Volunteer Descriptions

(Click to go to description)

President
Vice-President
Second Vice-President
Treasurer
Secretary
Director
Bonsai Basics Chairperson
Fundamentals Chairperson
Mother’s Day Chairperson
State Fair Chairperson
Refreshments
Outreach
Library




President

Job Duties: 

  • Familiarity with MBS Mission, policies, programs, and services 
  • Act as a goodwill ambassador for the Minnesota Bonsai Society 
  • Preside over all general meetings making announcements, encouraging member participation in events, promoting MBS activities, etc.
  • Set agenda for and run board meetings 
  • Run board meetings keeping meetings on track and accomplishing the laid out agenda 
  • Appoint and disband any committee as necessary subject to the approval by majority vote of the MBS board 
  • Appoint three (3) society members to serve as a nominating committee to identify and 
  • propose a slate of candidates for the annual election of officers and directors. 
  • Coordinate update of MBS calendar 
  • Make sure upcoming events are adequately staffed 
  • Signs and mails grants that have been approved by the board.

Management responsibilities: 

  • Delegate duties to board and willing members 
  • Act as a diplomat to resolve discord 

Reporting responsibilities: 

  • Reports to membership 

Qualifications: 

  • Good communication skills Able to work with others Good organizational skills MBS
  • member in good standing with 3 to 5 years experience with the club 
  • Good leadership skills 

Working Conditions: 

  • Attend general meetings 
  • Attend other functions as necessary 

MBS Supplies and Equipment: 

  • President’s files 

Personal Supplies and Equipment: 

  • A computer with appropriate software 
  • Printer
  • High speed internet 

Time Commitment: 

  • Monthly time commitment of at least 8 hours and attendance at general meetings 

First Vice President – Programs 

Job Duties: 

  • Coordinate the monthly general meeting program 
    • January no program 
    • February – identify a program
    •  March – identify a program 
    • April – identify a program 
    • May-generally visiting master provides program 
    • June – identify a program
    • July – very close to the 4″; identify a simple program
    • August – identify a program, usually involves preparation for the upcoming State Fair Show 
    • September – generally visiting master provides the program
    • October – fall auction is the program 
    • November – Identify a program 
    • December – Christmas party; possibly a benefit auction
  • Programs are generally about 60 minutes in length, can include a visiting outside speaker, a member, a slide show, a video, a hands on demonstration, a series of interactive demonstrations, etc. Programs are directed at improving the skills of the beginner as well as providing information or skill reinforcement to the intermediate and advanced bonsai enthusiasts. 
  • Provide a program description to the newsletter editor prior to the upcoming meeting Be vigilant concerning new ideas for programs including reviewing videos information from other clubs, etc. to obtain program ideas 

Management responsibilities: 

Responsible for coordinating all aspects of the monthly program including any audiovisual needs, tools, etc. 

Reporting responsibilities: 

Report to the president and the board 

Qualifications: 

Basic knowledge of Bonsai horticulture and design Available time to devote to activities as needed Creativity Should be a member in good standing with at least 3 years experience in bonsai 

Work Location: 

  • Venue chosen for monthly general meetings 
  • Attendance at general meetings to coordinate program 

MBS Supplies and Equipment: 

  • Props from the storage shed as needed 
  • Props from cabinet as needed 
  • Printing costs for any handouts

Personal Supplies and Equipment: 

  • Laptop computer with Microsoft power point or equivalent program very desirable 
  • Printer and internet connection 
  • Trees in development to use as props and some basic tools 
  • Access to collection of recent videos 
  • Contacts in nursery and gardening world to mine for program ideas 

Time Commitment: 

Monthly time commitment of at least 12 hours and attendance at general meetings Other time as necessary 


Second Vice President – Workshops 

Job Duties: 

  • Facilitate workshops during day of event. Order trees for Novice workshops.  Order any other necessary supplies including pots, wire and soil needed for workshops. Line up dates and locations for the novice and master workshops. Collect and organize information, and communicate with folks who sign up for Novice workshops through the website.  COllect helper signups through the website and communicate time and locations of workshops. Arrive early to set up room for workshops Check people in to workshop and collect any money owed Send out to participants appropriate reminders and follow-up mailings. Clean and sharpen tools Check supplies to see what needs to be re-ordered 
  • Run copies of needed papers at Kinko’s or Office Max etc. ahead of time. 

