The document provides an overview and facilitator guide for a Bureau of Land Management volunteer orientation workshop, with the goals of educating new volunteers on the BLM's history, practices, and culture in order to promote passion for its mission and build connections between volunteers. The guide includes an agenda, learning outcomes, activities, and resources to help the facilitator successfully lead volunteers through the workshop and cultivate their understanding of and commitment to the BLM.

1. Bureau of Land Management
Volunteer Orientation
Facilitator Guide

2. BLM Mission
To sustain the health, diversity, & productivity of
America’s public lands for the use & enjoyment of
present & future generations.
Copyright © 2012 by Sabrina Goff
All rights reserved.

3. Table of Contents
Welcome & Overview
Welcome! 4
Program Overview 5
Purpose 5
Your Map & Compass
Preparation & Environment 6
Facilitator Outcomes 7
Volunteer Learning Outcomes 8
Program Map 9
Outcomes Guide 10
Planning Your Trip
Workshop Agenda 11
Visual Cues Legend 12
Your Path...
Training Script 13
Appendix 25
Volunteer Orientation 3

4. Welcome! Welcome & Overview
C ongratulations on becoming the new facilitator for the BLM volunteer
orientation workshop. This program is an exciting opportunity to
inspire and educate volunteers joining the BLM in various departments.
It is our hope that together we can promote passion for what we do and
cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for the culture of
this organization while establishing connections between volunteers.
This Facilitator Guide is organized to optimize your success in facilitating the
BLM volunteer orientation workshop. It is intended to assist you in creating
a successful and, yes, playful, environment for them to learn about their
new role as ambassadors for the BLM. In it you will find all the information
you need to complete a successful workshop as well as additional resources
in the appendix that you may find useful to customizing the workshop for
yourself and the needs of your participants.
4 Volunteer Orientation

5. Welcome & Overview continued...
Purpose & Program Overview
E very volunteer comes to the BLM with varying levels of knowledge
about what we do and who we are, many have a particular area of
interest in mind. The purpose of this training program is to expand their
knowledge of the agency and its land management practices.
Our goal is to engage them in the culture of the BLM and educate them on
the importance of their role as ambassadors, regardless of their function
within the organization.
Finally, it is also intended to provide new volunteers working in various
departments the opportunity to cultivate connections with others in the
agency.
It is important to remember that volunteers are an essential part of
the BLM. These are individuals who are spending their available time
supporting our organization, making a difference, and learning new
skills. Let’s nurture their passion and excitement for this agency.
Volunteer Orientation 5

6. Preparation & Environment Map & Compass
I t’s in your best interest to go through
this guide before the workshop so
that you can familiarize yourself with
Materials needed:
»» Computer with internet
access
the material and customize it to your »» Flip Chart
temperament and needs. Remember
»» Note paper & pens
»» Facilitator Guide
that this is only a guide and it is up to
»» Participant Guide for
you to adapt it to your individual taste each volunteer
and training. You will find a Participant »» PowerPoint Presentation
Guide and a powerpoint presentation to
»» Sticky notes
use in conjunction with this Facilitator
Guide, please be sure to familiarize yourself with both of them prior to the
workshop.
A couple of requirements to be consistently included in the facilitation of
this workshop are;
1) activities which allow volunteers to interact,
2) videos from BLM’s YouTube website and,
3) a capstone denoting learning from participants .
These three things are essential components of successfully cultivating a
strong relationship between the BLM and our volunteers, ensuring learning
and creating a fun environment.
6 Volunteer Orientation

7. Map & Compass continued...
Facilitator Outcomes
A s the new Bureau of Land Management volunteer orientation
facilitator my hope is that you will approach the instruction of this
course with passion and enthusiasm.
The intent is to ensure new recruits leave with a working knowledge and
understanding of the culture, history and structure of the organization
that instills within them their own sense of passion and connection. After
reading this guide you will be able to successfully lead a workshop on the
history and practices of the BLM.
As a facilitator it is expected that you have a working knowledge of
the subject matter in this guide and explore any area that you feel less
confident about.
Volunteer Orientation 7

