Volunteer Opportunities with Maine Preservation

You CAN make a difference in the life of a historic building! There is perhaps no better way to learn about historic preservation than to get involved with a feel-good volunteer project that fits your needs in both time commitment and personal reward.

Maine Preservation has numerous opportunities for volunteers of all interest and experience levels. If you have the time available and you enjoy working with others, call 775–3652 or email maineprs@gwi.net.

Volunteers can participate in any of the following areas: Administrative/Office, Program Areas (Advocacy, Easements, Education, Outreach, Publications) and Special Projects.  

Volunteer Recognition

Individuals who volunteer for Maine Preservation are recognized at board meetings, in Maine Preservation News, in the Maine Preservation Annual Report . Volunteers also receive a publication of their choice, a Maine Preservation tote bag, logo key chain, invitations to special events hosted by Maine Preservation, and reference letters, if applicable. Our annual holiday-season volunteer/staff-appreciation lunch is always fun and a great way to meet others who are contributing time to Maine Preservation!

Administrative (in office) volunteer duties may include:

Office Assistant:

Answer telephone and take detailed messages

Filing:   such as membership records, resource library, materials, project correspondence, etc.

Mailings:   label, photocopy, stuff, and mail

Meeting preparation:   packets, name tags, RSVP’s, etc

(*Estimated time requested:   One to two times per week, for a total of eight hours per week.)

Web Updating   (in and out of the office)

Learn and apply Macromedia Contribute

Check links for “live” validity

Post new calendar items, and remove old ones

Add pages and/or graphics, etc as needed

Search for preservation news stories to post

(*Estimated time requested:   One time a week, for a total of four to six hours a week)

Resource Library

Purge old, outdated materials on shelves

Purge old, outdated materials in files

Reorganize two walls full of stuff!

Identify and inventory what we do have

Write (for web and newsletter) promotional summary of library resources

(*Estimated time requested:   One time per week, for a total of four to six hours at first a week.   Then, two hours per week for maintenance.)

PROGRAM AREAS

Advocacy

As an advocacy volunteer, you could work with Maine Preservation’s Public Policy committee to achieve the following:

• Monitor bills (at the state level)
• Keep current on local policy issues and/or crises
• Monitor United States Congressional issues
• Communicate with Senators and Representatives
• Prepare text to e-mail legislative “alerts” to members of Maine Preservation
• Create mailings and help with bulk mail
• Testify on bills
• Write key leaders on certain issue
• Organize, promote, and follow-up on a Legislative Day at the State House, which might includes a legislative breakfast or lunch in the Hall of Flags, work collaboratively on displays with partners of Maine Preservation (State Agencies, Historical Societies, National Trust, Greater Portland Landmarks, etc).

Easements

Note:   This program area is highly specialized, involving the legal protection of privately owned historic buildings.   The topic of easements requires technical knowledge of historic architecture and historic preservation standards.

Volunteers for this program generally have a background in architectural history, preservation planning, and real estate law.   This is an active program committee that meets regularly and is responsible for the annual monitoring of protected properties, as well as promoting the program in order to bring new properties in. Volunteers who are qualified and interested in this program should arrange to meet the Executive Director and the Committee Chairperson.

Education Program

Our Heritage Education Program is focused in three key areas:   Jane Carpenter Poliquin Heritage Education Grants to teachers, the adult education workshop series entitled My Old House , and the annual statewide preservation conference. Many volunteers are needed to manage key aspects of each, including (though not limited to) the following:

Jane Carpenter Poliquin Education Grants program

Secure funding each year (private sponsorships are likely)

Manage the application and selection process:

•  Call for applications – promote via press, web, etc.

•  Review applications

•  Make grant decisions

•  Make announcements and distribute checks

•  Follow-up with the selected teachers

•  Posting of the information on the web-site

•  Organizing the final reports, and encourage others teacher to view them

My Old House workshop series

•  Arrange locations, dates, times, presenters

•  Promotion, including initial brochure, press releases, posters

•  Registration and on-site hosting; refreshment

•  Sponsorship funds

Statewide Annual Conference

•  Select a theme

•  Arrange locations, dates, times, presenters

•  Promotion, including initial brochure, press releases, posters

•  Registration/name tags and on-site hosting; food; A/V, photography

•  Secure grants and sponsorship funds

•  Gifts to speakers

•  Travel, lodging, dining arrangements

•  Post conference: thank you letters out, newsletter story, press release

Outreach

Outreach comprises a large percentage of Maine Preservation’s mission.   Volunteers can become involved in any of the following areas:

Most Endangered Historical Properties Program:   Assisting with Call for Nominations and press conference to announce annual list, conduct site visits to photograph Most Endangered Historic Properties, speak about the program, develop a Power Point presentation

Daily Outreach (for purpose of calls and/or e-mails):   Volunteer could help research answers and respond with appropriate materials.  

Resource Library: Volunteer help is needed to organize resource library materials better, including handouts and basic information packets.

Publications

Maine Preservation seeks volunteer help to visit local bookstores to wholesale their books (visit www.mainepreservation.org to view the list of book titles available).   Volunteers are occasionally needed to fill orders (either via the telephone or on-line) and to help sell publications at events such as the Old House Trade Show, Conferences, etc.

Miscellaneous Needs/Special Projects

Statewide Preservation Honor Awards

Volunteers would be needed to receive telephone calls for nominations, go through the selection process, and set up a press conference.  In addition, the volunteers would arrange for food, awards, thank-you’s, location of event, etc.

Annual Meeting

Volunteers who are interested in more information about this event are invited to contact the Executive Director for a spreadsheet which outlines each task.  

Grant Writing, Corporate Sponsors, and Membership

Maine Preservation survives on the generosity of its members, corporate donors and event sponsors. Additionally, grants are needed to offset program expenses and expand programs beyond current levels. Volunteer help is always needed in the area of fundraising and grant writing. Anyone interested in grant writing should contact the Executive Director at 207-775-3652.