Our Call Star Casting Call

By Andy Meeks

Would you like to help get more trees planted around Portland and Vancouver while talking with people interested in the same thing? If so, we have a volunteer role for that—the Call Star!

Last week was Major League Baseball’s annual All Star Break—celebrating the best players from every team. And next week, Friends of Trees is gearing up for its Call Star season—when we get to work with some of the most passionate, articulate and enthusiastic volunteers. Maybe you fit this description?

Call Stars help connect interested homeowners to the right tree for their space and tastes as well as let them know how they can volunteer at the planting event in their neighborhood. It’s a bit of community organizing and a bit of customer service—all with the mission of increasing our urban canopy.

Our Call Star team helps us reach out to everyone who has already shown interest in getting a tree with us this season. These are not cold calls. They are calls to interested homeowners who want trees from Friends of Trees!

Call Stars meet in our office on Wednesday evenings between 5:30 to 8:30 pm (or whatever timeframe works best for you). Staff members are always present and they will teach you about the various trees that we sell and plant, and help you learn our ordering system. They’ll also give you tips on how to make a good connection with the person you call.

We ask that you commit to at least four sessions over the course of the season, as this is a trained role and takes some time to learn and master.  And we make special efforts to make each session enjoyable—we’ll always have snacks and beverages for you!

If you’re interested in joining us as a Call Star, or if you have questions about this role, please contact Andy or Jenny in the Volunteer & Outreach Program at 503-595-0213.  We hope to work with you this season!

– Meeks is the Volunteer & Outreach Manager for Friends of Trees.