Management responsibilities: 

  • Handle any cancellations and communicate with treasurer for any refunds needed. Keep workshops on schedule. Be sure workshop area is cleaned and supplies, etc. are removed. Keep workshop applications on file until a month after the workshop is held, for any discrepancies that might come up. 

Reporting responsibilities: 

  • Report to MBS board and at general meeting. 

Qualifications: 

  • Willingness to pay attention to detail and organize things ahead of time. Able to work with others. 
  • May need a credit card to purchase supplies and be reimbursed by MBS. 

Work Locations: 

  • Home 
  • Usually on location of the classes.

MBS Supplies and Equipment: 

  • Wire, soil and scoops, black box, pots (2 kind), black tub,, name tags & markers, dust pan and brush, sprayer bottles, easel & picture of styles, brochures, soil samples, tools, books, etc. 

Personal Supplies and Equipment: 

  • Need to do quite a bit on the computer at home. Internet access familiarity with Google docs.. Sample trees – juniper and ficus, tool kit.
  • Need space to store and care for workshop trees between order and end of classes 

Time Commitment: 

  • Monthly time commitment of at least 8 hours and attendance at general meetings Full time attendance at beginner and master workshops: typically both Saturday and Sunday for four weekends a year 

Treasurer 

Job Duties: 

  • Maintain all financial records for the Society.
  • Prepare Federal and State income tax. (Society is an E4 not-for-profit corporation).
    • Fed ID #23-7432539, and the MN state organization #Y-215 (that needs to be used when contacting the state). 
  • Register as Agent for Society with State each year in January. (This can be done online). 
  • Maintain all Society banking accounts. 
    • Private Bank Society Checking, Savings Como Checking, Ameriprise Financial money market. 
  • Establish a straw budget at the beginning of the year for all committees.
  • Pay all bills and member reimbursements. 
    • e.g., rent for General Meeting and Class of meetings, liability insurance, auction disbursements, etc. 
  • Collect all income. 
    • Cash, checks and credit cards. 
  • Auction, raffle, membership, etc. income 
  • Collects membership dues and posts them to the appropriate accounts. 

Management responsibilities: 

  • Uphold approved budget. 
  • (Expenses in excess of budget must be brought to Board for approval). 

Reporting responsibilities: 

  • Each month: 
    • Bank account reconciliations reports to Board, Email budget update to Board. 
    • Quarterly reports estimating financial condition/future out-look. Emails to the board any financial impact a grant may have prior to the board voting.

Qualifications: 

  • Accounting experience or experience using computer based accounting programs – Society uses QuickBooks financial program. 
  • Available time to devote to activities as needed Good math skills Good organizational skills 
  • Attention to detail 
  • Good enforcement skills with respect to requiring reimbursement documentation 
  • MBS member in good standing with at least 2 years experience with the club 

Working Conditions: 

  • Work at home. 

MBS Supplies and Equipment: 

  • Bank checks (printable) deposit slips (printable) endorsement stamps, stamp ink. 
  • QuickBooks program, 

Personal Supplies and Equipment: 

Computer, internet access, and a printer. 

Time Commitment: 

Expected to be 16 to 24 hours a month 


Secretary

Job Duties: 

  • Attend board meetings, take notes and transcribe the minutes to an electronic copy.  Email copies of the draft minutes to each board member prior to the next meeting.  Finalize the minutes, incorporating any updates from board members.  Facilitate the approval of the minutes by the board.
  • Provided a copy of the approved meeting minutes to the website chair/administrator to place on the website.
  • For general meetings, take notes of activities, including the results of any votes of the membership, and provide the minutes to the board.
  • Provide any paper ballots necessary for voting of the membership.

Management responsibilities: 

  • Keep copies of all minutes.  These will be compiled to provide to the next secretary.

Reporting responsibilities: 

  • Report to the MBS board and at general meetings.

