Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in volunteering!

Volunteers are vital to our work at the Ecology Action Centre. Whether you’re a good writer, a strategic thinker, an amateur photographer, a passionate organizer, a talented artist, a people person, a numbers person, a student, a professional, a retiree, or just a fellow human on planet Earth, we want to hear from you. Creating a just and vibrant future will take all of us!

Check out the information below to learn about how you can get involved: 

Join our Volunteer Email List

Follow this link to fill out your profile and join our volunteers’ list! This will sign you up for our volunteer newsletter. You will receive an email with new volunteer opportunities approximately once every two weeks. You can unsubscribe at any time. 

Join our volunteer email list

Volunteers packing up a Christmas tree at our annual tree sale fundraiser

Join an Action Committee

Our volunteer action teams meet regularly to connect, learn together, and make progress on a specific environmental issue. Everyone is welcome, regardless of your background or experience!   

Most meetings happen online via Zoom. Contact a team chair or coordinator to be added to their listserv and receive the meeting link. Their names and contact information are below each team overview.
 

Energy Action Team

Youth in Halifax attend a climate strike. A sign can be seen in the foreground that says There's No Planet BClimate change impacts all of us. The Energy Action Team inspires Nova Scotians to prosper in a future free of fossil fuels, and where energy is used as efficiently as possible. Through education, consultation, and advocacy, we work for a just transition into this future.  

The Energy Action Team meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. local time. 

Fill in the form below if you are interested in joining the EAT!

 

Urban Development Advocacy Team (UDAT)

Clock tower in Halifax , Nova Scotia, seen from Citadel Hill.
UDAT takes leadership on the plans, policies, and developments that shape our city. UDAT is a voice for ecologically and socially equitable development through plan reviews, development hearings, and key advocacy moments in HRM.  

UDAT meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. local time.

Contact: Kortney Dunsby, EAC Sustainable Cities Coordinator, kortney.dunsby@ecologyaction.ca

Wilderness Issues Team

People attend a rally against clearcutting in Halifax. A man in a grey coat holds a sign that says save our forests.
The Wilderness Issues Team is focused on establishing more protected areas and improving how forests are managed. They meet on the third Thursday of every month at 6:00 p.m. local time. 

Contact: Kristen Noel, Wilderness Issues Committee Chair, kristenmichellenoel@gmail.com

Bike Again

Bike Again workbench with tools and wheels visibleBike Again is a volunteer-run, do-it-yourself bike shop that aims to get more people on bikes, promote cycling, increase bike literacy, and build a stronger cycling community. We are always looking for new volunteers to help run our drop-in sessions and help at events. We are also always looking for women and trans folk interested in sharing their bike repair skills. Get in touch or stop by and say hello!

No experience is necessary. All we need is a friendly attitude and a willingness to help. Please email bikeagainvolunteer@ecologyaction.ca with questions or to express an interest. We'd love to hear from you!


Eelgrass citizen science

Aaron stands in the water in the middle of an eelgrass meadow holding up a small plantEach summer, folks from across Nova Scotia take part in a citizen science initiative to document eelgrass presence along our coastline. If you love spending time on or near the water, you can participate by sharing information on the eelgrass you see during your canoe and kayak trips!    

The purpose of this project is to help create a province-wide map of existing eelgrass meadows. This is part of a broader effort by government, academic researchers, and other non-profit and community groups. Contact Aaron at Aaron.Clausen@ecologyaction.ca if you can lend a hand. If you would like to learn more about our work in this area, visit the Eelgrass and Blue Carbon page on our website. 

 


E&A Magazine

Spring 2022 magazine cover featuring artwork by Lorne JulienOur Ecology & Action Magazine committee meets six times per year. We produce three issues annually, in the spring, summer, and fall. We're always looking for interested writers and editors to join our team. We also accept written articles for consideration in our publication.

You can send submissions or questions to magazine@ecologyaction.ca. Check out a recent issue of the magazine here.

 


Bike Buddy Program

two bikes parked along a city sidewalkThe Bike Buddy Program is a bike mentorship that pairs a newcomer ‘mentee’ with a local bicycle rider ‘mentor’. The goal of the Bike Buddy program is to help newcomers feel more confident riding their bicycle, explore the city and meet new people! 

To learn more about the program, including how to get involved, visit the Bike Buddy Program page or get in touch by email at bikebuddy@ecologyaction.ca. 


Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions or would like to talk to someone about volunteering with the EAC, please contact Brandy Rivers, Events and Volunteer Officer via email at brandy.rivers@ecologyaction.ca. Thank you for your interest and support! 
 

What can I do as a volunteer at the EAC?

There are many different ways to get involved, from helping with an event to leading an action team. Depending on your interest and capacity, you can choose the level of involvement that works for you. Read on for more details. 

One-time opportunities: These are volunteer opportunities that require a short time commitment. They are often small tasks that help our project staff, or that support an event. Examples are: join a fundraiser, do some research, make phone calls, distribute magazines, take photographs, help with livestreaming an event, or send a letter. You’ll hear about these opportunities through the biweekly volunteer newsletter.  

Longer term opportunities: These are volunteer opportunities that require a longer time commitment, and often more responsibility. Examples are: Join an action committee, volunteer at the front desk, facilitate a series of workshops, do public outreach, get involved with a project, organize an event or fundraiser.  

Team Co-Chair: Each action team is chaired or led by volunteers. Our co-chairs work with staff and volunteers to organize projects and initiatives and facilitate meetings. If you’re passionate about an environmental issue, this can be a great opportunity to explore a leadership role and have the chance to work with other passionate folks. Co-chair positions are filled as needed.  

Board of Directors: The EAC is governed by a volunteer board of directors. Our board helps shape the organization and steer us into the future! We welcome expressions of interest in joining the board at any time.
 

Can I complete my Service Learning semester/practicum/internship with EAC?

Maybe! The answer depends a lot on timing and whether there is a good fit between your skills and interests and the current needs of our team. 

Send an email with a description of the kind of work you’re interested in, the requirements of your program, and a current resume to Brandy at brandy.rivers@ecologyaction.ca, and we'll get in touch with next steps.
 

I am an expert in _______________. Can I use my skills to contribute to your work?

We would love to hear from you about the specific expertise you have to offer! Contact Brandy at brandy.rivers@ecologyaction.ca, and we can have a conversation about whether there is work you can help us with at this time.