So, you have decided to build a volunteer program. You may be sitting at your desk saying to yourself, "How do I get started?" Start with a few basic questions:

• How can I keep from reinventing the wheel?
• Have I considered the Forest Service's liability for volunteers?
• How much do I have to spend for the program?
• What service positions or projects will the volunteers do?
• What types of volunteers am I looking for?

The next five sections will help you answer these questions.

Learning About Other Volunteer Programs

Thousands of organizations around the world have volunteer programs, including many forests, stations, and districts. Before starting your own program, learn how other organizations and units manage their volunteers.

Try to speak with the district ranger or station director, executive officer, volunteer coordinator, project leaders, and volunteers. Ask for copies and samples of any volunteer agreements, training curriculums, job hazard analyses, tailgate safety sessions, checklists, and similar materials they might be able to share. The information you gather will be invaluable to you.

Once you have learned about other programs, you will have an idea of the type of program you want to build and will have a good start on the information and paperwork you will need.

Additional resources that can help you get started are found in the "References" section of this document.

Liability Concerns

Before you build a volunteer program, consider the liability the Forest Service has for volunteers. If a volunteer is injured, your unit will pay for the worker's compensation claim. Although liability should be a concern, hazards can be mitigated and most injuries can be prevented. Discuss the following liability questions with the line officers for your unit.

• Does our unit understand its liability for volunteers and the potential budgetary consequences if a volunteer is injured?
  
  
• Is our unit willing to dedicate time and resources to training, supervising, and mitigating safety hazards for volunteers?

Money

The budget is always a consideration when starting a volunteer program. Volunteers are not free. When planning your budget, be realistic about the funds you have or will need for your program. Here are some items to consider:

• Staff salaries
• Project materials (figure 9)
• Training materials
• Workstation materials

Figure 9—Warped by hurricane-driven floods,
the Tick Island slough bridge had to be replaced...and
here's KICCO F-Troop to the rescue! A 60-foot bridge,
similar to the Monkey Creek bridge, was built and installed.
Courtesy of the Florida Trail Association

• Equipment
• Fuel costs for fleet vehicles
• Mileage reimbursement for volunteer vehicles
• Travel costs
• Meals and incidental expenses
• Awards
• Refreshments at award ceremonies

Once you have planned your budget, forward it to your supervisor for approval.

The words "partnership" and "partners" are used in a broad way to describe relationships between the people, organizations, agencies, and communities that work together and share interests. The Forest Service regularly works in partnership with other entities, including tribes, States, Federal agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and communities.

However, it is important to understand that the word "partnership" also has a more precise meaning according to Federal policy. Federal policy defines partnerships as "arrangements that are voluntary, mutually beneficial, and entered into for the purpose of mutually agreed upon objectives." In this definition, "mutual benefit" specifically means that each partner shares in the benefits the project provides.

The Forest Service National Partnership Office and other key staff at the agency's headquarters are dedicated to building, improving, and sustaining partnerships. These individuals are equipping employees throughout the Forest Service with the skills, tools, and knowledge to develop any kind of partnership.

"The Partnership Guide," (http://www.partnershipresourcecenter.org/resources/partnership-guide/), produced by the Forest Service and the National Forest Foundation, is a tool to help Forest Service employees, experienced partners, and first-time or potential partners work together more effectively. The guide answers common questions about the agency’s policies and procedures, helps partners anticipate potential hurdles, and provides contacts and other resources to help users find more specific guidance. Finally, the guide highlights creative approaches taking place across the country that promote sustainable and vibrant forests, grasslands, and communities.

If you need help building successful partnerships between the Forest Service, other Federal agencies, or nonprofit organizations, you may find helpful information at the Partnership Resource Center (http://www.partnershipresourcecenter.org/) or the Forest Service National Partnership Office (http://www.partnershipresourcecenter.org/working-locally/fs-national-partnership-office.php). The Forest Service has partnership coordinators and contacts in most Forest Service regional offices and research stations. Many national forests also have partnership coordinators, so check with your supervisor's office. Contact names and information for regional coordinators can be found on the Partnership Resource Center's Web site.