Get Involved

The SFABA is its members. We need your help! If you appreciate what the SFABA has done for the Shelburne Falls and West County area and want to support its continued success, please consider joining one of our committees or helping us with some specific tasks.

Generally, SFABA members join a subcommittee and as they become more involved, they are named to the full board of directors if they so desire (or at least express grudging willingness). Such committees include:

• Marketing Committee
• Partnership Committee
• Accessibility Committee
• Auction Committee
• Business Bulletin/Communications Committee

If you'd like to help out from time to time, here are a few of the skills we could use:

• Project coordination. Do you thrive on making order out of chaos? Do you like juggling details and making arrangements? The SFABA manages a number of marketing and civic projects, and most of these projects could sorely benefit from some more organization and new energy.
• Research. Does it drive you crazy to reinvent the wheel? We don't have any time to waste in our projects, and we could use some meticulous minds to explore options for several very important projects. Two committees of the Partnership -- one for examining long-term solutions for the Glacial Potholes area and the other for making the village universally accessible -- could benefit from a great deal of exploration.
• Fundraising. Do you have grantwriting or other experience in raising money for good causes? The SFABA operates on a shoestring, and we are always looking for new ways to raise money to make all this happen.
• Copywriting and Publications. Can you write accurately, clearly, and persuasively? Do you have experience in journalism or publishing? We could use writers, photographers, and other creative folks to work on various publications ranging from business owners' guides to the shelburnefalls.com Web site to the Business Bulletin. We sorely need some help with press releases and publicity for SFABA events.
• Professional Training and Mentoring. Are you a seasoned professional willing to help new businesses get off on the right foot? Are you interested in teaching a seminar or training session? Our Business Services Committee needs some new life; there's infinite potential for members helping other members.

Also consider volunteering to staff the Village Information Center. Though the VIC is not formally connected to SFABA operations, its well-being is critical to the interests of our business community. Contact Marion Taylor (625-6527) if you are interested in lending a hand.