Qualifications: 

  • Available time to devote to activities as needed
  • Ability to capture minutes electronically
  • Internet access for minutes distribution

Work Location: 

  • Own residence, or equivalent
  • Board meeting and general meeting venues

MBS Supplies and Equipment: 

  • None

Personal Supplies and Equipment: 

  • Computer, internet access and printer 

Time Commitment: 

  • Monthly 6 to 8 hours 

Director 

Job Duties: 

  • Be informed about the Minnesota Bonsai Society’s mission, services, policies and programs.
  • Act as a good-will ambassador for the Minnesota Bonsai Society. Engage fully in strategic planning and developing policy.
  • Review agenda and supporting materials prior to Board meetings. Make recommendations and suggestions for programs and meeting agendas. 
  • Serve on committees or task forces and offer to take on special assignments, such as: 
    • Participating in special projects
    • Volunteering at Minnesota Bonsai Society events
    • Representing Minnesota Bonsai Society at community events and meetings. 
    • Assist all Board members in projects or assignments when asked.

Management responsibilities: 

  • Directing people and setting up and taking down for special events, such as shows, workshops, etc. 

Reporting responsibilities: 

  • At least email on all committee decisions and progress.
  • Report at Board Meeting on Special Events that you participate in, written if required. 
  • E-mail all committee actions, suggestions, events results, etc. to President. 
  • Keep in constant contact with all committee members when working on a committee. 

Qualifications: 

  • Basic knowledge of bonsai. 
  • Should have organizational skills, basic computer skills. 
  • Show an ownership in MBS and a strong interest in furthering development of the Society. 
  • Have the time available to hold this position. 

Work Location: 

  • Own residence Should be present at board & general meeting to interface with membership 
  • Attend other events on an as needed basis 

MBS Supplies and Equipment: 

  • May include access to the storage shed, library, mailbox, etc. 
  • Have brochures for handing out at demos and special events. 

Personal Supplies and Equipment:

  • Basic bonsai tools and some trees for demonstrations. 
  • A computer to use for communications and documentation purposes. 

Time Commitment: 

  • Monthly time commitment of at least 4 hours and attendance at general meetings Other time as necessary 

Auction Chairperson 

Job Duties: 

  • Coordinate the spring and the fall MBS auctions. 
  • Coordinate soliciting volunteers to fill all the necessary jobs for the upcoming auction. 
  • Provide sufficient materials for volunteers to complete their jobs. 
  • Coordinate venue requirements with First vice president in charge of programs. 
  • Coordinate advertising activities for upcoming auction. 
  • Coordinate volunteers during the auction activities 
  • Chose the order of the live auction trees ensuring that priority trees are included in the first half of the auction (unless this duty is delegated to someone else)
  • Call half way point in the live auction to facilitate final bidding and closure of the silent auction Answer questions during auction activities and enforce the auction rules 
  • Assist auction closers and cashiers to determine buyers’ payments, assist collecting payments, and summarize tabulation for treasurer to pay sellers Review auction results to identify any changes/concerns for the next auction 
  • Answer MBS members questions concerning the auction 
  • Introduce new ideas for the auction to the board for possible adoption. 

Qualifications: 

  • Should be a MBS member in good standing who has been a member for at least 3 years and has participated as a volunteer in at least one auction. 
  • Good organizational skills 
  • Good math skills and familiarity with excel or equivalent program 
  • Able to work with others 
  • Must be familiar with auction rules 

Work Location: 

  • The MBS auction venue 
  • Own residence

MBS Supplies and Equipment: 

  • Microphone 
  • Auction forms 
  • Table cloths (Auction chair must have a key to the MBS storage cabinet) 

Personal Supplies and Equipment: 

  • Computer to update electronic forms 
  • Printer to print forms 
  • Copier to make any necessary copies of forms 

Time Commitment:

  • Approximately 4 hours before each auction to solicit volunteers, prepare forms, make sure all arrangements are made etc. 
  • The entire auction period of approximately 6 hours and another 4 hours to tabulate the proceeds for the treasurer. 

Bonsai Basics/Concepts Chairperson 

To share as much as you can with new people in the art and science of bonsai and to conduct monthly meeting teaching new students in bonsai. 

