Build Community Help newcomers feel welcomed, connected, and confident joining outings and conversations.
Grow Your Skills Try trip leadership, communication, coordination, or behind-the-scenes support—at your pace.
Give Back Outdoors Support stewardship through Leave No Trace, trail days, clean-ups, and conservation partnerships.
Make It Happen Your time helps create safe, inclusive adventures that keep gay and gay friendly men showing up outside.
Trip Leader Plan and lead outings with clear expectations, safety-first decision making, and a welcoming vibe. Post an event Choose route + pace, share gear expectations Model good group management and Leave No Trace Help participants feel included and supported Help train new trip leaders by co-leading a trip with them.
Assistant / Sweep Support trip leaders by helping keep the group together and checking in with participants. Help with headcounts and pacing Encourage newer hikers and answer questions Assist with small decisions and logistics
Chapter Coordinator Help build and support your local GayOutdoors community. Occasionally post trips each year (social meetups, hikes, walks), or encourage others to lead them Welcome new trip leaders, answer simple questions, and point them to resources Send a quick greeting to members who join from your region to help them feel connected
Social & Community Moderation Keep our online spaces friendly, inclusive, and useful for planning adventures. Regularly post in our GayOutdoors New England Facebook Page and help guide conversations and enforce community standards Support respectful communication Become a Moderator/Administrator of our social media pages. Share reminders about safety and stewardship
Content & Communications Help tell the GayOutdoors story and highlight trips, people, and partnerships. Join our Newsletter Team creating content Post trip reports Post in our social media pages
Events & Outreach Support booths, Pride events, meet-and-greets, and local partner collaborations. Help staff tables and welcome visitors Post Meet-And-Greets in restaurants, gay bars and potlucks in members' homes Build community partnerships
Committees Committees are a great way to shape GayOutdoors behind the scenes while working as part of a small, supportive team. Committee members help guide strategy, support programs, and turn ideas into action. Programming & Outdoor Activities Membership Growth & Engagement Communications & Visibility Leadership Development & Volunteer Support Stewardship & Partnerships Website Maintenance and Development Time commitment varies and many roles are virtual. No prior leadership experience required—just interest and follow-through.
Board of Directors The GayOutdoors Board of Directors provides vision, governance, and long-term direction for the organization. Board members help ensure financial health, strong leadership, and alignment with our mission and values. Guide strategy and organizational priorities Support and empower volunteers and trip leaders Strengthen partnerships and community presence Uphold stewardship, inclusion, and accountability Board service is ideal for members who want to give back at a deeper level and help shape the future of GayOutdoors. Mentoring and onboarding are provided.
Stewardship & Service Projects Love giving back? Help organize or participate in outdoor stewardship efforts that align with our mission. This might include trail days, clean-ups, Leave No Trace education, or partnering with land trusts and trail organizations. Participate in our annual trail maintenance clean-up at our adopted trail in the White Mountains of NH: Mt. Osceola Trail Coordinate a seasonal clean-up or volunteer day Connect GO with conservation partners and opportunities. Help us maintain the Boisvert and Normand Nature Preserve
Do I need outdoor expertise to volunteer? Not at all. Some roles are outdoor-specific (like Trip Leader), but many are social, organizational, or behind-the-scenes. We’ll help you find a good fit.
How much time does it take? It can be as little as 30–60 minutes a month (welcoming, posts, small tasks) or more if you enjoy leading trips or coordinating projects.
Is volunteering only in New England? No—many volunteer roles are virtual (communications, moderation, admin support). Local roles depend on chapters and events in your area.
How does stewardship show up in volunteering? Stewardship is part of who we are. Volunteers help model Leave No Trace, share best practices, and build partnerships that protect the places we recreate.
Email Us Prefer email? Send a quick note with your region and what you’d like to do. Email Volunteer Team Tip: include your preferred roles (Trip Leader, Chapter Coordinator, Committee, etc.) and your availability.
