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Committees

There are a number of committees that our members can join to become more involved in Chapter activities. Each Committee operates under a Director, the collection of whom make up the Chapter’s board members. Active members can join these committees (or subcommittees) by contacting its director or submitting the online form (linked below). Committee membership is entirely optional. You can learn more about what each of our Committees do below, and Chapter members can find additional information on each committee in the Members Area.

ExecutiveAdvanced TrainingCommunications
Habitat Restoration & MaintenanceHospitalityMembership
OutreachProgramsTraining Class
Volunteer Service ProjectsYouth Programs
Interested in joining?
Fill out our online
Committee Interest Form

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is made up of our elected Officers and is the only committee general members cannot sign up for. They are in charge of overseeing the Directors of the other committees and leading our monthly Board meetings, which are open to all Chapter members to attend.

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Advanced Training Committee

Learning is a life-long journey, and if we want to spread awareness and knowledge to others, the first step to doing so is to be informed ourselves. The Advanced Training Committee’s main directive is to help facilitate the training and skills of our members.

What we do:

∘ Direct trained volunteers toward specific programs in need of services.
∘ Provide practical information and training for application in volunteer efforts.
∘ Develop and facilitate local partnerships.
∘ Provide Master Naturalists an opportunity to explore subjects of interest.
∘ Build on the core curriculum initially provided by the Chapter.
∘ Provide information on natural resource management issues applicable to Texas.

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Communications Committee

As a group of volunteers in a non-profit organization, the Chapter relies heavily on various forms of communication to keep our group organized. Email announcements, newsletters, the Chapter website, events calendar, and social media accounts are all part of what keeps our Chapter “in the know.”

Communications Subcommittees

Archives/Historian Newsletter Publicity Webmaster

What we do:

∘ Facilitate communication between the Board and Chapter members, and among the membership.
∘ Develop and distribute promotional materials.
∘ Manage Chapter online presence, including website updates and social media posts.
∘ Archive historical records, including yearly officers, speakers, outreach activities, and service projects
∘ Prepare yearly Chapter activities scrapbook.
∘ Collect, produce, and distribute Chapter and state TMN news through online bulletins and newsletters.

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Habitat Restoration & Maintenance Committee

We all joined the Texas Master Naturalists because of our love of nature. If you are passionate about restoring natural areas and promoting the use, cultivation, and conservation of Texas native plants, this is the committee for you.

What we do:

∘ Organize and run the annual Chapter native plant sale.
∘ Care for native plant demonstration gardens maintained by the Chapter.
∘ Promote the use of native plants in residential and commercial landscaping.
∘ Aid in the removal of invasive species.
∘ Coordinate with city representatives to promote natural areas in the community.
∘ Educate others about Texas native plants and their importance.

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Hospitality Committee

People often take the various details of social events for granted, but it takes many hands to put together the variety of Chapter activities that our members enjoy. The members of this committee are passionate about facilitating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

What we do:

∘ Schedule and coordinate general membership social activities.
∘ Act as a supportive and welcoming presence for new members.
∘ Assist with the first and lass reception for the year’s new training class.
∘ Supply and/or coordinate refreshments for Chapter social events.
∘ Clean and maintain Chapter utensils, dishware, and other equipment.
∘ Organize the yearly Chapter winter holiday party.

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Membership Committee

There is no Texas Master Naturalists without members. We are dedicated to recruiting, educating, and supporting our Chapter members in any way that we can. If you have experience with the inner workings of the VMS system, you may be able to help the committee Director with additional record keeping.

What we do:

∘ Maintain a roster of all Chapter members with pertinent contact information.
∘ Ensure the accuracy of hours and activities in the VMS.
∘ Publicize and celebrate member achievements.
∘ Assist with keeping all member VMS profiles up to date.
∘ Help manage the Chapter’s mentor program.
∘ Work with multiple committee Directors to develop recruiting materials.

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Outreach Committee

One of our core missions as Master Naturalists is to educate the public about the natural world around them. If you enjoy working with people, this is the committee for you. This committee works closely with the public, coordinating with others to organize Chapter involvement in events, and creating memorable experiences for all.

What we do:

∘ Ensure outreach activities are properly staffed, coordinating with other members.
∘ Work with community representatives to set up and advertise outreach events.
∘ Ensure outreach statistics are properly recorded.
∘ Keep an accurate inventory of Chapter outreach materials and equipment.
∘ Help transport and maintain outreach materials and equipment as needed.
∘ Engage the public at outreach events with various activities.

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Programs Committee

It’s hard to record Advanced Training hours without new and varied learning opportunities. This is where our Programs Committee comes in. This committee organizes presentations, seeks out qualified educators, and investigates pertinent subjects to discuss.

Programs Subcommittees

Field Trips

What we do:

∘ Work with the Chapter Vice President to organize monthly presentations.
∘ Seek out presenters and field trip opportunities to educate Chapter members.
∘ Help organize field trips and transportation.
∘ Research subjects of interest for educational opportunities.
∘ Help organize alternative or contingency plans in the event of cancellations.
∘ Introduce presentation speakers and subjects, as needed.

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Training Class Committee

There is a lot of work that goes into the organization and execution of our yearly new member training classes. Luckily, many hands makes for lighter work. If you would like to help educate and acclimate our new training classes, you will certainly enjoy being a part of this committee.

What we do:

∘ Organize and prepare new member training materials.
∘ Plan, implement, and evaluate the Chapter training curriculum and class calendar.
∘ Help select presenters and make arrangements for their class/presentation.
∘ Coordinate with the Publicity Manager to publicize Chapter membership and training.
∘ Further develop the Chapter’s mentorship program for new members.
∘ Assist with the planning and execution of training field trips.

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Volunteer Service Project Committee

One of the Texas Master Naturalists’ core commitments is volunteer work. We strive to not only work with and educate the public, but to also directly and positively impact the environment around us. This committee organizes work that can count toward volunteer hours and works with other committees to get that work done.

What we do:

∘ Seek out new volunteer opportunities in the community.
∘ Assist in organizing and hosting volunteer project fairs or similar events.
∘ Coordinate with the Membership Director to keep VMS opportunities up to date.
∘ Develop and facilitate local partnerships.
∘ Assist project organizers/leaders, as needed.
∘ Manage ongoing project schedules and coverage.

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Youth Programs Committee

Good stewardship is impossible without considering the future. Today’s children are tomorrow’s adults…and tomorrow’s naturalists. We are excited to get children involved with nature: educating them about the world around them, sparking new life-long passions, and hopefully inspiring a new generation of environmentally-minded individuals.

What we do:

∘ Plan, coordinate, and oversee youth-specific Chapter events.
∘ Coordinate with other committees when planning youth events.
∘ Submit reports, impact data, and other information as is necessary for follow-up of youth events.
∘ Help schedule and run the Chapter’s Junior Master Naturalists Program.
∘ Cultivate relationships with local families and youth-oriented organizations.
∘ Review and create appropriate learning materials and activities for various age groups.

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Page last updated 8/1/2024