary School, Rainier Beach High School,
Peace for the Streets by Kids for the Streets and an EYES Youth Leader team.
How Does Seattle ICO Select Volunteers?
Seattle ICO is an all-volunteer organization. Since its beginning Seattle ICO has experienced
a steady and carefully planned increase in leaders, partner schools/agencies, and the number of
youths it serves. Seattle ICO's continued growth depends on its ability to attract new revenue
sources, new equipment, and most of all a select group of new volunteers who want to both lead
outings AND participate in activities that help sustain the organization. Non-outing activities
include auction item procurement, event planning, fundraising, equipment cleaning, steering
committee participation, and more. Seattle ICO invites interested individuals to carefully review
what Seattle ICO expects and needs from its volunteers before applying to become an ICO leader.
New Seattle ICO leaders will be expected to:
- participate in the September 6 & 7, 2008 new leader training weekend (fee around $45)
- maintain current membership in the Sierra Club (membership rates vary-standard rate is $39)
- successfully pass required background checks (References, Excel Screening online)
- become certified in First Aid and CPR (within three months of completing training)
- become an active leader on one of ICO's established school/agency teams
- contribute to ICO's organizational development needs
- help Seattle ICO become an even stronger and more active program
- have fun and work together with other ICO leaders to serve Seattle's inner-city youth
How Do Interested Volunteers Apply?
Individuals interested in becoming leaders should download the Seattle ICO Application, complete it and return by mail (see application for address). Seattle ICO anticipates inviting 25 applicants to the fall ICO new leader training weekend. If you have questions, send an email to seattleico@yahoo.com.
APPLICATION DEADLINE FRIDAY, AUGUST 8th!!
Seattle ICO 2008 Application:
2008 Seattle ICO New Leader Application (Word Document)
|