Leadership & Structure
- Friends of Brust Park is currently led and operated solely by Mike Gabert, who serves as Founder & Organizer.
- Additional leadership roles (such as Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer) remain open until suitable individuals express interest.
- If others join in leadership capacities, decision-making structures will be established collaboratively at that time.
Membership
Friends of Brust Park is a community-driven volunteer group. Membership is open to anyone who shares our mission of preserving and enhancing Brust Park.
Membership Categories
- General Volunteers
- Open to all individuals who wish to contribute to park events, maintenance, and initiatives.
- No ongoing commitment is required, but volunteers are encouraged to stay engaged.
- Active Members
- Individuals who consistently contribute, attend multiple events, and assist with organizational efforts.
- Recognized as core participants and may be invited to contribute ideas and help with planning.
- Active membership is determined by sustained participation over a six-month period.
- Executive Members (Future Role – Open)
- Executive members will be selected from active members who show leadership potential and a commitment to the organization’s mission.
- These roles will be determined as the organization grows and based on need.
Ethics & Code of Conduct for Volunteers
Friends of Brust Park is dedicated to creating a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for all volunteers, community members, and park visitors. To ensure that everyone contributes positively, all volunteers must adhere to the following Code of Conduct.
1. Respect for the Park & Environment
- Follow all park regulations and environmental best practices.
- Do not damage or remove plants unless specifically approved by the organizer.
- Exceptions: Dead plants, invasive species, or hazardous growths may be removed only with prior approval or as part of an official park maintenance effort.
- Do not disrupt wildlife or leave behind waste.
- Use only approved tools and materials for cleanups, plantings, and other activities.
- Refrain from introducing non-native or invasive species into the park.
2. Respect for Fellow Volunteers & Community Members
- Treat all individuals with kindness, patience, and respect, regardless of differences in background, opinions, or abilities.
- No harassment, bullying, or discriminatory behavior will be tolerated.
- Volunteers must work collaboratively and with a positive attitude toward the common goal of improving Brust Park.
- Any conflicts or concerns should be brought to the Founder/Organizer privately and respectfully.
3. Commitment to Safety & Responsibility
- Volunteers must follow all safety guidelines provided by the organizer.
- Use tools and equipment properly and only as instructed.
- If an activity poses any risk, notify the organizer before proceeding.
- Volunteers must not engage in reckless behavior that could endanger themselves or others.
4. Professionalism & Representation
- Volunteers represent Friends of Brust Park and should conduct themselves appropriately in all interactions, including social media discussions about the park.
- Volunteers should avoid personal disputes while participating in park activities.
- Public statements on behalf of Friends of Brust Park should only be made by the Founder/Organizer.
5. Prohibited Behavior
The following actions are strictly prohibited and will result in immediate removal from volunteer activities:
- Any form of harassment, discrimination, or intimidation.
- Theft, vandalism, or intentional harm to park property or the environment.
- Unsafe behavior that endangers volunteers, park visitors, or wildlife.
- Unauthorized solicitation or use of Friends of Brust Park for personal or political agendas.
- Repeated failure to follow the Code of Conduct after being warned.
6. Enforcement & Consequences
- Violations of the Code of Conduct will be handled at the discretion of the Founder/Organizer.
- Warnings may be issued for minor infractions, but serious violations may result in immediate removal from volunteer participation.
- The Founder/Organizer reserves the right to decline or remove any volunteer who does not align with the mission and values of Friends of Brust Park.
Amendments & Growth
- As Friends of Brust Park develops, these guiding principles may be adjusted to reflect the needs of the community and volunteers.
- The organization remains flexible to change, with future leadership roles and decision-making structures to be determined when needed.