what is a Friends' Group?
Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve is modeled on the many National Park Service Friends' Groups: nonprofit, tax exempt organizations established to support a specific park. Friends Groups are increasingly sought by park administrators to help leverage limited resources. " The only problem with Friends Groups in the National Park System is that there aren't enough of them" - Curt Buchholtz, Executive Director, Rocky Mountain Nature Association
"Friends Groups benefit parks in various ways, providing volunteer services, conducting fundraising efforts, assisting with resource management and preservation and publicizing important issues." ( http://www.nps.gov/partners/friends_groups_doc.htm)
"Successful Friends Groups are created for "Friendraising", not just for fundraising. The Friends Groups members have a passion for the park and a desire to help it fulfill its mission." (Making Friends Handbook p.38. 2009 National Park Service)
" 'Love' for certain parks emerged as a factor that both helps ameliorate conflict among partners and serves as the primary motivator for many volunteers" (Co-coordinated Volunteer Programs at U.S. National Parks. a case study by Joseph M. Follman)
Most Friends do not replace park funding for operational needs, rather try to add value to the visitor experience through unique projects that expand and enhance the park's resources or mission. (Best Practices in Friends Groups and National Parks p. 10. 2012, National Parks Conservation Association
"Friends Groups benefit parks in various ways, providing volunteer services, conducting fundraising efforts, assisting with resource management and preservation and publicizing important issues." ( http://www.nps.gov/partners/friends_groups_doc.htm)
"Successful Friends Groups are created for "Friendraising", not just for fundraising. The Friends Groups members have a passion for the park and a desire to help it fulfill its mission." (Making Friends Handbook p.38. 2009 National Park Service)
" 'Love' for certain parks emerged as a factor that both helps ameliorate conflict among partners and serves as the primary motivator for many volunteers" (Co-coordinated Volunteer Programs at U.S. National Parks. a case study by Joseph M. Follman)
Most Friends do not replace park funding for operational needs, rather try to add value to the visitor experience through unique projects that expand and enhance the park's resources or mission. (Best Practices in Friends Groups and National Parks p. 10. 2012, National Parks Conservation Association
A few successful Friends Groups:
Central Park Conservancy www.centralparknyc.org
Conservancy for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park www.conservancyforcvnp.org
Friends of Acadia National Park friendsofacadia.org
Friends of Cape Cod National Seashore fccns.org
Central Park Conservancy www.centralparknyc.org
Conservancy for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park www.conservancyforcvnp.org
Friends of Acadia National Park friendsofacadia.org
Friends of Cape Cod National Seashore fccns.org
Deb, Rob, & Corey assessing Amity House for repairs on the southeast porch
|
Clive removing invasive amur cork trees
|
Dean supervises while Pat fixes the mill flume
|
Much literature has been devoted to the relationship between the governmental park administrations and Friends Groups. Key elements of successful partnerships include long-term planning, clear and frequent communication, a culture of collaboration, and mutual respect.
Below is an example of a mutually respectful agreement.
Below is an example of a mutually respectful agreement.
A successful collaboration. RJRD repaired the dam. Friends are restoring the Mill.
|
Kevan, Elizabeth, & Sue selling cookies at the Winter Wonders bakery fundraiser.
|