8. Volunteer Learning Outcomes Map & Compass continued...
T his training is designed for new and recent volunteers of the Bureau
of Land Management. Most will come in with a basic knowledge of
the agency and an interest in furthering their knowledge of our land
management practices, agency history and foundation, and be looking to
gain experience and skills to advance their careers.
By the end of this training volunteers will have a working knowledge of the
basic practices of the BLM and be able to;
1. Articulate their role and its importance in understanding & maintaining
our lands.
2. Describe the different disciplines & organizations involved in managing
Oregon’s lands.
3. Educate public on BLM’s land management practices.
4. Articulate the history of the BLM
5. Educate public on the relevance and important functions of the BLM
8 Volunteer Orientation

9. Bureau of Land Management 1. Educate public on history &
Volunteer Orientation Map USFS relevance of BLM
Sabrina Goff
Snapshot: October, 2012 2. Articulate to public the
OFRI OSU important functions of BLM
3. Articulate their role and its
importance in understanding &
maintaining our forests.
Prerequisites:
Volunteer for
BLM
Intro
History Structure Management
Capstone Outcomes
to BLM
Communication, professionalism, integrity, accountability
Volunteer Orientation
4. Conduct oneself as an
Bureau of Land Management ambassador of BLM
5. Describe the different
disciplines & organizations
involved in managing Oregon’s
forests.
The graphic image seen above is a visual representation of the progression of this program,
including prerequisites, themes throughout the program and the intended outcomes.
Volunteer Orientation 9

10. Workshop Outcomes Guide
Prerequisites • Land Management
Education & experience that learners must • Multiple-use mission
have had prior to the start of the workshop. • Stewardship
• Ambassador
• New volunteer for BLM
Issues
Themes Problems that learners must resolve to
Concepts of ideas that recur throughout the achieve the outcomes.
program.
• Public Speaking
• Communication • Time Constraints
• Professionalism • Term Length
• Integrity
• Accountability Skills
Actions that participants must learn, prac-
Outcomes tice, and demonstrate in class in order to
Action that participants will do in the real achieve outcomes.
world as a result of the workshop.
• Identify historical milestones
• Articulate their role and its importance • Articulate BLM mission
in maintaining our lands. • Identify organization structure
• Articulate BLM values
• Describe the different disciplines & • Identify priorities
organizations involved in managing Or-
egon’s lands. Assessment Tasks
Assignments that ask learners to show evi-
• Educate public on the BLM’s land man- dence that they can achieve outcomes.
agement practices.
• Present BLM history, structure, & current
• Articulate the history of the BLM projects indicating knowledge of mission,
values, priorities and culture of agency.
• Educate public on the relevance and
important functions of the BLM
Concepts
Ideas that learners must understand in or-
der to achieve workshop course outcomes.
• Public Planning
10 Volunteer Orientation

11. Planning Your Trip
Workshop Agenda
Time Activity Materials
20 min. Welcome & Introduction Flip Chart, PowerPoint
5 min. Agenda & Participants Facilitator & Participant
Guide Guide
20 min. BLM Mindset Flip Chart/PowerPoint,
Video
25 min. Making Meaning Activity Powerpoint, Flip Chart
10 min. Break
10 min. BLM Overview PowerPoint
15 min. Venn Diagram Flip Chart
30 min. BLM Priorities/Research Powerpoint, Internet, Flip
Activity Chart
10 min. Break
45 min. Jigsaw Activity Internet/Flip Chart
20 min. Capstone
10 min. Debrief & Closing Flip Chart/ PowerPoint
Total workshop time: Aprox. 4 hrs.
Volunteer Orientation 11

12. Visual Cues Legend Planning Your Trip continued...
Note: Throughout the script pages of this guide you will
find icons and italicized instructions to indicate actions
for each section. The blue sections indicate ideas for
discussions and instructions for actions to take at certain
intervals.
Words in BOLD will be indications of what you will say in
that particular section.
The images below include a definition of each icon you
will see throughout the script.
Video Slide Question
Flip chart Activity
12 Volunteer Orientation

13. The Path - Introduction... 20 min.
NOTE: To keep volunteer focus on introductions do NOT hand
out Participant Guide’s until the next section.
[Welcome each participant as they enter the room.]
As I pass around a note card to each of you I would like
5 min. you to spend 5 minutes & write down 5 questions you
want to know about the BLM. When you are finished I will
collect them.
[Collect each card, these will be used for the volunteers capstone
at the end of the workshop].
[Introduce yourself]
10 min. [Have each volunteer introduce themselves and tell what
department they will be working in, what they will be doing (or
would like to be doing) and why they chose to volunteer for the
BLM].
Volunteer Orientation 13

