Please refer to the Handbook for specifics on these matters. This Q & A list is intended to address basic questions about how to meet Active Status Requirements . It covers:
1. Continuing Ed.
2. Volunteer Service
3. Logging Hours
4. Active Status
Q: How many hours are required?
A: AMN class of 2019-2022: 40 hours of volunteer service and or continuing education. *
Q: What’s the deadline?
A: Our general meeting in June.
Q: What counts for volunteer hours?
A: Volunteer service may include service to the AMN organization, service to other naturalist organizations, educating the public on nature-related or environmental topics, or direct service in support of the environment. Let the AMN Goals be your guide.
Q: What are the AMN Goals?
A:The purpose of the AMN Program is to support lifelong learning about Acadiana’s environment and natural history and to support a community of volunteers, stewards and advocates committed to nature conservation and preservation.
Q: Does volunteer work I did before last year’s Volunteer Service report count? *
A: No. Service performed during and after participation in the AMN Program may be used to satisfy the first Volunteer Service Report. After that, service hours may not be carried forward from year to year.
Q: What counts for continuing education? *
A: Continuing Education may include attendance at nature-related or environmental classes in person, or on line. Private research in a related field, especially in preparation for teaching others, also counts toward this requirement.
Q: Does continuing education I did in previous years count? *
A: Continuing Education hours may not be carried forward from year to year.
Q: How do I log?
A. We are currently making updates to our tracking system. Please note your hours by hand and keep them until tracking becomes available.
Q: What do I do if very special circumstances prevent me from complying this year?
A: Reply to this email with a description of your circumstance.
Q: What if I’ve exceeded my Active Member Requirements?
A: Great! Good for you! Please log in all your time. It’s not bragging. At some point, we may become eligible for a Grant, Award or Recognition for what we do.
Q: Will I have to do this every year to keep my Active Status?
A: Yes but you can log as you go now that we have this great web site. Just keep your password handy. PLUS after 10 consecutive years of Active Status, you are Active For Life and no longer have to log anything.
Q: If I do the hours but don’t log them by May 31, can I still get Active Status for the coming year?
A: No.
Q: Who is policing the accuracy of what I log?
A: Reporting is done on the Honor System. However, there may be a need for clarification which you’ll get via private email.
Q: Are these rules for Active Status written down?
A: Yes, in the AMN Bylaws and Handbook.
Q: Why would I want to have Active Status?
A: It allows you to participate in the election process & serve as a Board Member. It comes with perks which may include discount coupons to local outdoors-type retailers or special access to AMN social events.
Q: How will anyone know if I’m Active or not?
A: It will be on the AMN Roster
Q: is this all I have to do to have Active Status?
A: No. You must also pay $15 dues by our general meeting in June. You’ll get an email reminder.
Q: Where can I find a list of current Continuing Education options?
A: In the password protected section of the website. (Being built now)
Q: What if I don’t want to do this?
A: You don’t have to. However, you agreed to do it when you applied to take the AMN class. It’s also the only way to have Active Member Status for the coming fiscal year. Most importantly, this is how the AMN serves its stated Goals.
Q: If I don’t like this, what can I do about it?
A: Go Inactive. You may also reply to this email with your constructive suggestions on how the AMN can better encourage its members to serve the AMN Goals. Do not copy others. Remember that EVERYONE working on this and every AMN project is an unpaid VOLUNTEER. If you want to volunteer to help, please do.