Featured speakers: National Firewood Bank Summit

September 15, 2023

12pm - 4pm Eastern

Hear from the wood banks on:

Finding Partners & Keeping a Team: Strategic Partnerships & Volunteer Recruitment

Ellen Hill, United Way of Lamoille County Firewood Project in VT

Ellen Hill joined the United Way of Lamoille County, Vermont team in 2021. Prior to United Way, she worked at Johnson State College for 30 years; her roles included student leadership development and active citizenship development, experiential learning (service learning and internships), community partnerships, and nonprofit management studies. Since 2008, countless JSC students have volunteered with the UWLC firewood bank to split, stack and deliver firewood to neighbors needing assistance to heat their homes during the cold Vermont winters.

Ken Braun, Royal Order of the Red Suspenders in OR

Ken Braun began to volunteer with the Royal Order of the Red Suspenders in 2009, first as a cutter/splitter/stacker of wood in preparation for our delivery season, then adding deliveries to the list of responsibilities. At some point Ken's experience with computers, logistics and appropriate administrative practices landed him in the role of co-coordinator with Lance Pope.  Between the two leaders RORS is active about 48 out 52 Saturdays per year, 4-6 hours/day. Ken is a former pastor, a 27-year volunteer police and fire/EMS chaplain, and is employed full-time as the Executive Director of the Community Mediation Services program in Polk County, Oregon.

Marshall Masayesva, Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps in AZ

Marshall (he/him/his) is Paaqapwungwu (Reed) Clan from the village of Bacavi on the Hopi Reservation. Marshall started conservation work in 2007 with the Coconino Rural Environment Corps, moved to Southwest Conservation Corps, spent a season with Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, then settled with Ancestral Lands for the long haul. He enjoys serving his community by providing opportunities through recreation and service. He enjoys long cold walks in canyons wearing a wetsuit and being bogged down with wet ropes.

Hear from these panelists and ask them your questions. For more information and updates about the summit, visit our website or contact Elisa Schine at elisa.schine@maine.edu.