14. Introduction continued...
Let’s talk about why we are here today -
[The purpose of this training program is to expand their
knowledge of the agency and its vision, mission, values, and
land management practices.
The goal is to engage them in the culture of the BLM and educate
them on the importance of their role as ambassadors, regardless
of their function within the organization.
Finally, it is also intended to provide new volunteers working in
various departments the opportunity to cultivate connections
with other volunteers in the agency].
When I first came to the BLM...
[Your experience here, be sure to include your knowledge,
understanding, & connection with their mission and vision].
Would any of you like to share your experience coming
into the agency?
14 Volunteer Orientation

15. Agenda & Participant’s Guide 5 min.
[Hand out participants guides]
Right now I am handing out a Participant Guide to each
of you. Each of your guide’s has an introduction section, a
table of contents, and agenda for the workshop.
All the slides you will see today, additional resources and
contact information for different areas of information
within the agency are also included.
If you open to the page containing the agenda we’ll go
over it briefly.
[Lay groundwork for workshop environment and expectations].
[Cover your goals/outcomes for workshop].
What outcomes would you like to see by the end of the
workshop?
[Chart responses and post chart on the wall].
Volunteer Orientation 15

16. BLM Mindset - 20 min.
Activity:
[Have participants take 5 min. and define the BLM based on
their understanding. Ask them: Who are they and why are they
important? Chart their responses- key elements, key words,
adjectives & hang chart on a wall].
5 min..
Note: Be sure to come back to this chart toward
the end of the workshop and see if volunteers
have a different response to these questions.
Now that we have created our definition of the BLM, let’s
find out what we may not know.
[Our public lands video]
16 Volunteer Orientation

17. BLM Mindset continued...
When you enter into an organization, what is one of the
first things you want to know?
[Chart responses]
In addition to those things, you want to know the mindset
of the organization, you want to understand who they are
and where they’re coming from.
To begin to understand that, you have to analyze their
vision, mission, values.
Each individual in an organization has made an
agreement whether on paper or mentally to uphold and
be accountable to the vision, mission, and values of that
organization.
Now that we have established who we think the BLM is,
let’s find out how closely our perceptions match their
intentions.
Volunteer Orientation 17

18. Making Meaning Activity - 25 min.
I want move into the next part of this workshop by doing
a kind of deconstruction & reconstruction of the BLM’s
mission, values, & vision.
Using the BLM’s as our foundation, we are going to create
our personal version of each of them. We are going to give
them personal meaning.
[Conduct Making Meaning Activity- see appendix]
18 Volunteer Orientation

19. BLM Overview - 10 min.
Looking at the Mission, Vision, & Values of the BLM, you
can see the BLM is considered a small agency with a big
mission.
Today we manage over 260 million acres of surface land &
over 700 million acres of subsurface mineral estate [such
as oil, natural gas, gold etc.].
The majority of this land is distributed throughout 12
western states in the U.S, including Alaska, with the
largest acreage of BLM surface land found in Nevada.
[Nevada stats- 48,000,000].
Oregon is comprised of 15,700,000 acres of BLM land &
WA has 400,000. Much of this land was acquired following
the O & C Land Act of 1866 which we will discuss in more
detail a little later.
Volunteer Orientation 19

20. BLM Overview continued...
The BLM is one of the few federal agencies that generates
more revenue for the U.S that it spends.
In 2011, the BLM contributed more than $130 billion to the
US economy.
[Question] What are some of the ways you can think that the
BLM would generate revenue?
[Mineral leasing, energy development, outdoor recreation, timber
sales...]
[Briefly discuss distribution of revenues - see appendix]
(Question) How do you think this ties into our Mission, Vision,
& Values?
20 Volunteer Orientation

21. Venn Diagram Activity - 15 min.
Let’s turn our attention to the 3 main areas of focus for the
BLM. Commercial activities, recreation, & conservation.
[Venn diagram, see appendix]
[Take sticky notes from Venn diagram, and stick to chart or
wall. Ask volunteers what disciplines or jobs they think could be
involved in working each of the areas they defined in the activity-
record responses].
The BLM’s focus is on 5 main priorities currently;
[Brief description of each- see appendix]
America’s Great Outdoor Initiative, New Energy,
Cooperative Landscape Conservation, Youth in the Great
5 min. Outdoor, Climate Change.
Volunteer Orientation 21

