How We Operate
We are an all-volunteer, state-registered non-profit, working to obtain our federal 501C3 status. Our Board ensures that we follow the laws governing tax-exempt corporations, attends to financial matters, and sees that our organization adheres to our bylaws and the vision outlined at our founding. Still, we began as a grassroots coalition of everyday people, and we continue that philosophy through many opportunities to become involved.
Membership is free. Full-time or part-time residents are welcome. We have females and males, liberals and conservatives, retired and working folks…all with one thing in common: a desire to preserve the lands, waters, and heritage that make our Gulf County so special. You can join as a General Member or Steering Committee Member.
General Members
With a current strength of ≈ 500, we have enough support to influence decision-makers. As a General Member, you will receive emails to update you about major issues in and around Gulf County and our actions to address them. You may be asked to write a letter, call your governmental officials, sign a petition, or help raise public awareness.
Steering Committee Members
The Steering Committee meets via Zoom on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month from 10:00-11:00 AM Eastern. We discuss local concerns and decide the strategy and direction of the group. It is the easiest way to become involved and really see what we are all about. Members of this committee may receive several emails from other team members each week for review or input. You will always be “in the know” regarding issues. Send us a note using our contact page, and we will add you to the Zoom invites and internal email list. All you have to do is attend when you can, listen, and give your opinion. (Note: You do not have to have a paid Zoom account you can download the free Zoom app or just click the link we send and join through your browser.)
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Volunteers are the backbone of the organization.
Whatever your particular talents are, if you have time, we need you! Look over the committees below and take your pick! You do not have to do all the tasks of the committee; just help out where and when you can. Use our contact page to let us know how you want to help.
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Membership & Communications
This committee is the center of the web. The key to our mission plan depends on effective education and communication. This committee works on drafting letters to our coalition members, writing press releases, maintaining membership and email lists, posting updates on social media, conducting membership drives, and staffing outreach events.
Governmental & Inter-Agency Affairs
Issues like LNG plants in the middle of town seem to spring from nowhere when citizens are not kept informed. People on this committee attend city and county commission meetings, as well as meetings of the Economic Development Coalition, Tourist Development Council, and The Port Authority. Committee members may meet with officials in person, by phone, or via email to explain our views, ask questions, or request clarification. The object is to build a positive personal relationship between decision makers and the GCCC.
Fundraising
This committee oversees the planning, development, management, and implementation of a fundraising plan to ensure the financial viability of the organization and accomplish our vision. It engages donors, members, and sponsors, thus creating opportunities for community involvement. It organizes fundraising events, researches opportunities for grants, enlists grant partners, and submits grant proposals as needed.
Gulf Ecology and Environmental Education Center
Rivers, creeks, springs, lakes, estuaries, bays, lagoons, and the Gulf itself unite the people of our County. Knowledge of these diverse, complex, and fragile water ecosystems is the key to taking an off-ramp from the breakneck drive of rampant development. We envision an ecology center filled with awe-inspiring aquatic creatures and exhibits to provide exciting educational and employment opportunities for people of all ages. This project is in its early developmental stages and members of this group will work closely with the fundraising committee to see it come to fruition. (See our Projects Page for more details.)