The Young Friends email newsletter is for anyone interested in Young Friends events, open enrollment of Young Friends Council applications, and various Garden events and initiatives. 

Young Friends Council
The Young Friends Council is a board of young-professional leadership volunteers who serve as ambassadors for the Garden within the community. Participants volunteer, plan fundraising events, and promote the Garden's mission across the St. Louis community. 

Young Friends Council Executive Committee:

Council Chair
Eryn Bassett

Council Co-Chair
Elizabeth Wells

Past Chair
Meghan Santen

Development Committee Chair
Open Position

Members

Join the Young Friends Council

A call for Council members is made every spring through the Young Friends email list. Council members are selected through a résumé submission process by a nominating committee consisting of current Council members and Garden staff. New members will be selected in May 2022.

To learn more, please email young_friends@mobot.org or call (314) 577-5154.

The Young Friends Council is currently accepting applications for new members. Please submit your cover letter and résumé by April 15, 2022 to young_friends@mobot.org. 

Council members are expected to support the program by donating their time, participating in decision-making and providing financial commitments. This includes but is not limited to:

• maintaining an active Garden membership
• attending monthly Council meetings and programs (6 Council meetings per year on Tuesday evenings)
• supporting Young Friends events through volunteering, financial support, and attending the events (3 Young Friends events per year)
• volunteering at Garden events

Council members are expected to serve as ambassadors for the Garden by promoting the institution and its mission to their professional and social networks.

All nominees for the Young Friends Council will be notified of selections by May 13, 2022. Save the date for new council member orientation on May 31. 

Questions? Email young_friends@mobot.org or call (314) 577-5154.

Between 2014 and 2018, Young Friends events raised $270,00 to support the Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden. The funds benefited improvements to the Children's Garden, including new nature instruments and nature-inspired books. Funds also supported education staff, program enhancements, and seasonal closing weekend activities.

In 2019, the Young Friends fundraising efforts began to support the Garden's sustainability programs across our community, raising more than $70,000 that year. The Young Friends Council continues to support sustainability in 2020, 2021, and 2022.