F.A.Q.

General Questions:

How do I get to the Environmental Volunteers office?

We are located at on the ground floor of the Peninsula Conservation Center at 3921 E. Bayshore Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94303.

From:

Northbound on 101: Take the San Antonio Rd. exit in Mountain View. Stay right on the freeway off ramp to head East on San Antonio Rd. Upon turning right onto San Antonio Rd. get into the left hand turn lane to make a left onto East Bayshore Rd. at the stop light. Follow East Bayshore as it curves around to parallel 101. Take the first right onto Corporation Way and an immediate left into the Peninsula Conservation Center (PCC) parking lot.

Southbound on 101: Take the San Antonio Rd. North exit and loop over 101. At the first stop light make a left onto East Bayshore Rd. Follow East Bayshore as it curves around to parallel 101. Take the first right onto Corporation Way and an immediate left into the Peninsula Conservation Center (PCC) parking lot.

Do I qualify to apply for your services?

Our services are available to K-8 teachers in areas of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. Click here for details! Unfortunately, we cannot service non-school groups at this time because school teachers are our primary clients and we already have a substantial waiting list. To reach more students, we need more volunteers!

Can I borrow your hands-on natural science materials?

Due to the need for our materials in teaching the 10,000 students we reach annually, it is not possible to allow outside groups to use our educational materials. However, organizations who partner with us to learn EV methodology have the opportunity to also learn about our hands-on materials so that they can create their own. When kits are not in use by volunteers teaching our programs, they are undergoing updates and repairs to keep them in top condition.

How can I find environmental education organizations in my area?

There are many great environmental education organizations across the country. Three great websites for starting your search are the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) at www.NAAEE.org, The Orion Society at www.OrionSociety.org, and, for California, the Association for Environmental & Outdoor Education (AEOE) at www.AEOE.org. Also, check your local phone book under "environmental organizations."

Can you come and train our staff/volunteers to deliver environmental education?

The EV has an accredited training course for teaching high school students and adults to deliver environmental education programs. We work on a case by case basis with other organizations to support their training efforts. Contact The EV's Executive Director for more information on how The EV might provide these services to your organization.

Can you help my community or school start an EV-like organization?

The EV is currently developing opportunities to help other organizations and schools run EV-type programs. Our expertise is in developing and managing volunteer-driven programs to deliver place-based, small-group, hands-on natural science education. If you wish to start a brand new non-profit, you should consult the resources of a non-profit development center in your area who will help you with the nitty-gritty of starting a non-profit and with organizational development. For northern California, contact Compass Point Nonprofit Services at www.compasspoint.org.

Questions About Volunteering

Do you have volunteer opportunities or affiliates in other states?

The EV does all of its teaching work in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, in the San Francisco Bay Area. We do not have branch offices in other states, however, we are very interested in working with other organizations across the country to help them start or improve volunteer-based hands-on natural science education in their own communities. Contact The EV's Executive Director for more information on how The EV might provide these services to your organization.

Can high school age or younger students be volunteers?

Most of our volunteers are adults because our services take place during school hours and volunteers must have access to transportation to travel to schools and field trip sites. However, we do have a few high school students that volunteer. Students must obtain permission from their schools to take class time to volunteer. It is possible for a younger student to volunteer but they must be accompanied by an adult during the training and while teaching.

What if I've never taught before?

Many volunteers have no prior teaching experience, and our training classes cover teaching techniques and we have mentors to give you lots of support as you begin to teach. You can shadow us and teach when you feel ready.

It sounds like fun, but what if I had a hard time with science in school?

This isn't anything like what you did in school. The EV has made science easy. The training classes and hands-on materials are fun! Volunteer Opportunities

How often do I have to volunteer?

It depends on how much free time you have! Some people volunteer twice a month, but some EVs teach as often as two or three times a week. You can really make a difference by doing just one class or field trip each month! Volunteer Opportunities

What if I'm working full-time and still want to volunteer?

Some volunteers work full-time and volunteer with The EV once or twice a month. Others volunteer just on weekends. Scheduling is easy and flexible: weekdays and/or weekends. Volunteer Opportunities.