22. Research Activity - *25 min.
[Depending on group size, divide volunteers - individually or in
pairs]
15 min.. I would like you to choose one of the areas described in
the priorities and find a current project the BLM is taking
part in. Note, it must be local or at least in this state. Take
15 min. to find and research it, be prepared to present your
findings.
[Note key information they must find]
[Give each group/volunteer *3 minutes to present on their findings-
time varies depending on workshop size]
[Question] What does your role contribute to the Mission,
Vision, & Values?
What can you do to enhance this?
22 Volunteer Orientation

23. Jigsaw Activity - *45 min.
We are going to shift gears now. We have spent most of
the workshop talking about the BLM of the present and
relating connecting its activities to its Mission, Vision, &
Values.
Now I want to take us back to how the BLM originated &
some of the important milestones along the way.
[O & C Video]
[Review historical timeline key points]
[Jigsaw activity- see appendix]
Volunteer Orientation 23

24. Capstone Activity - 20 min.
Facilitator note:
[The goal of this activity is to determine whether volunteers are
successfully able to execute the workshop outcomes.
Hand out the index cards that volunteers wrote their questions on
at the beginning of the workshop, (I recommend that you add 2 or 3
additional questions on the chart).
Split volunteers into pairs and indicate that one person role play a
BLM associate and one play a public citizen. (Afterwards, pairs will
switch).
Direct each volunteer to answer questions the best they can.
Note: They don’t have to have all the “correct” answers, the
idea is that they understand the agencies priorities & can
convey the integrity, mindset and accountability however
they answer.
Watch for demeanor, passion and clarity. Listen for language in
relation to BLM Mission, Vision, & Values].
[Debrief class, example discussions- what went well, what didn’t,
why? What will you take away? Was anything not covered that you
wanted to know?]
[Refer back to BLM definition chart from beginning of workshop, has
it changed?]
24 Volunteer Orientation

25. Appendix Table of Contents
Activities 26
Making Meaning 27
Venn Diagram 28
Jigsaw 29
Mission, Vision, & Values 30
5 Current Priorities 31
Revenue Distribution 32
Historical information
33
BLM - Commercial, Recreation, Conservation 36
Additional Resources 37
Volunteer Orientation 25

26. Meaning Making Activity- 25 min.
The goal of this activity is to encourage volunteers to create their own view of what the
Mission, Vision, & Values of the BLM are so that it has personal meaning for them.
You are welcome to do this activity in whichever way you are inspired to, however I will
provide an example for you to use if you chose.
Write each of the Mission, Vision, & Values on a flip chart (or you can do this on the
computer provided you have it on the overhead screen).
For each word have a volunteer look up the meaning and read them aloud. Ask
volunteers to choose the most accurate meaning for them that they feel works within
the framework and replace the word with that meaning.
For example, in the Vision, the first word we would look up would be “enhance”. The
dictionary gives 3 interpretations; to increase or improve in value, quality, desirability, or
attractiveness; To make greater, as in value, beauty, or effectiveness; &, To provide with
improved, advanced, or sophisticated features.
Have volunteers pick the meaning they feel fits. If none do, look up additional meanings
(I would stick with no more than about 4 or 5 in the effort to save time).
26 Volunteer Orientation

27. Venn Diagram Activity- 10 min.
This activity is used to engage volunteers in thinking critically about what the BLM is
responsible for managing with regards to land use, and the kinds of activities that it
provides…
Please feel free to modify this activity to fit your needs and vision.
Pick 3 areas of focus within the workshop, example; BLM works within 3 main areas-
commercial activities, recreation, & conservation.
Draw a Venn Diagram with these 3 areas in it and BLM at the center.
Have participants use sticky notes to post information in each circle denoting the kinds
of activities they think are conducted in each sphere.
(Examples; fire, prescribed burning, suppression, wind energy, trail maintenance,
forestry, grazing, planning) – for further information on each see http://www.blm.gov/
or/resources/fire/index.php.
(Optional: have a slide or chart that indicates some of the actual activities and areas of
overlap).
Debrief exercise and overlap.
***You will use sticky notes for the next exercise.***
Volunteer Orientation 27

