Volunteer Projects and Tasks

The Center could use the help of people with interests and skills in any of the subject areas listed below. Click on a category in the list at the top to jump to that section. If you can offer some of your time as a volunteer with the Center, please fill out and send us the Center Volunteer Application Form. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or ideas for projects you would like to do with us. Learn about other volunteer opportunities with the Center: Volunteer Intern Positions and Amazon Field Volunteers.

Graphic Design

Accounting

Conduct periodic bookkeeping tasks and prepare monthly financial statement
Review organizational accounting system and end of year accounts

Anthropology and Social Sciences

Compile a list and description of forest management and community marketing projects involving Amazon indigenous and traditional peoples
Participate as a research assistant in a Center research or community project in the Amazon or develop a thesis project in cooperation with the Center

Business and Marketing

Develop a business plan to produce market greeting cards and t-shirts with Amazon nature and people images
Develop a business plan to market indigenous and traditional handicrafts from the Amazon
Develop a business plan to produce and market incense and candles from Amazon oils and resins
Develop a business plan for an online photo agency for Amazon plants, animals and people
Develop a plan to recruit Amazon Field Volunteers for Center projects in the Amazon

Communication and Public Outreach

Develop a list of community organizations that may host a Center presentation
Line up presentations for Center speakers at community organizations, clubs and schools
Give community presentations and help staff outreach opportunities
Help develop and maintain press contacts for the Center
Write brochures, newsletter articles, press releases and other public outreach materials
Research and write text for the Center website
Help translate Center materials between English, Spanish and Portuguese

Computer and Technology

Develop computer database and forms to track Center donors, volunteers, and other supporters
Develop method for tracking resin-carrying bees
Use Photoshop program to assist copal resin ecology research

Ecology, Ethnobotany, and Forestry

Compile information on the ecology, harvest and marketing of Amazon non-timber forest products
Participate as a research assistant in a Center research or community project in the Amazon or develop a thesis project in cooperation with the Center

Entomology

Study differences in larva morphology in resin weevil species
Assist research project or develop thesis project related to the ecology of copal resin-using insects
Develop method for tracking resin-carrying bees
Use Photoshop program to assist copal resin ecology research

Fundraising (and Fund Saving)

Help sell Center greeting cards, t-shirts, handicrafts and other merchandise
Help plan and staff Center special fundraising events (Rock for the Rainforest, dinners, etc.)
Develop a list and profile of foundations and agencies funding research and community projects in the Amazon
Help write grants to fund Center research and community projects in the Amazon
Help identify potential major donors and Amazon Field Volunteers for Center projects
Secure donations of office supplies and equipment for the Center office and projects

Graphic Design

Develop a logo for the Center for Amazon Community Ecology
Develop greeting card and t-shirt designs from the Center archive of nature and people images
Help design graphics for the Center website and newsletter

Human Resources

Help design materials and training program for Center volunteers
Help recruit and coordinate volunteer activities

Natural Products Chemistry

Analyze and compare the constituents of resins produced by Amazon species of copal (Burseraceae) trees in response to attacks by different species of bark-boring weevils
Develop techniques for producing incense, candles or other commercially viable products from copal (Burseraceae) tree resins

Organizational Support

Help prepare and file correspondence and other materials in office
Help with research on organizational development and research projects

Photography and Video

Catalog and digitize the Center still and video images of Amazon plants, animals and people
Prepare online catalogue of images for photo agency focused on Amazon plants, animals and people
Develop list of photographers and organizations with large collections of Amazon images
Produce a general introductory DVD about the Center, its goals and activities
Produce a documentary video about the ecology of copal resin and related insects

Research and Education

Use Photoshop program to assist copal resin ecology research
Develop a list and profiles of non-governmental organizations and notable individuals working in or for Amazon conservation and communities
Develop a list and description of ecotourism type tours in the Amazon region
Develop a list and description of educational programs conducted in the Amazon that involve U.S. students or schools
Develop a list and profiles of Amazon researchers and research institutions
Develop a bibliography of books and other educational resources about the Amazon
Research the U.S. market for Amazon fruits and other non-timber forest products