Incentivized CoOp Membership

CNS Incentivized Cooperative Membership v1.0.1

More than a membership. A community where everyone can contribute and grow. CNS brings people together through outdoor adventures, learning, volunteerism, and shared resources. Our incentivized cooperative model recognizes members who contribute their time, skills, ideas, and leadership—creating benefits for both individuals and the community.

Discover the value

Membership Benefits

From discovering new places to developing leadership skills, CNS connects meaningful experiences with opportunities to give back. Specific benefits depend on membership type, program availability, and applicable policies.

Nine CNS membership benefits: Outdoor Adventures and Events; Skills, Learning and Mentorship; Shared Savings and Resources; Travel and Trip Planning; Friendships and Community; Recognition and Rewards; Wellness and Stewardship; Leadership and Professional Growth; Tools and Member Collaboration
People-powered cooperation

How Incentivized Membership Works

Your contributions help strengthen the community. In return, CNS works to recognize effort and create opportunities for everyone to benefit.

1

Participate

Join activities, groups, events, and community conversations.

2

Contribute

Share your skills, time, ideas, equipment, or leadership.

3

Be Recognized

Receive acknowledgment and eligible incentives based on your contribution.

4

Grow Together

Build friendships, expertise, and new opportunities while helping others.

Recognition and incentives are subject to CNS program rules, eligibility, and available resources; they are not guaranteed financial compensation.

Purpose and fulfillment

Find Your Ikigai: Your Reason for Being

CNS embraces the spirit of Ikigai—connecting what you love, what you do well, what your community needs, and the meaningful contribution you can make. Whether you lead an outing, share a skill, or help behind the scenes, your participation can make a difference.

CNS Ikigai diagram: what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be rewarded for, intersecting at the CNS logo

At the intersection: a community where your interests, talents, impact, and opportunities meet.

Ways to participate

Find Your Place in CNS

Choose a level of engagement that fits your interests, experience, and availability.

Cooperative Members

Eligible active members help shape CNS through participation, leadership, committees, and shared responsibilities.

  • Board of Directors and advisory roles
  • Administration & Operations Committee
  • Activity Leadership Committee
  • Activity groups and event support

Community Supporters & Non-CoOp Members

Stay connected and contribute without committing to an active cooperative role.

  • Guests exploring CNS activities
  • Social media followers and community members
  • Event-based volunteers
  • Individuals or businesses providing sponsorship or in-kind support

Explore Cooperative Roles

🧑‍⚖️ Board of Directors

Provide governance and strategic direction under CNS bylaws.

🧗 Activity Leaders

Help coordinate activities, guide programs, and develop safety practices.

💡 Advisors

Offer specialized knowledge, guidance, and professional expertise.

⚙️ Operations Team

Support communications, technology, member services, and administration.

🌿 Activity Members

Participate and support events with practical micro-tasks and teamwork.

🎁 Sponsors

Support CNS through funding, services, equipment, or partnerships.

Shared commitment

Membership Eligibility & Responsibilities

CNS welcomes adults who support its mission. Requirements vary by membership category and leadership role.

Getting Started

  • Be at least 18 years old for individual membership.
  • Complete the applicable membership application.
  • Accept the required waiver, privacy policy, and code of conduct.
  • Pay applicable membership dues, if required for your category.

Being an Active Member

  • Respect fellow members and CNS activity guidelines.
  • Participate in activities, discussions, or decisions as your role allows.
  • Contribute to planning, volunteering, or leadership where applicable.
  • Cover applicable event fees and follow relevant safety requirements.

Voting rights, guest participation limits, role qualifications, dues, and volunteer commitments are defined by current CNS bylaws and policies.

Your Adventure Starts Here

Discover new friendships, share what you know, and help build a cooperative community where nature, culture, and opportunity come together.

Join the CommunityExplore Volunteer Opportunities