Volunteer with GayOutdoors
GayOutdoors is member-powered. Volunteering is one of the best ways to meet people, strengthen community, and practice stewardship in the outdoors — whether you have 30 minutes a month or want to take on a bigger role.
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering keeps GayOutdoors thriving — and it makes the experience richer for everyone.
Build Community
Help newcomers feel welcomed, connected, and confident joining outings and conversations.
Grow Your Skills
Try event hosting, 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.
Ways to Volunteer
Pick something that fits your interests and availability. You can start small and grow into more responsibility anytime.
Host
Plan and host outings with clear expectations, safety-first decision making, and a welcoming vibe.
- Post an event
- Choose route and pace, share gear expectations
- Model good group management and Leave No Trace
- Help participants feel included and supported
- Help train new hosts by co-hosting an event with them
Assistant / Sweep
Support hosts 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
Chapter Coordinators serve as friendly, local points of contact — welcoming members, answering questions, encouraging participation, and supporting events close to home. This role is flexible and intended to feel supportive rather than burdensome.
- Host a few social meetups, hikes, or walks each year — or simply encourage others to do so. Even one or two events per season can make a meaningful difference.
- Coordinators' contact information is listed on our website so local members can say hello, ask questions, or team up on a local outing, and help new members feel comfortable joining their first event.
- Encourage hosts and spark local momentum, one idea at a time.
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
- Support respectful communication and enforce community standards
- Become a moderator/administrator of our social media pages
- Share reminders about safety and stewardship
Content & Communications
Help tell the GayOutdoors story and highlight events, 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 hosts
- 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, and help us maintain the Boisvert and Normand Nature Preserve
How It Works
We'll meet you where you are — no special experience required for many roles.
Choose a Role
Pick one or two ways you'd like to help, based on interest and time.
Connect with Us
Tell us what you're interested in and what city you're in.
Get Started
We'll match you with a lead, provide resources, and help you begin with confidence.
Volunteer FAQ
Do I need outdoor expertise to volunteer?
Not at all. Some roles are outdoor-specific (like Host), 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 hosting events or coordinating projects.
Is volunteering only in the Northeast?
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.
Ready to Jump In?
Tell us what you're interested in and how you'd like to help. Include your preferred roles (Host, Chapter Coordinator, Committee, etc.) and your availability, and we'll follow up with next steps.