Describe the service component of your program
Each participant signs the Wenatchee Naturalist Code of Ethics and Volunteer Pledge, as follows:
Each participant, in striving to meet the mission of the Wenatchee River Institute Wenatchee Naturalist program, pledges to:
1. Subscribe to the highest standards of integrity and conduct.
2. Disseminate information to promote understanding of, and appreciation for, the values of our natural resources.
3. Strive to increase knowledge and skills when serving as a Wenatchee Naturalist volunteer
4. Promote competence as a Wenatchee Naturalist volunteer by supporting high standards of education, service and performance.
5. Encourage the use of sound biological information in education and outreach and in management decisions.
6. Support fair and uniform standards of service and treatment of those engaged in the Wenatchee Naturalist program.
7. Know and follow established program guidelines and policies.
8. Act as trustworthy and ethical stewards of the environment.
9. Never inappropriately disturb or harass wildlife, never inappropriately remove anything from its natural state or area.
Wenatchee Naturalist "Voluntary" Volunteer Pledge: Upon course completion, participants are asked to honor their commitment to volunteer with a conservation organization of their choice, serving 20+ hours over the course within a 1-2 year period. Starting in March 2016, service pens will be awarded for 3 volunteer levels: 20+ hours, 50+ hours, and 100+ hours within the two years upon course completion. Each January, volunteer hour records are requested of Wenatchee Naturalists within their 2 year post-course time period.
8 times per year, an enews is electronically mailed to all former Wenatchee Naturalists, listing local programs, classes, new resources, volunteer opportunities for stewardship, citizen science, and education, available through many local conservation organizations and agencies.
