BE the change
Join our community of donors and volunteers who support our mission through their generous gifts of money, time, and talent. Together, we are ensuring a legacy of health, well-being, and harmony for individuals, communities, and the planet.
Imagine a world in which ALL children can immerse themselves within the living land; to engage, participate, and communicate with their wild kin. A world in which otters, trees, birds, fungi… every living being feels the protection and allyship of the next generation. A world in which these same children are powerful allies to humans with different skin than theirs, different gender expression than their own, different languages spoken and family and cultural practices. A world in which our human family is capable of being powerful allies and protectors of all life.
Your gift ensures equitable access to our school-year and summer programs and sustains our ongoing work. Thank you!
EQUITALE ACCESS FUND
Since our inception, the Vashon Wilderness Program has provided financial assistance to those in need. We have never turned anyone away from our programs due to lack of funds, and we hope never to do so. We believe that lack of funds should never prevent a child from the opportunity to learn and grow, or a family from feeling connected to a larger community of people who care for their children and the earth.
The Equitable Access Fund will help us to transform the landscape of our nature connection programs by honoring the history of Indigenous peoples and prioritizing those traditionally excluded from nature connection and/or furthest from economic justice.
SALISH SEA FUND
We know that creating a viable future for this generation depends on all of us apprenticing to this beautifully diverse, wildly complex and nuanced being that is LIFE. It depends on us uplifting each other's stories - yours, mine, Elderberry, Deer, and all those who have been tending these very lands and waters since time immemorial. Our collective story of health and well-being is deeply woven together and we at VWP are devoted to tending reciprocal relationships for our mutual thriving.
Through our Salish Saea Fund, Indigenous families have the option to enroll their children in our programs for free.
We welcome families from any Indigenous tribe whose ancestors or living kin are woven with the land and waters of the Salish Sea, as well as any Indigenous family who calls Vashon-Maury Island home. This is one small step in our ongoing story to walk in right relations.
ORGANIZATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY
Donations make up an important part of the operating budget for each fiscal year. This includes salaries for our mentors and staff, supplies and materials, land use fees, insurance, and other operating expenses that are necessary to run a non-profit educational organization.
MATCHING GIFTS
Did you know that your employer may be able to double or triple your donation to Vashon Wilderness Program? Please inquire with your Human Resources department about your employer’s Matching Gift Program.
Vashon Wilderness Program’s Tax ID is: 42-1625469
Thriftway Receipts
We benefit from the generosity of our local Thriftway supermarket which gives 1% of your shopping receipt total as a donation to our program.
Attend a fundraising event
Check the calendar and community events for the latest information on one of our fundraising events including our Crowdsource Choir (November), Annual Appeal (November-December), WILD Benefit (March) and GiveBIG (May).
Volunteer
the gift of
time and talent
Generosity of time and talent is an immeasurable gift to any organization and VWP can always use volunteers. Please consider sharing your gifts and talents with VWP and take the opportunity to meet other members of your VWP community.
Have other ideas you’d like to discuss? Let us know how you’d like to help!
"As parents, we have chosen to honor our children’s inherently wild side by supporting their need to foster a relationship with the natural world. The VWP community, the amazing teachers, and the elders who continue to guide us all, is a beautiful reminder of our true purpose—to love, learn from, and live in our natural world. We are all better for it."
~ Brenna and Jean-David Larson
Volunteer Leadership Roles
There are multiple leadership circles and committees that help guide VWP’s policies, practices, and programs. Consider making a deeper commitment of time and talent to help support our organization’s health and sustainability.
Equity Council
Our Equity Council (EC), established in Spring 2020, centers our commitment to becoming a more equitable and inclusive organization. The ideal EC includes diverse members from our community, such as the Elder Council, Board of Directors, Directors’ Circle, Staff Circle, and parents. Our work continues to evolve, guiding all of VWP’s practices and deliberations, with the understanding that meaningful change requires sustained commitment and practice.
The Elder Circle
VWP recognizes that Elders are an essential component to a healthy community. Our Elder Circle provides VWP with wisdom and vision rooted in common earth stewardship principles to protect our capacity to mentor reverence for all life in ourselves, our students and our community. These volunteers generously offer their time, experience and wisdom to guide our organization and provide a vital presence at our programs and ceremonial events.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors ensures VWP’s long-term sustainability. These volunteers safeguard that our business activities align with our mission and maintain fiscal and social responsibility as a tax-exempt organization serving the public good. They create policy, ensure strategic planning aligns with VWP’s vision, mission, and values, oversee legal and fiduciary compliance, and embrace fundraising as a core responsibility. Additionally, they engage in outreach to build VWP’s reputation and hold the authority to hire, evaluate, and, if needed, remove the Executive Director.
Board Committees
Whether a board member or general volunteer, serving on a committee is a great way to contribute to our success!
The Program Committee ensures VWP’s programs are impactful and aligned with our mission. This committee oversees new program development, monitors and assesses ongoing programs, and reviews program evaluations. It helps guide discussions on program priorities and oversees Human Resource operations to support effective program delivery.
The Development Committee leads VWP’s fundraising efforts, especially those involving the board. It helps create and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan, encourages all board members to engage in fundraising, and monitors activities to ensure ethical practices, proper donor recognition, and cost-effective efforts.
The Marketing and Outreach Committee guides VWP’s marketing efforts, ensuring they align with our brand and outreach strategy. It develops marketing materials, designs community needs assessments when needed, and promotes new programs through outreach events and distribution of materials.
The Infrastructure Committee ensures VWP’s financial and legal integrity. It oversees fiscal policies, reviews budgets for alignment with organizational plans, and reports financial issues or opportunities to the board. The committee recommends financial guidelines, assists in auditor selection, and advises on financial priorities. It also helps the Executive Director prepare the annual IRS Form 990, oversees legal policies, and monitors compliance with legal obligations and regulations. This committee also oversees the integration of VWP’s information and physical infrastructures.