Job Duties: 

  • Familiarity with MBS Mission, policies, programs, and services 
  • Act as a goodwill ambassador for the MBS 
  • Coordinate the monthly bonsai basics sessions 
  • Teach students about bonsai horticulture, styling, wintering over, design, etc. in 10 to 11 monthly sessions held the third Tuesday during the calendar year.
  • Update monthly BB focus for newsletter editor 
  • Give a monthly update for BB at the general monthly meeting Interface with BB students at general meeting answering questions, introducing them to other members, and otherwise providing a warm inviting atmosphere for new converts to the art and hobby of bonsai 

Management responsibilities: 

  • Maintain a list of active BB participants including telephone and e-mail addresses
  •  Have course material available for each class 

Reporting responsibilities: 

  • Report to the president and the board 

Qualifications: 

  • Basic knowledge of Bonsai horticulture and design Available time to devote to activities as needed Strong interest in furthering the art of bonsai and strengthening MBS 
  • Be willing to teach new people who have very limited knowledge in bonsai Ability to teach in an enthusiastic manner 
  • Should be present at most general meetings to interface with membership 

Work Location: 

  • Venue chosen for monthly BB sessions: St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church on NE corner of Hamline Avenue and Highway 36 in Roseville 
  • Off-site field trips to local garden centers should be made at least once a year 

MBS Supplies and Equipment: 

  • Printing of class material will run about a minimum of $25/month or email copies to participants beforehand for them to print Wire, tools, soil, etc. Students should be required to have at least two pre-bonsai, tools, and wire to work with throughout the year.

Personal Supplies and Equipment: 

  • Students should have at least two pre-bonsai trees, bonsai tools, and wire. Instructors should have tools, wire, soil and samples of good bonsai to bring to the bonsai basics meetings 
  • A computer with appropriate software Printer High speed internet 
  • Trees in development to use as props and some basic tools Time Commitment: 
  • Monthly time commitment of at least 8 hours and attendance at general meetings Other time as necessary 

Fundamentals Coordinator Chairperson 

Job Duties: 

  • Coordinate visiting teachers for MBS Master Workshops Contact prospective masters re availability on MBS board chosen dates Prepare contracts Make travel arrangements including booking air flights Verify hosting arrangements Create an itinerary for the visit and arrange for transport and meals. Organize a reception if the board wants to hold one; Facilitate and schedule private workshops 
  • Pay the master at the end of the visit 

Management responsibilities: 

  • Schedule volunteer hosts and drivers

 Reporting responsibilities: 

  • Create an itemized invoice for the treasurer 
  • Report to the board and president 

Qualifications: 

  • Basic knowledge of Bonsai Good organizational skills MBS member in good standing with 2 or 3 years experience with the club 
  • Able keep track of schedules 

Work Location: 

  • Mostly online and email work can be done at own residence 
  • Driving as needed 

MBS Supplies and Equipment: 

  • Reimbursement request forms 

Personal Supplies and Equipment: 

  • A computer with appropriate software and printer High speed internet 
  • Credit card to book flights

Time Commitment: 

  • Twice a year commitment of approximately 8 hours each time 

Events Chairperson

Events:

  • January Banquet
  • Member Tour and Picnic

Job Duties Banquet: 

  • Choose a date, location and book it for annual January Banquet of 40-60 people
  • Collect reservations and deposits from members ensuring participation
  • Encourage donations to “White Elephant” auction (proceeds to club treasurer)  
  • Collect all funds, pay for event and turn over proceeds to treasurer

Job Duties Members Tour and Picnic:

  • Arrange with members to allow tours of their homes and collections and a gathering place to meet and socialize for a pot luck picnic afterwards. Coordinate with members to have directions to their homes published in the newsletter. Write an article for newsletter promoting tour / picnic. Announce at meetings to membership and encourage participation. Arrange with president to have food for picnic (club provides grilling meats, buns, condiments and soft drinks.) 
  • Arrange with members to allow tours of their homes and collections and a gathering place to meet and socialize for a pot luck picnic afterwards. Coordinate with members to have directions to their homes published in the newsletter. Write an article for newsletter promoting tour / picnic. Announce at meetings to membership and encourage participation. Arrange with president to have food for picnic (club provides grilling meats, buns, condiments and soft drinks.) 
  • Communicate tour locations and directions to webmaster to include in newsletter.

Reporting responsibilities: 

  • Report to MBS board and at general meeting. 
  • Report to newsletter & website chairperson to advertise

Qualifications: 

  • Ability to work recruit members to offer up home for tour and work with restaurant and club to determine the best fit for a successful event for both events.  

