Would you like to Volunteer at UBC Botanical Garden?

If so, join the Friends of the Garden!

Who are the Friends of the Garden?  The Friends of the Garden - usually known as FOGs - were established in 1976. At that time there were only eight members but that number has since grown to 160 Active Members. The FOGs are a very active organization and all members commit to giving at least 150 volunteer hours to the Garden in each year. From September until June the FOGs hold weekly meetings on Wednesday mornings at which there is usually a speaker. In addition to attendance at these meetings the FOGs initiate a wide variety of different activities to assist the Garden.

What do the FOGs do?   The Mission Statement of the FOGs is:
To assist the UBC Botanical Garden to maintain its position as a valued part of the UBC community and to strengthen its reputation both nationally and internationally
To put this Mission into practice the FOGs organize several important weekend events at the Garden such as Plant Sales and the Apple Festival. They also run the Shop in the Garden, raise thousands of unusual plants for sale, staff a Hort-Line service to answer gardening questions, provide guides for tours of the Garden and the Nitobe Memorial Japanese Garden, organize the Garden library and mount specimens for the herbarium. This is just a sampling of FOG activities and new ideas are constantly being explored which means that the organization is both vibrant and exciting.

Are the FOGs a fund-raising organization?  The FOGs were not formed to raise money and do not see themselves in this capacity. However, many of their activities do raise considerable funds. The FOGS exist to help the Garden and if some of their activities raise money then they are pleased to provide this to purchase extra equipment and pay for part of the running costs of the Garden.

Are there other things to know about the FOGs?  The FOGs limit the number of their Active Members to 160. They have found that a larger number means that the organization tends to split into smaller groups and the sense of conviviality and collegiality is lost. Every new member must complete an orientation and training session that usually commences in October and costs $75.00 (2008). Annual dues of $40.00 (2008) are paid by all members.

What qualities do the FOGs look for in their members?  The FOGs will gladly supply you with a statement showing the Qualities of the Volunteer. You are urged to read it. Shown below are the headings from this statement that are further expanded in it and are the qualities that are prized by our members:
   Willingness to co-operate and interact with public and staff
   Community awareness and Interest
   Experience
   Ability to Manage Time and Personal Commitments
   Eagerness to Help
   Special Skills
   Enthusiasm, Dedication and the Ability to Work within the Organization

Final thoughts?  It’s difficult to catch in words the spirit of an organization but here’s an attempt, as you should have some feeling for what the FOGs are like: The FOGs need members who are positive and enthusiastic. They also need members who are dedicated to hard work in a friendly atmosphere. All members are cherished for their unique and individual contribution to the organization whilst they maintain cohesive and friendly relations with all other members.

How do I apply?  If you are willing to commit to providing the Garden with at least 150 hours of volunteer time each year and want to join an organization that is purposely kept as informal as possible so that its members may interact and enjoy themselves as they help the Garden, then please complete and send in the Membership Application by clicking on the link below. The FOGs will then contact you and arrange for an interview so that there is an opportunity to discuss your suitability to join the FOGs.

(The University of British Columbia requires the FOGs to be covered under the university insurance plan to provide liability insurance to those who may work on university premises. The university may therefore require the age of any FOG to be revealed.)

Membership Application:

Please download and complete the following: Application Form