We get inquiries regularly from members and friends who want to get involved in the work of the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy. "How can I help?" they ask.

There are many ways for you to help, or become involved in the mission and work of the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy. Not everyone can contribute to our organization financially. However, because it is the organization’s tradition to rely primarily on the financial backing of its members, it is therefore more dependent on it. By not relying primarily on government or foundation grants to operate, and because we do not accept corporate money, we remain flexible to act, and can be responsive to our members needs. It also allows us to take action on issues that others will not. The Highlands Conservancy exists to serve the conservation needs, wishes and desires of its members. How our members can give back to the organization is unique to each individual.

Fortunately, many members of the Highlands Conservancy have been able to contribute to the organization financially. For this we thank you. Many of our members are not in a position to contribute much financially for many reasons. But everyone has some way that they can give back to the Highlands Conservancy to make it even stronger and more effective in achieving it’s -- your -- goals. Perhaps it’s a special skill, talent, or ability you posses, or maybe it’s some resources you have, in whatever form they may be, that may be of use to us. Maybe it’s just something as simple as time, or a great idea.

The Highlands Conservancy can always use, and is extremely grateful for any gift assets that are donated. While cash is the most common form of gift to the Highlands Conservancy, it is possible to make gifts of many other assets, sometimes with added benefits. Gifts of appreciated stocks, bonds or real estate generally allow for an income tax deduction for the full fair market value, easy disposition, and elimination of capital gains tax liability. The Highlands Conservancy also has an endowment fund if you would like your gift to be used for the long-term health of the organization.

We can also use, and accept gifts of items we need as an organization. Some items we currently could use include:

Lap Top Computer
Color ink Jet Printer
Office copy machine
Folding/portable tables
Portable display boards
office supplies

Or, if you have something you think we might be able to use, give us a call, and we’ll talk about it.

Because the Highlands Conservancy is primarily an all-volunteer organization, what we accomplish as an organization is the sum of what we collectively accomplish as a network of concerned and dedicated individual members. The Highlands Conservancy does not have a staff of people to work on issues, lobby or watchdog, who do outreach and education, lead or organize outings, coordinate volunteer outings, or do advocacy work. All these things, and everything else we do, are accomplished by volunteers. The Highlands Conservancy is an organization established and organized especially for individuals to use as a resource to achieve mutual goals.

Here is a list of suggestions as to how you might volunteer to spend some of your time or efforts (not in any particular order).