Volunteering

The NC Purple Martin Society is 100% volunteer-run! On this page, you can find more information about various volunteer needs that we have (non-leadership and leadership positions). Some can be done remotely, and others require onsite assistance. Click the link at the bottom of this page to sign up!

Regular or Non-Leadership Positions:

Social media manager (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube): This person would assist in making social media posts promoting NCPMS activities or information.

Nest Check Assistant: Assist with nest checks once a week throughout the martin season (March-July) at NCPMS public sites. This dependable person may help record data and make observations about nest contents. Data at the end of the season is used for Project Martinwatch. Dress for the weather.

Colony Observer: Record ASY/SY martin age types for each pair at each cavity at our public sites, look for banded birds and record band numbers. (Can reference this page for ID assistance. ) Need a good pair of binoculars or a scope, a good understanding of purple martin plumage types, and some patience. Observations can be taken over multiple days in order to get a complete picture of the colony's status.

Volunteer coordinator: This person would keep a master list of all volunteers that have signed up to help out at various martin sites or in various positions, would organize their contact information, and make sure volunteers are kept informed of opportunities in their local area. This person would also keep the list updated as needed, and would relay volunteer information to society leadership as needed.

Conservation group liaison: This person would be the liaison between NCPMS and any local conservation groups, such as an Audubon chapter, a chapter of the NC Wildlife Federation, etc. The liaison would coordinate efforts between NCPMS and other conservation groups when we have a shared conservation goal or activity. This role works closely with the society president.

Photographer and videographer: Take quality pictures and video of martins or our activities at public sites. This person would work with the social media person to share photos, as well as the newsletter editor.

Digital newsletter editor: This person would be comfortable working with Microsoft Publisher or Microsoft Word to create quality PDF newsletters once a year, typically in the summer (July-August). They would also assist in creating occasional email newsletters with announcements and information, using the Mailerlite website and editing software.

Mentor program coordinator: This person would be the keeper of the mentor list and would assist in recruiting new quality mentors for martin landlords in NC.

Purple martin mentor: Approved martin mentors are experienced martin landlords with successful colony sites. They practice most PMCA management recommendations, make site visits as needed, and are friendly in their assistance to new landlords.

Local event booth planner: This person would research public events or festivals where a martin informational table would be appropriate, and would be in charge of communicating with the event coordinator in order to secure a table. This person would also assist in recruiting volunteers to staff these tables.

Public site manager: Start new public sites at parks, schools, businesses that allow public access, or other appropriate areas. This person may also take over management at an active colony site.

Website administrator: The website administrator edits this website, using Google Sites.

Ad-hoc volunteers: Fill in where needed for special events, such as banding, site maintenance, etc. If you are someone looking for volunteer hours for another organization (such as for school, an honor society, scouts, etc) then this is a good choice. Dress for the weather. Ad-hoc volunteers may end up doing a little bit of anything, depending on the need at that time. Anyone under the age of 18 should be accompanied by an adult.

Leadership or Officer Positions:
Note: Anyone serving in a leadership position should be an active current member of the NCPMS. Since board members live across the state, leadership conducts meetings over Zoom, and these members are expected to make efforts to attend board meetings. These meetings are infrequent and held only a few times a year, typically in January and/or February. Other business is conducted over email as needed during the year. Officers and board members are encouraged to participate in any in-person events being held in their area.

Director (member of Board of Directors, part of the leadership team): Directors have a one-year term and can self-nominate in the fall of each year. Their term lasts for 1 year, which starts at the first board meeting of the year, usually in January or February. Terms may be renewed if there is individual interest.

Secretary: The secretary is an officer and takes notes at all board meetings. The secretary has a one-year term which starts at the first board meeting of the year, usually in January or February. Terms may be renewed if there is individual interest. They can self-nominate in the fall of each year. Elections are held if there are multiple candidates.

Treasurer: The treasurer is a crucial officer and attends all board meetings. This person should be detail-oriented, friendly, and quick to respond to inquiries via email or text as necessary. The Treasurer shall have custody of the Society's funds, and shall disburse the funds as may be ordered by the board. This person may work with the President or other board members on financial matters. The treasurer prepares (or assists in preparing) the annual financial report and form 990-N. Familiarity with PayPal and Zeffy are helpful but not required. The term of the treasurer is two years. Elections are held if there are multiple candidates.

Vice President: The Vice President is an officer and attends all board meetings. The Vice President does not need to be an expert on purple martins, but should be enthusiastic, friendly, and willing to assist the president or other members if needed at local events. The Vice President has a one-year term which starts at the first board meeting of the year, usually in January or February. They can self-nominate in the fall of each year. Elections are held if there are multiple candidates.

President: The President is an officer and plans and attends and leads all board meetings. The President has a two-year term and can self-nominate in the fall of each year. Elections are held if there are multiple candidates. Their term starts at the first board meeting of the year, usually in January or February. The President is the main 'face' of the organization and generally runs the affairs of the organization. They should be knowledgeable about purple martins and their conservation, as well as best management practices. They should be willing to work with different types of people to advocate for purple martins. Most of all, the president should be enthusiastic and approachable. While not required, knowledge of Zoom, Powerpoint, Mailerlite, Office, and other technological tools are useful to the position, since these tools are used to reach members across the state. Previous experience running a nonprofit or club, holding an officer position, public speaking, or volunteering on a nonprofit board is helpful.