Volunteers are critical to the success of our organization. From event help to office work and everything in between. We would love to connect with you to find the right fit to engage you in helping fulfill our mission to protect our water resources by using paddle sports to connect people to our waterways.
We believe in supporting our volunteers. All volunteers will receive an overview about Paddle Antrim and training on specific assignments. Staff is always available to answer questions and provide any additional support or training to make your experience a success. Some volunteer positions will require additional training or qualifications.
All volunteers will be required to complete a volunteer information form and an annual waiver.
Outreach/Event Ambassador
These core volunteers help us engage and share information about Paddle Antrim and the Chain of Lakes Water Trail at various events and meetings. These core volunteers enjoy representing Paddle Antrim and talking about our mission and work.
Water Trail Site Steward
These core volunteers perform basic maintenance on water trail signs or at access sites including trimming with loppers, removing debris/garbage, using a drill for sign replacement. We ask that these volunteers be proficient in the use of any tools required and that they can work independently with instruction and support from Paddle Antrim staff.
Water Trail Site Monitors
These core volunteers are our eyes on the 84 water trail access site. Volunteers adopt one (or more) site(s) to regularly visit (at least every three weeks from May 15 – September 30) and report out on your visit after each visit via our online form. Volunteers will be asked to provide photos and report on any issues.
Committee Members
Paddle Antrim has three committees made up of board members and volunteers to help dive deeper into Paddle Antrim Program Areas. For more information contact Deana Jerdee at deana@paddleantrim.com.
Marketing and Engagement Committee – Advises and supports staff in planning and implementation of communications, engagement and marketing activities, including events.
Water Trail Committee – Advises and supports staff in planning and implementation of activities related to the water trail, including safety and water trail improvements.
Finance and Revenue Development Committee – Leads efforts related to budget planning, financial monitoring and reporting, and revenue development.
General Event Volunteer
These volunteers help at paddling and appreciation/outreach events with duties such as registration and set-up/tear-down. Responsibilities will vary based on event but we ask that these volunteers have a can-do friendly attitude and willingness to work with a variety of individuals. Attention to detail and organization skills are also helpful.
MI Paddle Steward
MI Paddle Stewards are volunteers who assist local water trails, like the Chain of Lakes Water Trail, with identifying and reporting Aquatic Invasive Species. Volunteers are required to take a training through the MI Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension, currently offered free online. Participants will learn about important invasive species, how to properly clean a watercraft, and how to report invasive species. Paddlers will learn to use the MISIN (Midwest Invasive Species Information Network) app, a reporting tool used by Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources and others to locate invasive species of concern. Paddlers who have completed the MI Paddle Steward training are asked to help report invasive species on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail through the MISIN app. Paddle Antrim and our partner CAKE-CISMA are here to help support local MI Paddle Steward volunteers.
Paddling Safety Lead/Assistant
Paddle Antrim prides itself in promoting safety out on the water. For community paddles, safety classes, and the Paddle Antrim Festival, having safety paddlers and qualified assistants help us provide safe events on the water.
Motorized Boat Volunteer
Safety is extremely important to Paddle Antrim. For larger events such as the Paddle Antrim Festival, motorized safety boats provide extra eyes on the water. These volunteers monitor paddlers on the water, are available if asked for assistance, or can call for emergency responders when necessary.
Administrative Volunteer
Assist with office work such as small or large mailings, data entry, organization, product inventory, and other administrative tasks.
Photographer/Videographer
We are always looking for photographers and videographers to help capture events and photo shoots. This may include being in a paddle craft or on a motorized boat to capture event images or images during a photo shoot. Timely delivery via dropbox, google drive, or thumb drive is required.