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Join » Get Involved!

Thank you for your interest in volunteering for Raw Network of Washington.  We are a volunteer-based organization, and do not currently employ any paid staff members.  Thus, volunteers are critical for carrying out our mission, which is to increase public awareness of the personal and planetary benefits of the raw/living foods lifestyle; to be a "hub" of information and resources that help people identify, choose, and maintain a diet that is healthy, ethical, and sustainable; and to be a community leader that keeps the raw foods movement growing, vibrant, and alive!

Our volunteer program is specifically designed to address the diverse interests of the individuals in the raw foods community by offering a variety of unique, rewarding opportunities to get involved with our organization!   We are proud to offer four unique to get involved with our organization - as a Board Director, Committee Member, Intern, or Short-Term Volunteer.

Board Director

Our Board of Directors is responsible for determining the organization's mission, vision, and values; ensuring effective organizational planning; ensuring adequate resources and managing resources effectively; assessing the organization's performance; and determining and monitoring the organization's programs and services.

An individual’s decision to become a Director of a nonprofit corporation is a serious one.  While many of the responsibilities of a board member or an officer are similar to those of a for-profit corporation, some duties and liabilities are unique to nonprofit organizations.

The minimum commitment of a Board Director is as follows:

  1. One two-year term

  2. Approximately 20 hours of service per month

  3. Annual financial giving

  4. Monthly attendance at Board meetings

  5. Attendance at our annual fundraising events

  6. Attendance at quarterly Board Development sessions

  7. Chair one of the Board's Committees

Committee Member

We have developed a number of different committees, which are dedicated groups within the organization that have been been empowered by the Board of Directors to address a specific issue or task.  Each committee is chaired by one of Raw Network's Board Directors, and ideally has 4-6 members.  Some committees are permanently established, and others are ad hoc.  The minimum commitment of a Committee Member is as follows:

  1. One six-month term (except for ad-hoc committees)

  2. Approximately 20 hours of service per month

  3. Monthly attendance at Committee meetings

  4. Attendance at our annual fundraising events

Events Committee.  This committee is tasked with proposing new program and activity developments; monitoring and evaluating existing programs; planning and executing events.

Finance Committee.  This committee is responsible for oversight of development of the budget; ensuring accurate tracking/monitoring/accountability for funds; and ensuring adequate financial controls.

Fund Development Committee.  This committee ensures responsible for oversight and support of all fund development strategies.

Website Committee.  This committee is responsible for the planning, developing, and maintenance of the organization’s website.

Membership Committee.  This committee is responsible for issues related to membership and planning of the organization's annual membership drive.

Community Outreach Committee.  This committee is tasked with developing and implementing ways to  fulfill the part of our mission that works to increase public awareness of the personal and planetary benefits of the raw/living foods lifestyle.  Committee members are actively engaged in community outreach activities (e.g., staffing booths at farmer's markets, conducting presentations for the public, etc.)

Public Relations Committee.  This committee is tasked with development and implementation of the organization's public relations efforts, including the Network's e-Newsletter.

Organization Development Committee.  In conjunction with the Executive Committee, this group is responsible for all board governance processes.

FreshFesh (ad hoc) Committee.  This committee is responsible for planning and implementation of our annual summer bash! 

Community Center Planning (ad hoc) Committee.  This committee is responsible for the planning and implementation of Raw Network of Washington's community center.

Intern

Support the growth of our organization while gaining school credit and experience in your field of interest.  Several internship opportunities are currently available for the 2007-2008 school year:

Short-Term Volunteer

From time to time, volunteers request to help perform specific tasks.  Examples of such tasks include event promotion (e.g. hanging flyers, sending out press releases, posting to online event calendars), assisting with fundraising activities (selling Chinook Books during our annual Chinook drive, being a table captain at our annual fundraiser, selling PCC Scrip cards, etc.), writing articles for our newsletter, etc.

Next Steps

Step 1:  Submit an application.

To download an application, please select one of the following.

Volunteer Application - Microsoft Word

 Volunteer Application - PDF file

 

Step 2:  Send in your completed application.

By E-mail:
getinvolved@rawwashington.org

By mail:
Raw Network of Washington
 1615 NE 65th Street, Suite 210
Seattle, WA  98115

 

Step 3:  Interview and Background Check.

Once we receive your completed application, you will be contacted to set up a date for an interview.  If you are volunteering for the Finance or Fund Development committees, you will also be required  to complete a background check.

If you are unsure about which committee you would like to volunteer on, during the interview process you will have the opportunity to find out more about the activities of each committee to assist you in deciding which committee you would like to put your energy into.

 

Step 4:  Attend Orientation.

If accepted to our volunteer program, you will meet with your Committee Chair and he or she will familiarize you to the policies and procedures of  the Raw Network of Washington, as well as the work your committee is responsible for carrying out.  During orientation, you will learn about any active projects your committee has undertaken, how meetings are generally operated, and the expectations of your team leader.


Who should I contact if I have questions?

If you have general questions about volunteering for Raw Network of Washington, please call Raw Network of Washington's Grand Central Line at (206) 923-8908.