Get Involved -- Volunteer!

Our success as an organization depends on having active members. We need a wide range of skills that extend far beyond just engineering. Architects, engineers, scientists, nurses, doctors, lawyers, media specialists, teachers and others are needed to work on projects and to develop and run the chapter.

Anyone that has expertise in community development, water supply, sanitation, energy supply, shelter systems, languages, agriculture, and health issues, should come to a chapter meeting!

It's easy to get involved:

Step 1: Website account

Sign up for a user account on our website (here), and fill out the user profile. We periodically send out email notices to everyone on our mailing list, regarding upcoming meetings and events, and project opportunities.

Step 2: Chapter meeting

Come to a chapter meeting. The meetings are free, and you do not have to be a member to attend. Our monthly chapter meetings (typically the 3rd Wednesday) are a great venue for new or prospective members to meet active members and learn more about EWB. Check out the calendar for a complete listing of upcoming events.

Step 3: Membership

The EWB-Puget Sound Professional Chapter is open to everyone, and there are no local chapter dues. We do encourage you to become a member of EWB-USA to demonstrate your commitment to EWB and to support our vision of a better world. Paid members of EWB-USA are entitled to:

Travel with project teams;
Access all the growing resources on the EWB-USA web site;
Enjoy the personal satisfaction of contributing to the organization of EWB-USA and its mission.

On the EWB-USA membership form, please select "Puget Sound Professionals" as your chapter to ensure a portion of your membership dues is returned to our local chapter.

Join EWB-USA now

Step 4: Volunteer

Volunteer. Meet great people. Learn new skills. Have fun while giving back to communities in need.

Specific tasks

Volunteers are needed right now for a variety of tasks. Every month, we update a "help needed" list of specific tasks and the person to contact about volunteering.

View the current list of specific volunteer opportunities

1. Projects

EWB Puget Sound Professional Chapter project teams work on designing and implementing environmentally and economically sustainable engineering projects. This may involve travel to the partner community.
[More]

2. Mentoring

The Puget Sound Professional Chapter has been actively engaged with EWB student chapters at the University of Washington and Seattle University.

3. Chapter operations

Executive Committee

Responsible for guiding chapter affairs. Includes elected positions and committee chairs. Requires a two year commitment. Elections occur in November of even numbered years. Read the position descriptions referenced below or contact the Executive Committee if interested.

Membership Committee

Responsible for the creation and maintenance of the Chapter membership database.
Contact: Anca Scaesteanu (membership [at] ewb-pugetsound [dot] org)

Project Committee

Responsible for initial screening and identifying potential Chapter projects, coordinating the project selection and application process, managing staffing and monitoring project execution. This is also where you can learn about some of our research and development projects.
Contact: Will Herkes (projects [at] ewb-pugetsound [dot] org)

Sustainability, Evaluation and Research Committee

Responsible for establishing criteria, standards and procedures for evaluating project sustainability (social, cultural, environmental), defining metrics to be applied and overseeing research to identify technology, impacts and practices and ensure that these factors are addressed in the design/implementation of each project. [more]
Contact: Will Herkes (sustainability [at] ewb-pugetsound [dot] org)

Fundraising Committee

Responsible for coordinating all Chapter fundraising activities and providing assistance/guidance to project-level fundraising efforts.
Contact: fundraising [at] ewb-pugetsound [dot] org

Student Chapter Committee

Responsible for establishing and maintaining communications and coordination with affiliated student chapters.
Contact: student_liaison [at] ewb-pugetsound [dot] org

4. Technical Advisory Committee

The West Coast Region Office is looking for volunteers interested in participating on a Regional Technical Advisory Committee (RTAC). The RTAC will be responsible for overseeing all projects originating or being implemented by chapters on the West Coast. RTAC members may be required to spend up to 23 hours per month on project reviews and related activities.
[More]
Download Application Form