Join the Vision Team

Purpose of Position

Siuslaw Vision is a community-led nonprofit, which means the people of the Siuslaw region are at the center of everything we do. Vision Team members are actively involved in our mission of building a better Siuslaw community together. As a Vision Team member, you are the eyes and ears of the organization.

The Vision Team (VT) is an advisory, resource, and working committee of the nonprofit corporation Siuslaw Vision. VT members use their knowledge and enthusiasm to share Siuslaw Vision’s mission and purpose with our community and enhance opportunities for all people living here.

As voices for the larger Siuslaw community, VT members help set priorities for Siuslaw Vision. They make connections; convene organizations and people within the Siuslaw region; research, locate, and coordinate resources; promote the Vision; and foster community ownership in community vision projects. Vision Team members work alongside staff to plan and execute events and community programming that celebrate and support the community vision.

The Vision Team’s focus is typically driven by community input. VT members are inclusive, curious, and open to learning. Siuslaw Vision serves all members of our community, so willingness to work with people who have different backgrounds and beliefs is essential to our mission.

VT members work with the staff and Board of Directors to help secure financial support for Siuslaw Vision.

Visit the About Us of our website (www.SiuslawVision.org) for details on Siuslaw Vision and the Vision’s focus areas. We don’t expect that all Vision Team members are experts in all areas, but we do expect everyone to support initiatives from all of the areas.

Location of Residence

Vision Team members live or work in the Siuslaw Region of Western Lane County. This area encompasses Dunes City, Florence, Mapleton, Swisshome and Deadwood, the combined service area of the Mapleton and Siuslaw school districts.

Expectations for Vision Team Members: Core Team or Regular VT

There are two levels of commitment available for Vision Team members. Regular Vision Team members commit to at least 2 hours per month of volunteer service, including a quarterly meeting. A smaller group of Core Vision Team members commit to at least 6 hours per month, including monthly meetings.

Key Responsibilities (all Vision Team members)

Time Commitment: A minimum of 6 hours per month for meetings and preparation. Special events and projects may require additional time. One-year commitment, with renewal option.

• Attend quarterly VT meetings (hybrid: in-person or online), focused on sharing information about Siuslaw Vision projects and programs
  • If unable to attend a meeting, review and contribute via the meeting agendas and follow-up notes and check in with staff
• Conduct community outreach and networking within other community groups they volunteer or work with
• Serve as a representative for SV within other organizations, sharing about SV’s work and events.
• Share Vision-related information from other organizations with the rest of the VT and staff members, either at quarterly meetings or through email.
• Market and promote Siuslaw Vision and Vision Partner activities
• Attend community building/conversation events
• Track and report personal volunteer hours each month
• Participate in/share fundraising efforts that sustain the organization such as:
  • Letter donation campaign
  • Sharing links to donate online
  • Participating in social peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns
  • Soliciting donations for organizations and/or sponsorships for events

Length of Appointment

For Core Vision Team: We recommend that you attend 2-3 Vision Team meetings to get an idea of how the VT functions and if it seems like a good fit for you. If you decide you’d like to join, please fill out the interest form and staff will be in touch about membership. Core VT members commit to serving for one year, with membership renewable by mutual agreement.

For regular Vision Team:
We believe everyone has a contribution to make, even if it’s for a short time, so we’re happy to work with you to make sure the Vision Team fits with the time you have. There are also other volunteer opportunities.

Qualifications

Knowledge of the Siuslaw region (or a strong desire to learn). A commitment to team-based problem-solving. A desire to improve quality of life for Siuslaw residents. You don’t need to be an expert – we’re all learning together! Basic computer knowledge is helpful, as we often collaborate on shared documents through Google Drive and use online meeting software. We can recommend learning resources if needed.

How We Support Our Volunteers

Siuslaw Vision believes that volunteer work should be possible for anyone who wants to make a difference in our community. We offer a small volunteer stipend as a way to acknowledge the expertise and generosity of our volunteers and offset indirect costs of volunteering.

We are family friendly! We work with our volunteers to make our volunteer opportunities accessible with hybrid (online and in-person) meetings, reimbursing for child or elder care, welcoming family members to our meetings, and covering transportation costs for Vision events.

We promote and fund professional development for our volunteers, as our budget permits. Siuslaw Vision is a member of the Nonprofit Association of Oregon and membership benefits extend to our volunteers. NAO offers resources, webinars, and workshops at low or no cost to members.