Chaco Culture Conservancy

Become a volunteer board member

The Chaco Culture Conservancy seeks passionate, collaborative, and respectful leaders to join our volunteer board to advance our mission to inspire people to support, connect with, and learn about Chaco Culture National Historical Park and Aztec Ruins National Monument, thus ensuring the preservation of the Chacoan architectural landscapes, natural resources, and cultural heritage for present and future generations.

Call for volunteer leadership

About the Chaco Culture Conservancy

The Chaco Culture Conservancy (CCC) is the official philanthropic partner to Chaco Culture National Historical Park and Aztec Ruins National Monument. UNESCO has designated these parks as a World Heritage Site because they preserve outstanding elements of a vast Ancestral Puebloan cultural complex that dominated much of what is now the southwestern United States from the mid-9th to early 13th centuries. These parks are considered the ancestral homelands to 26 federally-recognized Tribes and Pueblos.

The CCC works to build a community of dedicated stewards who connect with these lands and their people. With the help of our donors, we support these national park sites so that present and future generations can enjoy their splendor.

The CCC is a New Mexico nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization created to assist and support the two parks, and was formed in 2020 with the merger of the former Friends of Chaco and Friends of Aztec Ruins. Formerly an all-volunteer organization, we have made significant organizational strides in the past few years and reached our goal of having paid staff, an Executive Director.

Our board members are highly engaged and serve a two year term. They volunteer their time as active participants in quarterly board meetings, committees and strategic planning. They serve as critical ambassadors for our mission by helping build awareness and grow relationships that will help sustain and increase our ability to support the parks.

Nationwide and international interest and advocates

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Special Preference

We are very interested in augmenting the perspectives of Pueblo and Tribal members on our board. In addition, we seek new members with expertise in New Mexican law and government relations. Finally, we are looking for individuals with experience with the arts and donor communities in Santa Fe and elsewhere in northern New Mexico and southwest Colorado.

How To Apply

We welcome applications from qualified candidates who are passionate about our mission and ready to contribute to our board’s leadership. If you are interested, please submit your name, phone number, email address, a resume or brief summary of your professional background, and a short explanation of why you are interested to president@chacoculture.org.

Our Impact

Since 2020, the CCC has funded 23 projects totaling $120,516.

Examples Include:

Cultural Demonstrators

Each year, contributions to the CCC have supported Indigenous dance groups, cultural demonstrators, and guest speakers during special events at the parks. These artists and educators give visitors the opportunity to learn from the descendants whose ancestors lived on the landscape. It also gives Indigenous peoples opportunities to dance, sing, speak, and create on their ancestral homelands.

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) Research

Each year, contributions to the CCC have supported Indigenous dance groups, cultural demonstrators, and guest speakers during special events at the parks. These artists and educators give visitors the opportunity to learn from the descendants whose ancestors lived on the landscape. It also gives Indigenous peoples opportunities to dance, sing, speak, and create on their ancestral homelands.

Passion & Expertise

What we are looking for

We are seeking board members who are passionate about our mission and bring both a desire to contribute as well as professional expertise or community connections. You do not need to be an expert on the parks, nor archaeology, but rather be excited to contribute your unique skills and perspective to our board. It’s ideal but not required to be able to participate periodically in on-site events in New Mexico.

As a CCC board member, you will be expected to:

  • Dedicate approximately 4-8 hours per month to board responsibilities
  • Attend quarterly board meetings, conducted virtually with preferred attendance at one in-person
    meeting annually
  • Actively participate in organizational planning,
    policy development, and major decision-making
    to contribute to our organizational effectiveness
  • Participate actively in at least one standing
    committee
  • Contribute your expertise and time to advance
    specific aspects of our work
  • Stay informed about developments in our field
    and participate in board education opportunities
  • Serve as an ambassador for our mission in your professional and personal networks
  • Contribute to donor cultivation and stewardship efforts to help build meaningful relationships

Join Us

If you believe in protecting Chaco and Aztec, consider supporting the Chaco Culture Conservancy. Become a Friend if you aren’t already, share our story, and support our Parks. Together, we can make sure the story of these sacred sites continues, even in the hardest moments.

become a friend

Friends of the Conservancy enjoy exclusive benefits. Join our community of stewards today and help us create a greater impact.

Friend of Rinconada $50/per year
At this level, you’ll receive regular newsletters and e-news from the Conservancy, as well as invitations to special events at and around the parks. You will also receive recognition as a donor in the CCC Newsletters (published 2x/year). Submit your mailing address and we will send you a special “Friend of the Chaco Culture Conservancy” sticker!
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Friend of Aztec West$150/per year
At this level, you will receive everything that the lower levels receive, as well as recognition as a donor on our digital display in the parks and a handwritten thank you note from the parks Superintendent. Submit your mailing address and we will send you a special “Friend of the Chaco Culture Conservancy” sticker!
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Friend of Pintado $250/per year
At this level, you will receive everything that the lower levels receive, as well as recognition as a donor on the Chaco Culture Conservancy website. Submit your mailing address and we will send you a special edition 2025 “Friend of the Chaco Culture Conservancy” sticker!
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Friend of Fajada $500/per year
At this level, you will receive everything that the lower levels receive, plus a 10% discount on all CCC tours and fundraising events. Submit your mailing address and we will send you a special edition 2025 “Friend of the Chaco Culture Conservancy” sticker!
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Friend of Pueblo Bonito $1,000/per year
At this level, you will receive everything that the lower levels receive, plus a 10% discount on all CCC tours and fundraising events. Submit your mailing address and we will send you a special edition 2025 “Friend of the Chaco Culture Conservancy” sticker! *NEW in 2025* Included in our highest level, you’ll receive a journal designed by Robert Tenorio, a Santo Domingo (Kewa) potter.
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