Voluneer opportunities abound at Pilot Butte
It may be obvious that the park has needs. It may not be obvious how easy it is to help in an important way that also fits your life perfectly. It all has to do with the history of Pilot Butte and what we call the "partners model" (described below). If you need structure as many do, there are many structured ways to help. If you appreciate being able to help in a way that fits perfectly with your life, talents, and skills, the "partners model" makes that possible. We'll tell how that happens below. If interested, just contact us and one of our volunteer ambassadors will connect you.
EventsThere are two major events each year and sometimes more. Each depends on volunteers and this is a great way to formally get involved in helping the Butte. The Pilot Butte Challenge (September) is now in its 18th year and is also a major fundraiser for the Butte. The Butte Thing (April) is new and accomplishes many improvement projects. Click the names to learn more.
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GroupsThere are groups of people doing certain things that came about primarily through the partners model. Some are one person wanting to form a group. Each will have its own way of doing what it does. Click below for the growing list of programs. This is an easy way to find out if you connect with something already happening.
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Not on the menuSome of the most important things that have ever happened at Pilot Butte came about because one or two people had an idea. The Century Club and the Pilot Butte Challenge are examples. Both were created by one person, others got involved, and they became longstanding traditions and part of park history. Other examples were the parking lot and the grassy area that now includes a playground. This is where the Partners model really shines. Some of these things would not have happened without a good welcome mat followed by a ton of support.
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Just for you
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The Partners Model
When things are organized in traditional ways, possibilities become limited by the structure, personalities involved, etc. It's not bad, just limited. Over 20 years ago, Pilot Butte Partners found another way. There is no leader and there's no overall organization. That may sound crazy but look at Pilot Butte and you'll see that it works. Over $2 million worth of amenities were added in a short time at almost no cost to the park. This happens because anyone with a good idea can quickly get the support they need. When they "partner" with the others, they're part of the larger whole and most of what's needed is available immediately. That includes expert advice, money, materials, people, and overall support. This process is also an extremely efficient use of people's time because only the partners who can help on a project get involved. We've been told they rarely had general meetings and when they did they tended to be mostly social. We've'adjust the model to fit current park practices, utilize modern communication (email, texting, etc.), and also include some structured activities that are more traditional. |