28. Jigsaw Activity - 45 min.**
The goal of this activity is to engage volunteers in using their critical thinking skills to
research and present key aspects of historical milestones that created the BLM in their
own way. In essence, they will become experts on their particular milestone.
Begin with specific areas of content to be researched;
Example- 4 areas of content
Oregon & California Railroad Act, National Environmental Protection Act, Federal Land
Planning & Management Act, Chamberlain & Ferris Act, Mineral Leasing Act, Endangered
Species Act, Homesteading Act (if volunteers have a specific area they would like to
research that could be an option as well so long as it’s an Act).
Have participants count off 1-4 (less groups if smaller group). Ideally you want 3 or so
people per group.
Have participants get into groups of like numbers, these will be your experts.
Have each group choose an area to research. Optional: if area of focus is large enough
allow groups to focus on specific areas within 1 focus area.
Have each group research and discuss their particular area & take notes on chart.
Allow approximately 20 minutes for research.
Gather volunteers, have 1 person from each group form a new group with a member
of each other group. (See diagram below)
1, 2, 3, 4 1, 2, 3, 4 1, 2, 3, 4 1, 2, 3, 4
28 Volunteer Orientation

29. Jigsaw Activity Continued...
Have each “expert” in the group educate the other members. Give each volunteer 5
minutes to cover the key areas of their findings.
Keep volunteers in groups and conduct a class debrief. Have your list of debrief
questions.
ȖȖ Key points learned
ȖȖ Key points they needs to know
Note: During group discussions & research sections you should be moving around the
room guiding the groups & taking note of:
• What their learning
• Who’s talking
• What’s working & not
** Time will vary depending on size of group
Volunteer Orientation 29

30. BLM Mission, Vision, Values
BLM Vision-
To enhance the quality of life for all citizens through the balanced stewardship of
America’s public lands & resources
BLM Mission-
To sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the public lands for the use and
enjoyment of present & future generations
BLM Values-
To serve with honesty, integrity, accountability, respect, courage, and commitment
to make a difference.
BLM Priorities-
To improve the health & productivity of the land to support the BLM multiple-use
mission.
To cultivate community-based conservation, citizen-centered stewardship, and
partnership through consultation, cooperation, & communication.
To respect, value, & support our employees, giving them resources and
opportunities to succeed.
To pursue excellence in business practices, improve accountability to our
stakeholders, and deliver better service to our customers.
30 Volunteer Orientation

31. BLM 5 Current Priorities
The America’s Great Outdoors initiative, which is aimed at enhancing
the conservation of BLM-managed lands and resources and reconnecting
Americans to the outdoors.
The New Energy Frontier, which encourages and facilitates renewable
energy development – solar, wind, and geothermal – on the Nation’s public
lands.
Cooperative Landscape Conservation, a scientific initiative that recog-
nizes the need to better understand the condition of BLM-managed land-
scapes at a broad level.
Youth in the Great Outdoors, which supports programs and partner-
ships that engage youth in natural resource management and encourages
young people and their families to visit, explore, and learn about the public
lands.
Climate Change, which is affecting public lands in ways that could im-
pact on Americans’ quality of life. The BLM is responding with two intercon-
nected initiatives: a proposed landscape approach to land management
and Rapid Ecoregional Assessments, which will improve the agency’s un-
derstanding of public land conditions to inform future management deci-
sions.
Volunteer Orientation 31

32. BLM Revenue Distribution
Oregon law requires that the Proceeds of Sales funds be distributed to all 36 counties
on a pro rata basis that is based on the total number of square miles in each county
compared with the total number of square miles in the state.
As a result, some counties received funds even though no receipts were generated by
the counties. For example, in fiscal year 1997, 16 counties received about $62,937, or
about 23 percent, of BLM’s Proceeds of Sales funds even though none of the receipts
were generated in those counties. In addition, the county that generated the largest
receipt--$167,885--received only $4,572, or less than 3 percent of its receipts, from the
state.
Oregon law requires that the counties use the funds for the repair and/or construction
of roads and bridges and therefore distributes the funds to all counties in the belief that
roads and bridges benefit the entire state.
Oregon distributed, on a quarterly basis, all Mineral Leasing funds received from BLM
and MMS to the counties in which the funds were generated because the amount of the
funds involved was insignificant.
Oregon law specifies that the BLM and MMS Mineral Leasing funds that it distributes to
its counties be used to support public schools or the construction or maintenance of
public roads.
32 Volunteer Orientation

