Getting Started as a Volunteer
Backyard Butterflies is a Sanctuary for All
Backyard Butterflies is a sanctuary for all people, critters, and most plants* where everyone is free to be their authentic selves. We value, respect, accept, cherish, and celebrate our differences and those attributes or characteristics that make us unique. We have learned by observing Nature in action within our habitat that all beings belong and that diversity and inclusion is an essential attribute of healthy, sustainable living systems.
* We do have to remove weeds and plants that don’t play nicely with other plants.
To make Backyard Butterflies a sanctuary for all, especially those who are marginalized, we ask you to participate in the following community guidelines:
Use Inclusive Language
Avoid language that is racist, sexist, transphobic, homophobic, classist, nativist, or ableist. Avoid making assumptions about others, and respect everyone’s names, gender pronouns, expressed identities, and experiences. Ask questions respectfully, and understand that no one is required to share information about their identities or experience(s).
Only touch with consent
If you want a hug, high-five, or even a handshake, ask for consent first. Never touch someone else’s body without making sure it is okay. Keep in mind that consent can change and be revoked at any time — if you are unsure if something is okay, ask!
Ask for consent when sharing private information
Personal information shared with you is not meant to be shared with others, unless you are given explicit permission to do so.
Be open to accountability and receptive to feedback
Be prepared to be called out/called in for language or actions that make someone else in the space uncomfortable. Hear them out and consider their perspective — especially if these members of the community belong to marginalized groups. Try to learn from your mistakes, be humble, and avoid these behaviors in the future.
Volunteer Job Descriptions
Volunteer positions we currently need filled are Plant Sale Assistants, Plant Production Assistants, and Habitat Maintenance Assistants.
Supervisor
Lior Carlson
Duties
Assist with set-up and take-down of canopy tent, tables, displays, and equipment; provide education and answer questions about butterflies, moths, and their relationship to plants; explain who we are and all the things our organization does.
Physical labor required
Low to moderate
Skills, education, and/or talents that will be put to good use
Comfortable with engaging people and initiating conversations; good communication and social skills with all demographics; knowledge of butterflies, moths, and plants; good customer service skills; friendly manner.
Scheduling
Community Outreach events are typically scheduled on Saturday mornings or early afternoons in April, May, September, and October. Events are typically 4-6 hours with an additional hour before for set-up and about 30 minutes after for take-down. Our annual Open House is on Saturday near the summer solstice.
Comments
If no meal is provided by the hosting organization, Backyard Butterflies will provide one or reimburse for the expense.
Supervisor
Lior Carlson
Duties
Assist with set-up and take-down of canopy tent, tables, displays, and equipment; provide education and answer questions about butterflies and moths; assist with finding moths on the sheet or in the surroundings.
Physical labor required
Low to moderate
Skills, education, and/or talents that will be put to good use
Perfect for natural night owls! Comfortable with engaging people and initiating conversations; good communication and social skills with all demographics; knowledge of butterflies, moths, and plants; friendly, whimsical manner.
Scheduling
Moth Nights and similar mothing events are typically conducted on Friday or Saturday nights from 8:00 to 11:30 PM in June, July, September.
Comments
May be required to participate in rituals to summon Mothra and occasionally wear a moth costume.
Supervisor
Lior Carlson
Duties
Be a group leader or participant, based upon butterfly identification experience.
Physical labor required
Low to moderate
Skills, education, and/or talents that will be put to good use
Ability to be outside during the day in August with triple digit heat indexes. You are always able to find Waldo. Have a genome almost identical to a tropical plant.
Scheduling
NABA counts typically start around 9 AM and end at 3 PM with an hour lunch at midday. Counts take place in August.
Comments
A meal or meal reimbursement is available.
Supervisor
John Jarvis
Duties
Weeding, planting, and general maintenance and care of our backyard habitat.
Physical labor required
Moderate to high
Skills, education, and/or talents that will be put to good use
Knowledge of gardening maintenance and care; enjoy doing physical activities.
Scheduling
Weekly 2 hour shifts on Tuesday from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM in April, May, and early June. Potential shifts in September into October. Some flexibility with start time.
Comments
Tools and equipment will be provided; volunteers are welcome to bring their own.
Supervisor
John Jarvis
Duties
Repotting seedlings, transferring plants from germination room to greenhouse, plant labeling and pricing, watering, sorting and organizing.
Physical labor required
Low to moderate
Skills, education, and/or talents that will be put to good use
Knowledge of plant propagation or gardening, enjoy physical activity and outdoor activities.
Scheduling
Weekly 2 hour shifts on Tuesday from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM in April, May, and early June. Potential shifts in September into October. Some flexibility with start time and/or day of the week. This position can be combined with Habitat Maintenance Assistant.
Comments
The triffids are not to be trifled with.
Supervisor
Lior Carlson
Duties
Volunteers can choose between two options.
Moderate Duty: Loading trays to transport from greenhouse to the sale area; sort and organize plant trays; help customers find appropriate plants for their growing conditions; assist customers with pick-up orders; check out customers using an app on a tablet.
Light Duty: Help customers and check out using an app on a tablet.
Physical labor required
Low to moderate
Skills, education, and/or talents that will be put to good use
Good communication skills, customer service and retail experience, friendly and engaging, knowledge of plants and insects.
Scheduling
Weekly on Sundays from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM in April and May; first weekend in October from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Comments
This is a rain or shine event unless there is severe weather. Optional lunch provided.
Supervisor
Lior Carlson
Duties
Create relevant content pertaining to Lepidoptera and plants.
Physical labor required
Low
Skills, education, and/or talents that will be put to good use
Writing skills that engage, inform, and entertain readers.
Scheduling
Our newsletter is published March through October on the 15th of each month. Deadline is the 10th of each month the newsletter is published. How many hours spend on creating content is up to the volunteer.
Comments
Option to learn MailPoet plugin for WordPress.
Supervisor
Lior Carlson
Duties
Collaborate on content for the seasonal newsletter. Proofreading, editing, and formatting of the newsletter using the MailPoet plugin. Write new content as needed or desired.
Physical labor required
Low
Skills, education, and/or talents that will be put to good use
Experience with creating and editing a newsletter. Writing skills that engage, inform, and entertain readers.
Scheduling
Our newsletter is published March through October on the 15th of each month. Deadline is the 10th of each month the newsletter is published. Hours spent editing and formatting will vary, usually in the range of 6-12 hours.
Comments
Supervisor
Lior Carlson
Duties
Create relevant content pertaining to Lepidoptera and plants for our Facebook page.
Physical labor required
Low
Skills, education, and/or talents that will be put to good use
Writing skills that engage, inform, and entertain readers.
Scheduling
Our active season is March through October. The amount of time spent on creating content is at the discretion of the volunteer.
Comments
Experience using Facebook for a business page is helpful but not required.
Create a Volunteer User Account
Creating a Volunteer User Account is the first step in the process of becoming a volunteer. Through your personal account you will be able to sign up to help at events, cancel a shift, view your schedule, and log your hours.