Work Location: 

  • Visit potential locations and plan for attendance at event 
  • Coordinate event with tour hosts and picnic hosts

Time Commitment: 

  • 10-20 hours per event

Refreshment Chairperson 

Job Duties: 

  • Provide refreshments at general meeting: typically cookies and variety of drinks Assemble refreshments at the meeting Clean up kitchen area when meeting is done Purchase disposable plates, glasses, etc. Purchase drinks and cookies 
  • Collect any donations toward the cost of these items 

Management responsibilities: 

Maintain disposable plates, glasses, etc. in storage cabinet 

Reporting responsibilities: 

NA 

Qualifications: 

  • Available time to devote to activities as needed Good organizational skills Attention to detail 
  • MBS member in good standing with 2 or 3 years experience with club 

Work Location: 

Must attend general meetings or designate a replacement 

MBS Supplies and Equipment: 

Disposable plates, glasses, dispensers, etc. 

Personal Supplies and Equipment: 

NA 

Time Commitment: 

General meeting attendance 


State Fair Show Chairperson

Job Duties: 

  • Remind the board to select upcoming year state fair categories in a timely manner. 
  • Complete and submit the necessary paperwork for the State Fair Organization to allow MBS to show trees in the upcoming state fair. 
  • Inventory ribbons and plaques on an annual basis. Order as necessary and in a timely manner to maintain sufficient number for upcoming show. 
  • Coordinate sign-up sheets early in the year (around June) to assure sufficient staffing of the state fair show and sufficient trees present at the show. 
  • Buy sufficient number of state fair tickets early in the season to minimize cost to MBS. 
  • Send out parking passes, tickets, and reminder of time slots to those members that have volunteered to staff the state fair show around second or third week of August. 
  • Send out late volunteer packages until time of the state fair. 
  • Coordinate truck rental around June to assure availability during state fair.
  •  Get the truck on that Thursday before set up. 
  • Coordinate a driver for the truck. Coordinate volunteers for loading the truck on Thursday afternoon. 
  • Purchase bottled water and have it available during the state fair show for volunteers.
  •  Designate set up coordinator and tree acceptance personnel. 
  • Coordinate with state fair personnel to facilitate set up and take down in a timely manner according to state fair rules. 
  • Coordinate activities during the show including judging, compilation of judging results, distribution of ribbons/plaques, and distribution of results.
  • Collect any judging sheets not picked up during the state fair for distribution at the next monthly meeting. 
  • Provide judging results for the newsletter and the next monthly meeting. 
  • Take home any trees, stands, etc. that are left after show tear down and attempt to get them returned to rightful owner. 
  • Answer MBS member’s questions concerning the state fair judging rules, categories, etc.
  • Introduce new ideas for the state fair show to board for discussion and possible adoption. 

Qualifications: 

  • Should be an MBS member in good standing who has been a member for at least 3 years and has worked at and shown trees at the State Fair Show. 
  • Good organizational skills 
  • Able to work with others 
  • Must have a credit card or other means to personally buy items in the $100 to $800 range. 
  • Must have driver’s license and credit card to rent a vehicle. 
  • Must be familiar with state fair rules 

Working Conditions: 

  • The state fairgrounds 
  • Own residence 

MBS Supplies and Equipment: 

  • Show display supplies including cloth, backdrops, etc. are necessary to carry out this job. State Fair 
  • Chair must have a key to the storage shed. Personal Supplies and Equipment: 
  • Laptop computer that has. Microsoft Xcel for entering the judging results during the state fair immediately after judging to allow for distribution of the ribbons and plaques. Cooler for the bottled water Refrigerator for storing bottled water prior to show 
  • Printer to print copies of judging results for distribution. Time Commitment: 
  • Approximately 24 hours during the year prior to the fair to accomplish all the necessary items. Should be able to attend the set up and the majority of both Friday and Saturday during the show to manage activities. 

