There are many ways in which individuals can volunteer to help the Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse. We have many enthusiastic and friendly individuals who give a little, to a lot of their time volunteering for FOWIL. Many who volunteer, volunteer their particular work skills and experiences to benefiting the mission of the Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse. Check-out our newsletter and events pages for upcoming volunteer opportunities. Below, are listed just a few of the ways in which individuals can volunteer with the Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse. Join FOWIL today and consider volunteering.
Public Relations Executive Committee Member
We have a great opportunity for someone to join the FOWIL Executive Committee and help guide the future of Wood Island Lighthouse. Diane Noble, who has served in the capacity of Public Relations, has taken on responsibilities in her professional work which require her to step down from the EC. She was FOWIL's liaison with newspapers, Chamber of Commerce and various tourist organizations. She also prepared posters and press releases in our quest to promote FOWIL's activities and developments. If you would like to inquire about this position please contact fowil2008@yahoo.com.
"Lightrunner" Crew
A second opportunity for getting involved with this exciting island project is as a crew person for our boat Lightrunner. The crew person or "stern man" assists the Captain with the operation of the boat and helps passengers on and off. Training is provided. Our season is July and August. If you are interested, please contact seanmurphy@maine.rr.com .
Lighthouse Docents
Another opportunity to get out to the lighthouse a lot and enjoy our visitor's delight with their tour, consider becoming a docent. Docents need to become familier with some of the lighthouse history (all provided) to become a history guide. Questions may be referred to fowil2008@yahoo.com.
Merchandise Sales
From shirts, hats, and fleece vests to booklets, note-cards, and tote bags, FOWIL offers a variety of items that we sell to the general public. Volunteers assist in selling these items at FOWIL events and tour days.
Spring / Fall Work Days
A work day is traditionally held in the Spring and/or Fall to both prepare the lighthouse for start and end of the summer tour season. The Spring workday typically involves cleaning the lighthouse and grounds, as well as repairing any damage that may have occurred to the boat ramp, boardwalk, and grounds during the winter months. Setting up the multiple displays inside the lighthouse, also takes place. On the Fall workday, the lighthouse is closed up and prepared for the winter months. Quite often one or two special projects may take place as well on these days. These are usually half to full workdays, so participants will often pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the island. Check the events page for upcoming work days.
Wood Chucks
The "Wood chucks" are a group of individuals that perform weekly summer maintenance on the grounds around Wood Island Lighthouse during July and August. Projects may include mowing the grass, planting flowers, trimming bushes alongside the boardwalk, and painting. The Wood Chucks head-out to the light, usually in the morning, on midweek, non-tour days.
Tour Guides and Tower Guides
Tour Guides lead tour groups of up to 18 people from the boat launch at Biddeford Pool to the lighthouse and back. The Tour Guide educates their group about the rich history of Wood Island lighthouse and FOWILs mission, along with answering the many questions that excited visitors have. The Tower Guides take groups of up to six people at a time up the lighthouse tower stairs to the lantern room, for this unique experience.
History Group
The history group researches the long and rich history of Wood Island Lighthouse. Their extensive work is transformed into informational displays, booklets, posted information on this website, special events, and passed on from researcher to tour guides and guests.
Tour Reservations
FOWIL's tour reservation phone line is managed entirely by a few dedicated volunteers. These volunteers answer our tour reservation phone line, signing up people for tours and answering questions about the tours and FOWIL.
The "Lightrunner" Crew
FOWIL has a dedicated group of volunteers who operate, maintain and manage our boat the "Lightrunner." Transporting over 800 tour guests in a summer to the island is a significant achievement of these dedicated volunteers. If you have previous boating experience and enjoy being on the water, than crewing may be a volunteer opportunity for you.
Fundraising
FOWIL has had a long traditional of putting on special fundraising events that have been enjoyed by many people over the years. These have included several art auction events, and haunting events. These special events take significant volunteer participation to pull off, and include a variety of tasks for volunteers to assist in.