How We Operate
We are an all-volunteer, state-registered non-profit. 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. 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 through your friends or social media.
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. 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 invite 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, creating issue-specific flyers.
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 or speak to them at meetings, 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. This committee also communicates with FDEP, USACE, EPA, or any other State or Federal Agency with which we are interacting on an issue.
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 conducts membership drives.
Action Committee
Members of this committee stand ready for when local environmental issues require immediate attention. There are a multitude of opportunities to help. Sitting at tables to pass out flyers at public venues. Posting flyers or yard signs around town. Attending or organizing rallies, press events, or committee meetings in Tallahassee. Helping to organize phone call volunteers or volunteers to address each of our diverse communities where they live. Working on large public educational events. Creating slogans and action plans. etc. etc. etc.
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