Library Chairperson 

Job Duties: 

  • Maintain the MBS library in an organized system 
  • Books Magazines 
  • Videos and DVD’s Maintains library file cabinet. Check out materials from the library to members including collecting a fee deposit in credit card form for each book checked out from library Process book returns at each meeting including completing necessary paperwork to document return and return Forward all credit card information to the Treasurer or President 
  • Review books/videos for possible MBS purchase 

Management responsibilities: 

  • Manages the library and monitors check out to minimize loss

Reporting responsibilities: 

  • Report to president and board 

Qualifications: 

  • Basic knowledge of Bonsai Available time to devote to activities as needed 
  • Strong interest in furthering the art of bonsai and strengthening MBS 

Work Location: 

  • Venue chosen for monthly general meetings 
  • Attendance at general meetings to open library for viewing and check out the membership 

MBS Supplies and Equipment: 

  • Library 
  • Key to the library storage cabinet 

Personal Supplies and Equipment: 

  • Computer with internet access and a printer. 

Time Commitment: 

  • Monthly time commitment to attend general meetings Other time as necessary 

Membership Group

Includes:

  • Membership Application Coordinator 
  • Treasurer-See Treasurer’s job description 
  • Membership Roster Manager 
  • PO Box Manager – See PO Box Manager’s job description 

Job Duties: 


Application coordinator 

• Answers membership questions at the general meetings and collects new and renewal applications and 

dues. Fills out income received voucher and mails dues to the treasurer after each meeting. Coverts cash to checks if needed so dues can be sent through the mail Informs the roster manager of new and renewing members through email or by mailing the paperwork. 

Roster Manager 

Maintains the membership database that includes member names, member numbers, addresses, phone 

numbers, email addresses, renewal dates and date members joined. 

• Provides board members and others needing membership information with current membership 

information as needed and at the direction of the president. Notifies members through e-mail a month prior to lapse of their membership as a reminder to renew. Sends out an e-mail welcoming new members and informing them of their membership number. Maintains the membership portion of the newsletter/website. 

Makes the membership cards and name tags and has them ready for each meeting. 

Reporting responsibilities: 

. Report to the MBS board and president

 Qualifications: 

Both oral and written communication skills Able to work with others Good organizational skills Attention to detail MBS member in good standing with 2 or 3 years experience with the club 

Can use a database program to maintain information and perform more complicated tasks. 

MBS Supplies and Equipment: 

• Envelopes, paper, cardstock, mailing labels, cartridges and postage 

Personal Supplies and Equipment: 

• A computer with appropriate software ……. Printer. 

• High speed internet 

Time Commitment 

• Time commitment will vary but the coordinator is expected to be at most general meetings to collect membership applications and monies. 



Mother’s Day Show Chairperson 

Job Duties: 

  • Coordinate Mother’s Day Show at Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park. Communicate with conservatory staff to ensure all is ready for show. Plan displays using primarily membership’s trees and supplemented with conservatory’s collection trees Encourage participation from membership for both display trees and volunteers. Create sign-up sheets for trees and volunteers. Follow up in newsletter and at meetings. Create supplies list for both club and additional items. Make plan for retrieving club supplies from storage on Friday prior to set up Return items back to storage locker after show Evaluate sign-up sheets to ensure all time periods are adequately staffed, including set up and tear down, Create flyer’s promoting club auction and have ready to hand out at show along with membership brochures. Print labels for trees at set up. 
  • Communicate with board, conservatory staff and membership to ensure complete coordination and needs Management responsibilities: 
  • Facilitate a plan that enables smooth coordination with Conservatory staff, board and club members that is clear, complete and workable.

Reporting responsibilities: 

  • Communicate with board conservatory staff and membership regarding needs from each. 

Qualifications: 

  • Ability to direct, communicate and coordinate with multiple groups of individuals to execute a successful Show

 Work Locations: 

  • Storage locker 
  • Como conservatory

MBS Supplies and Equipment: 

  • Mats, table covering paper, skirting, pins, banners, easel, tree style poster, display cards holders, brochures, tools, wire, soil and pots if doing demos), pens, nametags, felt markers, small tokonoma 
  • display, shohin display, tape, sign-up sheets and stools 

Personal Supplies and Equipment: 

  • Laptop computer, printer and paper to create and label trees.

