Open Call for Board & Committee Applications
Now through March 29, 2026
A New Season of Leadership: We Need You to Help Shape the Future of Free Forest School
Do you believe every child deserves to grow up playing freely outside? Are you convinced that the health of our children, our communities, and our planet depends on it?
Then join us in dreaming big. This spring, Free Forest School is welcoming a new cohort of board and committee members. We are committed to building a leadership team that reflects the rich diversity of children and caregivers across the country. Because outdoor play is a universal experience, we believe our best work happens when we include a wide range of perspectives. We especially encourage people who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, veterans, or differently-abled to help us shape an expansive future for outdoor play.
Board Member Roles and Responsibilities
Champion the Mission: Support and refine the Free Forest School purpose and strategic direction.
Ensure Sustainability: Oversee organizational planning and ensure adequate resources for our programs.
Advocate for Play: Promote the benefits of free play in nature and engage in community education.
Commit to Leadership: Serve an initial two-year term (with the option to renew) and attend virtual quarterly board meetings.
Contribute Your Strengths: Lead or support committee work and special projects that align with your expertise.
Lead with Heart: Bring integrity, credibility, and a genuine passion for child-led, nature-based play.
Committee Opportunities
Whether you have an hour or a few hours a month, we have a place for your unique skills:
Communications Committee: Are you a storyteller? Help us manage our social media, write newsletters (like this one!), and keep our community connected.
Operations Committee: If you love the "how" behind the "do," help us create and manage sustainable solutions for our long-term vision.
Finance Committee: Help us keep our roots healthy by managing budgets, tracking donations, and ensuring our long-term financial stability.
Specific Skill Sets We Are Seeking
Communications & Marketing: Helping us tell our story far and wide.
Financial Strategy & Nonprofit Management: Strengthening our internal roots.
DEIJ Initiatives: Advancing our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.
Fundraising & Partnerships: Cultivating corporate sponsors and securing foundation grants.
Data & Impact: Developing and analyzing performance metrics to show the world why play matters.
Not Ready for a Full Board Seat? Join one of our committees to lend your skills on a more flexible schedule!
What does the Board of Directors do?
Free Forest School Board members are the stewards of our mission. They invest their time, expertise, connections, and resources to lead and sustain the organization.
As a Board Member, you commit to:
A Two-Year Term: Serving an initial two-year term with the opportunity to renew.
Quarterly Strategy: Attending virtual Board meetings (approximately 8 hours per year).
Active Contribution: Dedicating 3+ hours per month to board work of your choice, whether as an officer or through committee projects.
Financial Stewardship: Making an annual financial contribution that is significant to you and championing our fundraising efforts to ensure Free Forest School thrives.
Looking for a smaller time commitment? Our committees are a great way to lead on specific projects without the full Board term commitment.
Nomination Timeline
MARCH 2 – Call for applications opens.
MARCH 16 from 7 PM - 8 PM EST - Click here to join an information session about our board and committees to learn more.
MARCH 29 – Last call for applications - don’t miss your chance to apply!
APRIL 6 - All applicants will be notified via email regarding next steps.
APRIL 13 – New board and committee members join us for our upcoming board meeting.
Apply Today!
Shout it from the rooftops!
Even if you cannot join us now, you can help us out by sharing this opportunity with your network!
