Thanks to our members, contributors and volunteers, AFTA is able to carry forth its mission of promoting the use of agroforestry by landowners in North America. Our goal is to serve as a resource for information about the science and practice of temperate agroforestry for people involved in research, education, extension and land management.

For over 10 years, AFTA has worked toward this goal through several educational programs. We host the longest-running series of scientific conferences devoted to temperate agroforestry in North America, which has been attended by over 1000 people. We keep our members and subscribers up to date o­n the world of agroforestry through our quarterly newsletter, The Temperate Agroforester. We survey the current state of the art of agroforestry development in several national reports, and have offered ideas o­n public policy as it relates to agroforestry. And we encourage dialog among the network of scientists, educators and practitioners active today in the field of agroforestry in North America.

If you believe that agroforestry has the potential to benefit landowners, society and the environment, and that agroforestry education is a worthwhile mission, we ask that you please consider helping AFTA by making a gift or by becoming involved. Your contributions are tax deductible since AFTA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. We are the o­nly nonprofit organization in North America focused entirely o­n agroforestry, and public support is vital for AFTA to continue its important role in agroforestry education and networking.

AFTA is a member of GuideStar, the national database of nonprofit organizations. Click the GuideStar logo to go to their website. Then click the left-column link for "Guide Star Plus." You will be asked to first register for free access to information o­n the GuideStar site, including AFTA's informational and financial report.

Please consider becoming involved in o­ne of the following ways:

• Join at the Contributor level. Contributing members receive several benefits in addition to those enjoyed by regular members. As a contributing member, you are making a special commitment to supporting agroforestry education and information services. A portion of contributing member dues are tax-deductible.

• Contribute to Annual Fund. Please consider making a $15, $25 or $50 gift to the AFTA Annual Fund. Your tax-deductible gift will help AFTA continue to work for the wider implementation of agroforestry practices by landowners in North America.

• Donate Items for Silent Auction. Our Silent Auction held during each biennial North American Agroforestry Conference is an important fundraiser for AFTA. Success depends o­n members and other donating interesting items for sale at the auction, e.g., books, artwork, handicrafts, tools, logo wear, etc. Please watch for announcements of upcoming auctions.

• Participate as a Volunteer. We encourage your personal involvement in the work of AFTA as a volunteer. Consider contributing an article for publication in the newsletter, or send ideas for stories, or let us know about events related to agroforestry in your area. By serving as an officers or director, you will be making an invaluable contribution to our Association. We also need volunteers to help during conferences and meetings.

Your decision to contribute and/or volunteer is vital to our not-for-profit mission. Please join the members of AFTA by becoming involved today. We appreciate your support - thank you!