Time Commitment: 


Newsletter Editor 

Job Duties: 

  • Assemble the information provided by members including, but not limited to: 
  • Notices Articles with photographs Event photograph documentation Changes in calendar dates Updates to bonsai basics information 
  • Meeting program descriptions 

Management responsibilities: 

  • Encourage members to contribute articles by providing information as to the process, etc. 
  • Provide editing of text and submitted photos including spelling, grammar, clarity, and quality of photos 

Reporting responsibilities: 

  • Reports to the president and the MBS board

Qualifications: 

  • A thorough understanding of English grammar and spelling Ability to work with photo editing programs such as Adobe Photoshop or equivalent Sense of style 
  • Member in good standing with 2 to 3 years experience with the club 

Work Location: 

  • Own residence Should be present at most meetings to interface with membership and request articles, photos, etc. for 
  • newsletter 

MBS Supplies and Equipment: 

NIA 

Personal Supplies and Equipment: 

  • Computer with appropriate software & internet connection 
  • Printer 

Time Commitment: 

Monthly time commitment of at least 15 hours a month and attendance at general and board meetings 


Outreach Chairperson Job

Familiarity with MBS mission, policies, programs, and services Act as a good will ambassador for MBS Attend or coordinate attendance at community activities that provide a venue for informing the public concerning the art of bonsai and promoting membership in MBS 

Maintain 2 ‘goodie bags’ for the shows – props to use at functions

Management responsibilities: 

Coordinate attendance at activities 

Reporting responsibilities: 

Report to MBS board and at general meeting. 

Qualifications: 

  • Basic knowledge of Bonsai Available time to devote to activities as needed 
  • Willingness to pay attention to detail and organize things ahead of time. 

Work Location: 

  • Own residence 
  • Activity venue

MBS Supplies and Equipment: 

Items in ‘goodie bags’ – brochures, bonsai bucks (including stands to hold both), MBS sign for table, 

plastic to cover table, auction fliers if timing is appropriate. 

Personal Supplies and Equipment: 

Assorted small trees to display, cart for transport, tools, pillow for chair. Have trees for exhibit Need car to be in good working order and be sure to give yourself enough time to get to function in order to set-up ahead of time. 

Time Commitment: 


Post Office Box Manager

Job Duties: 

Collect incoming mail at least once a week; Distribute some items to the appropriate committee head or other job holder, either by mail or by sending information online; Process membership applications, workshop applications, dues payments by giving the proceeds to the Treasurer, and sending the information in each category to the appropriate committee or job holder, i.e. the membership chairman, workshop committee. In the month before a workshop, collect incoming applications several times a week and immediately forward the information by email to the workshop committee. Identifies membership applications. Forwards completed forms onto the Roster Manager and the dues to the Treasurer

Reporting responsibilities: 

  • No formal reporting done. 
  • Collect and distribute the mail in a timely manner

Qualifications: 

  • Available time to devote to activities as needed Good organizational skills Attention to detail 
  • MBS member in good standing with 2 or 3 years experience with club 

Work Location: 

  • Home 
  • Transportation source to go to and from mailbox location in Fridley, MN 

MBS Supplies and Equipment: 

Post Office Box yearly fee. Envelopes and postage 

Personal Supplies and Equipment: 

Computer with internet; phone. 

Time Commitment: 

Time commitment will vary but expected to be approximately 1 to 2 hours a week 

Publications Chairperson 

Job Duties: 

  • Update, print, and distribute annual brochure interface with appropriate personnel with computer software utilized for the brochure to verify changes are made 

Management responsibilities: 

  • Distribute draft brochure for review Coordinate revisions; 
  • Scheduling printing and pickup 

Reporting responsibilities: 

  • Report to the board 
  • Interface with MBS treasurer 

Qualifications: 

  • Good communication skills Good written skills including editing experience Experience with printing vendors Able to work with others Basic knowledge of Bonsai Able to proof copy and work with printer Good organizational skills Attention to detail 
  • MBS member in good standing with 2 or 3 years experience with the club 

Work Location: 

  • Most work can be done at own residence 

MBS Supplies and Equipment: 

  • InDesign program to update brochure

Personal Supplies and Equipment: 

  • A computer with appropriate software
  • Printer 
  • High speed internet 

Time Commitment: 

Time commitment is at the time the brochure is being developed Estimated time approximately 4-6 hours annually 

This information is not designed to be a complete inventory of the job’s duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Rather, it’s designed to give the general nature and level of work to be performed by members assigned to this job title.