ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Global Entomology Coalition (GEC) is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Our Mission: To inspire worldwide environmental stewardship by fostering a cultural shift in the perception of insects through research, education, and conservation.

Vision: By developing collaboration across borders, opening research to the public, and expanding our understanding of insects and their roles through exciting educational experiences, we can accelerate entomological knowledge and open the door to safeguarding our planet’s most important yet undervalued and misunderstood animals.

Since our founding in 2024, GEC has received multiple awards in science communication and STEM education programming and involved thousands of individuals of all ages in research, conservation, and education initiatives around the world. We are at a critical point of growth requiring an expanded level of guidance and support to accelerate our mission and capitalize on our momentum to make lasting change worldwide.

Research & Conservaiton Goals: GEC is focused on discovery; Discovery of species, behaviors, and ecological interactions that can help expand our understanding of not just insects, but the environments in which they maintain.  We believe insects, when treated as valued animals rather than pests, are one of the most critical pieces of understanding environmental dynamics, natural history, and potential drivers of worldwide environmental protection policies to help create a truly sustainable future for all living systems.

We do not typically have a focus in areas of agricultural pest management or vector control, even though these fields are where a majority of entomological funding is funneled.  We recognize the importance of sustainable agriculture and human health, but choose to focus our efforts in areas of entomology which receive less support such as discovery, ecology, appreciation, and environmental impact.

Education Goals:  Our work is driven by individuals of all academic backgrounds, ages, and abilities. We create incredibly unique programs which help involve the general public in hands-on research and conservation activities, drive appreciation for the incredible diversity and natural history of insects, and encourage outdoor exploration and a reconnection to the natural world.

NO-COMPROMISE POLICY

Our work is built on honesty, transparency, and scientific integrity. Values we refuse to compromise. As such, we do not accept funding or partnerships from individuals, corporations, or organizations whose actions:

• Harm the environment.
• Perpetuate greenwashing.
• Promote superficial claims of “corporate responsibility” without real impact.

Our decisions are guided by long-term ethical responsibility, not short-term convenience or financial gain.

Why We Take This Stand: Integrity comes first: Upholding truth and environmental responsibility is more important than financial ease. We recognize that rejecting funding comes with financial challenges, but it keeps our mission clean, honest, and trustworthy. Environmental action must be real, not performative. We reject any support that wants to co-opt our mission for image management.

How We Sustain Our Work We are proudly supported by individuals, institutions, and mission-aligned partners who believe in responsible science, impactful environmental action, transparency, and accountability. Every donation, collaboration, and gesture of support enables us to continue work that is ethically sound and socially meaningful.

By standing firm in our values, we ensure our work remains authentic, impactful, and worthy of public trust.

A COALITION FOR EVERYONE

We’re working on building a global coalition where individuals of all races, ethnicities, cultures, genders, abilities, and identities are not only welcomed, but empowered to lead. We affirm and support LGBTQ+ communities and actively oppose all forms of racism, discrimination, and systemic exclusion and recognize the critical importance of uplifting historically marginalized voices in science, education, and environmental leadership.

ABOUT THE ROLE

GEC is looking for up to 4 individuals to join our board of directors who have a passion for wildlife and environmental conservation from a wide range of diverse backgrounds and skill sets to help guide our mission. No entomology experience necessary.

We’re a new organization still in the early growth phase, and new board members are important for the future of GEC by helping to develop and improve our operational framework to maximize our impact on the world.  Our team is a fun and scrappy group of passionate individuals working together to make a difference.

Expectations of members of our board are as follows:

• Serve as an ambassador for GEC.
• Seek new partnerships that benefit our programs and the organization to help advance our mission.
• Use your professional and personal network to promote the needs of the organization.
• Make an annual personal contribution meaningful to their capacity. If personal giving is not feasible, members are expected to actively support fundraising efforts and help identify and secure funding opportunities for the organization.
• Take responsibility for making decisions on issues, policies, and other matters.
• Provide your unique expertise or experience to help guide the strategy of GEC.
• Review budgets and financial direction.
• Provide guidance and take action on programming and outreach efforts.
• Ensure all activities are conducted to the highest ethical standards.

Ideal Board Members would have a background in at least one of the following areas;

• Philanthropy & Fundraising
• Legal Affairs.
• International Relations.
• Nonprofit management.
• Wildlife/Environmental conservation.
• Community Outreach.
• Scientific Research.
• Social Media & Digital Presence.
• Participatory Science.
• Corporate Responsibility.
• Arts / Entertainment.
• Exploration / Travel.
• Museum Operations & Logistics.

TERMS:

Board members are expected to commit to a term of two (2) years, with opportunity to serve multiple terms. Our board serves in a voluntary capacity and receives no financial compensation or personal benefit for their service.

Time commitment: ~2hrs /week

• Must be available to attend virtual board meetings at 5:30pm EST on the 1st Thursday of every other month (our next being July 2nd) and,
• Serve on at least one committee, which meets in the non-board meeting months, again at 5:30pm EST (next meetings are in June).
• Optional event participation.

Opportunities for an Officer role may become available, and determined by a vote from your fellow board members.