The Small Print, aka What We Need You To Know
SoundWaters has a small staff and limited funds so corporate volunteer days are an important and valuable resource. At the same time they can be a challenge for our staff to manage.
- We don’t always have a long list of projects waiting to be tackled. Beaches and boats only need to be cleaned when they’re dirty and there is only so much land to scape.
- Planning and managing volunteer days requires a considerable amount of time and effort from our small staff.
What does this mean for our corporate supporters?
- The earlier in the year you contact us, the better the chance that we can find a great project for your group.
- Be patient. We may not have all the details available immediately.
- Our existing corporate donors get priority – that only makes sense, right? If you are not one of our current donors, we hope you will consider a corporate donation of $1,500 or more in conjunction with your day. That will get our attention!
Where is SoundWaters located?
We have two locations in Stamford where your volunteer day can take place. The location of your event will depend on need and availability of the site.
Where do we park?
Parking at both locations is restricted between May 1 and September 30 to Stamford residents with beach stickers. We will provide your group with special parking passes for the day.
How many volunteers can we bring?
We have projects for 5 to 40 people. Groups larger than 40 may be accommodated with sufficient advance planning. Large groups may be split up to work on different projects simultaneously.
Should we make a corporate donation?
SoundWaters values corporate volunteers highly, but volunteer days stretch our small staff very thin. For this reason, priority for volunteer days goes to our existing corporate donors. If you are not currently one of our corporate partners, we will try to recruit you :-), but please, please consider a donation of at least $1,500.
What should we wear?
Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty. Sneakers, work boots, and hiking boots are all great shoe options. You may also want a hat and sunscreen.
What should we bring?
If you have favorite work gloves or gardening gloves, please bring them. If not, don’t worry we have extras. We will be in touch with your group leader with any specific tool requests for projects.
How long will it last?
Most groups find 3-4 hours to be an ideal amount of time, but if you cannot be away from the office for that long, we will work with your team leader to schedule something that will work for your group.
Can we bring our families?
We believe that getting families involved increases the camaraderie and team-building value of a volunteer day and families are welcome as far as we are concerned. We are not babysitters, however, so every member of your family should be old enough and mature enough to contribute to the volunteer project under group supervision. Ultimately, the decision to include families in a volunteer day is up to your employer.
Will it be well organized?
Yes. We know how frustrating it is to show up to volunteer, only to stand around staring at each other. Your and our time is way too precious to waste standing around. If you’re here, we’ll put you to work.
Do we pay anything for a volunteer day?
There is no cost to you, unless you choose to do more (see “Additional Options”), but…see “Should we make a corporate donation?”
Can you guarantee a specific project?
Some projects are annual and we know they need to be completed; those can be scheduled and locked in far in advance. Others projects are selected when we confirm your interest and learn the size and make-up of your group.
Why can’t we do our volunteer day during the summer?
We have summer camp all day, every day between 6/21-8/26 and our facilities, equipment and grounds are 100% utilized during that time. Most of our volunteer days are spent either preparing for or cleaning up after our summer camp season.
Addtional Options – Get even more out of your volunteer day*
Consider some of the following ideas that other companies have used to make their volunteer days even more special for their employees and productive to their business.
Special T-shirts: Dress like a team and you’ll perform like a team. You can produce the shirts or we can take that burden off your shoulders. If we produce them, the SoundWaters logo will be on the front and your corporate logo and message will be on the back…and you will pay for them.
Food and Beverages: Always a way to keep spirits high, you are free to bring in breakfast, lunch, dinner or snacks for your team.
Education: If you want it, our educators can give your volunteers a taste of the unique environmental education experience that makes SoundWaters so special and that you are helping to make possible.
Team Building: What better time to facilitate team building activities than when you have your team together off-site. We have the space and the facilities.
Canoeing: Give your team the opportunity to have some fun on Holly Pond in our fleet of safe, sturdy canoes. Race for prizes or just enjoy the ride.
Sail on the tall ship, SoundWaters: There is no better way to end a beautiful day than with a sunset cruise on the iconic tall ship, SoundWaters.
*May involve additional expense
