2019 Docent Training
Trees Atlanta - Evergreen Learning
Saturday classes. Seven sessions.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: FREE
includes all class content and instructional materials,
plus docent shirt and badge upon completion of training and certification
Location: Trees Atlanta - TreeHouse
112 Krog St. Suite 7, Atlanta, GA 30307
Who should take this class?
Volunteers like you! Maybe you’re an environmental advocate, an aspiring naturalist, an Atlanta history buff, a bird nerd, a public art enthusiast, or just love our City in the Forest. Perhaps you are long-time volunteer who wants to learn how to represent Trees Atlanta at various tours or speaking opportunities in the community. This class is for you.
Docents can share their talents and knowledge in various ways and formats: the common attribute is that they have (or want to learn) how to communicate effectively to tour groups, community organizations, or gatherings of people. You'll learn a lot about our organization, our city, and the importance of urban forests.
What is a Trees Atlanta Docent? Is this class for you?
Yes - you can be a Trees Atlanta Docent-- or just take classes. A Docent is a trained "certified volunteer" who volunteers in specific skilled roles, including: lead tours in green spaces around Atlanta (e.g., Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum walking tour, tree tours, bird tours, etc.), speak at community events, and/or represent Trees Atlanta at various events throughout Atlanta.
Each Docent can choose the way they want to be an ambassador for Trees Atlanta’s programs. Curriculum has been modified to enable Docent to leverage personal talents and preferences.
Being a Docent not your thing? No worries.
Interested in taking classes without becoming a Certified Volunteer? You can join this class too!
What's required to be a Certified Volunteer in training?
No formal background or expertise is required. We will teach you all you need and want to know to succeed in this volunteer role. Bring your personal talents, expertise, and interests into the mix to curate customized tours and flavors of your own. What ever your style, there's a Docent role that you'll find fulfilling.
To receive a "Certificate of Completion", students and Certified Volunteers in training must participate in 6 of 7 classroom lessons in a range of skills from Trees Atlanta history and mission, the Atlanta BeltLine, basic plant identification and urban ecology, and interpretive tour and public speaking skills.
Certified Volunteer Requirements: earn Certificate of Completion, participate in practice activities, including in class presentations, mock tours, or shadow events, etc. based on the role you wish to take.
Throughout the course, you will learn how to deliver a Trees Atlanta overview presentation and/or develop your own tour of an Atlanta green space or neighborhood with guidance and support from Trees Atlanta staff, instructors, and docent training alumni. You will acquire a versatile and interdisciplinary skill-set and confidence to work with various groups, as well as achieve a deeper understanding and awareness of Atlanta’s environment and meaningful connection to the greater Trees Atlanta community.
What is expected of Certified Volunteers?
Certified Volunteers are asked to volunteer regularly in a skilled role each year. Some CVs lead 1 to 2 events monthly, others choose to volunteers 4 times in the year. We know our volunteers are engaged in work, family, and other commitments. There is a minimum service requirement to maintain "CV" status, but all volunteers are always welcome to participate in Trees Atlanta’s many continuing education programs, as well as special social events for our certified volunteers.
Still have questions? Please contact Michelle Diaz at michelle@treesatlanta.org.
2019 Docent Training Schedule:
Saturday January 26, 2019: Introduction and Overview
Saturday February 2, 2019: Urban Forest Ecology
Saturday February 9, 2019: Purpose and Design of the Arboretum
Saturday February 23, 2019: Interpreting Atlanta’s Forest
Saturday March 2, 2019: Urban Heat Island and Advocacy
Saturday March 9, 2019: Atlanta BeltLine Bus Tour
Saturday March 16, 2019: Mock Tour Presentations, Feedback and Graduation
Photo credit: John Becker.
The TreeHouse is located in a popular eating and commercial area in Inman Park. Our building is on the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail between Edgewood Avenue and Irwin Street. We encourage you to be mindful of potential traffic and limited parking in this popular in town location. Please consider walking, biking, or public transit.
