Ways to Get Involved
Membership
We are always looking for speakers and topics for our webinar series and other programs we offer our members and the outdoor recreation professional community.
Programs
We are always looking for speakers and topics for our webinar series and other programs we offer our members and the outdoor recreation professional community.
Discussions
We are always looking for ways to bring our members together. For when we can't gather in person we have dedicated topic-based discussion forum to help facilitate conversations.
Board
Help shape SORP's future on the Board of Directors! Terms are three years and include virtual board meetings, an annual in-person board retreat, and service on one or more committees.
Committees
The board provides strategic guidance, governance and financial oversight for SORP. You do not have to be on the SORP Board to sit on a committee! We are always looking for a diverse group of individuals to help us keep SORP running.
There are several committees through which the work of the association is accomplished including:
Programs
SORP delivers several programs to support professional development, networking and technical assistance. Volunteers are essential for making our programs successful!
- National Outdoor Recreation Conference - The NORC planning committee includes scholarships, awards, proposal review and selection, and on-site logistics such as session moderators, registration desk, and field workshops.
- Visitor Use Management Training - You can support the virtual VUM Foundations training as a presenter or breakout group facilitator.
- Inclusive Spaces Audit Workshop - These in-person workshops take place at outdoor recreation spaces that want practical solutions for improving welcoming and belonging. You can be a part of the planning team for a workshop in your area!
Finance and Policy
Develops annual budgets and fiscal policy; ensures financial health of the association.
Governance
Ensures best practices for nonprofit governance and oversees board recruitment and professional development.
Welcoming and Belong
Ensures alignment with SORP’s commitment to equity and inclusion for internal and external operations and programs.
Let us know you are interested in joining a committee by emailing Rachel Franchina.
Support SORP
It’s important to SORP to be able to serve the outdoor recreation community. We could not offer the community and training sessions without support from our members and partners.
Ways to Support SORP
SORP offers programs for the career advancement and professional development of outdoor recreation professionals.
Many of our opportunities are free of charge to serve our community and provide these important training opportunities.
We could not offer these benefits without support from our members and partners.
Donate
Endowment + More
SORP is the nation’s leading association of outdoor recreation and related professionals who strive to protect our natural and cultural resources while providing sustainable recreation access. We offer programs for the career advancement and professional development of outdoor recreation professionals. Many of our opportunities are free of charge to serve our community and provide these important training opportunities. We could not offer these benefits without support from our members and partners.
Planned Giving
Wills, Qualified Charitable Distributions + more
Planned giving is a major charitable contribution arranged during a donor's lifetime as part of an overall financial or estate plan. These gifts may benefit you, your family, and the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals in the future.
As a SORP member benefit we have partnered with LifeLegacy to offer a tool to build your Last Will & Testament.
Shop
Gear Up as a SORP Member!
Love being a member of the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals? Looking for a way to support our mission? You can now shop gear (t-shirts, hats, jackets, etc.) through our shop on Bonfire! We are a verified nonprofit, so any purchase helps us keep moving forward towards providing leadership for the outdoor recreation profession through skill development, networking, and technical guidance.
SORP Establishes an Endowment at the Rose Community Foundation
We are thrilled to announce that the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals has established an endowment fund at the Rose Community Foundation. An endowment is a permanent fund where the principal is invested, and only the investment earnings are used to support SORP’s mission. This creates a sustainable source of funding to ensure SORP can continue serving outdoor recreation professionals for generations to come. A special thanks to our generous donors, who made the endowment possible. You can help grow the endowment and strengthen SORP’s future! Contributions of any size are welcome and tax-deductible. Together, we can ensure a lasting legacy for our community.
Join the
Stewards Circle
The Stewards Circle honors those who have chosen to leave a legacy gift or donated to our endowment, ensuring that future generations continue to have access to resources, professional development opportunities, and more through SORP.
Join our Stewards Circle if you donate $1,000 or more to the endowment or leave a legacy gift of any amount. The perks of the the Stewards Circle include:
- Receive a Stewards Circle pin
- Acknowledgement on website and annual report
- Special invites (e.g. NORC reception) and discounts to NORC
- Preview of annual report and other publications
Whether you've already included us in your plans or are just beginning to explore your options, we'd love to welcome you.