33. Historical Information
Federal Land Planning & Management Act (FLPMA) Highlights- 1976
This ambitious Act both recognized the value of our Nation’s public lands
and provided a framework in which they could be managed in perpetu-
ity for the benefit of present and future generations. It defined BLM’s mis-
sion as one of multiple use -- a new concept for the times, but which today
stands as our agency’s great strength. FLPMA provides us with the tools we
need to cooperatively and creatively manage the public lands, and in the
process, dispel the notion that a variety of uses and resources cannot co-
exist.
National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) Highlights- Signed by
Richard Nixon Jan 1, 1970
Congress recognized that nearly all federal activities affect the environment
in some way and mandated that before federal agencies make decisions,
they must consider the effects of their actions on the quality of the human
environment. The law was established to foster and promote the general
welfare, to create and maintain conditions under which man and nature
can exist in productive harmony, and fulfill the social, economic, and other
requirements of present and future generations of Americans.
Homesteading Act Highlights -1862
In 1862, the Homestead Act was passed and signed into law. The new
law established a three-fold homestead acquisition process: filing an
application, improving the land, and filing for deed of title. Any U.S.
citizen, or intended citizen, who had never borne arms against the U.S.
Government could file an application and lay claim to 160 acres of surveyed
Volunteer Orientation 33

34. Historical Information Continued...
Government land. For the next 5 years, the homesteader had to live on the
land and improve it by building a 12-by-14 dwelling and growing crops.
After 5 years, the homesteader could file for his patent (or deed of title) by
submitting proof of residency and the required improvements to a local
land office.
Mineral Leasing Act highlights - 1920
A United States federal law that authorizes and governs leasing of public
lands for developing deposits of coal, petroleum, natural gas and other
hydrocarbons, in addition to phosphates, sodium, sulphur, and potassium
in the United States. Previous to the act, these materials were subject to
mining claims under the General Mining Act of 1872.
Endangered Species Act (ESA) Highlights - 1973
The purpose of the ESA is to protect and recover imperiled species and
the ecosystems upon which they depend. It is administered by the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service and the Commerce Department’s National Marine
Fisheries Service. It recognized that our rich natural heritage is of “esthetic,
ecological, educational, recreational, and scientific value to our Nation and
its people.” It further expressed concern that many of our nation’s native
plants and animals were in danger of becoming extinct.
O&C Lands Act Highlights - 1937
Active federal management of the Oregon O&C lands began with the
passage of the O&C Lands Act of August 28, 1937. This law provides the
authority for management of O&C lands along with Coos Bay Wagon Road
lands.
34 Volunteer Orientation

35. Historical Information Continued...
The O&C Lands Act placed management jurisdiction of the lands
under the United States Department of the Interior, and directed that
timberlands be managed:
. . . for permanent forest production, and the timber thereon shall be
sold, cut, and removed in conformity with the principal of sustained
yield for the purpose of providing a permanent source of timber supply,
protecting watersheds, regulating stream flow, and contributing to the
economic stability of local communities and industries, and providing
recreational facilities . . .(43 U.S.C. §1181a)
Volunteer Orientation 35

36. Additional Resources
There are many links and articles full of information on the BLM Oregon website. There
are also several other states that have BLM websites, as well as a national website and a
National Training Center website. I highly reccommend you browse these sites and see
what resources you might be able to use.
BLM Oregon Home Website:
http://www.blm.gov/or/index.php
BLM YouTube Website:
http://www.youtube.com/user/BLMOREGON
About the BLM- Background & history synopsis:
http://www.blm.gov/or/about/blmfacts2.php
36 Volunteer Orientation

37. Thank You!
Your part in engaging our volunteers is valuable to our
success at the BLM. We appreciate the time, effort &
passion you put into facilitating this workshop. If you
have any questions or comments, you are welcome to
contact me.
Sabrina Goff
tru2type@yahoo.com
(541)953-9833