HoundsGood: Chronicles of a Virtual Volunteer » volunteering

Teens: Swing a Hammer Next Summer

houndsgood — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:26:44 +0000

I was lucky. Although my parents didn’t have a lot of money, it was important to them to make sure I didn’t have to work while I was in high school. Granted, I did earn money by babysitting and other teen enterprises, but I didn’t punch a clock. They wanted me to be able to concentrate on school work and to volunteer. By giving me that, I was better prepared to decide what course of study to take after school, and could do things that would be just a fantasy once I got into the “real world” and had to work. In some ways, I don’t think I took advantages of as many opportunities as I should have, but on the other hand, I think it allowed me to be a kid just a little longer. I wasn’t up late hanging outside the kitchen of a restaurant at one A.M.and it gave me a love of volunteering and helping others.

Now, there are broader teen summer community service programs that also provides exposure to travel or another culture. Teens might help build a bridge or rebuild a home, along with experiencing another culture. While I think it is a good thing, what bothered me is that there were never opportunities within our own country, for teens or parents who are reluctant to send then abroad or even to teach that charity begins at home and doesn’t have to be exotic to make a difference. After all, there are so many folks who will send money to causes overseas but will turn their back on a neighbor in need. Luckily, I have found a few trips that focus on rebuilding homes in the Gulf, or refurbishing structures and playgrounds on tribal lands. Many churches provide missions trips, but there are companies that provide experiences as well.

If you are looking for a bigger experience during the summer than playing video games and you can wait on the babysitting until you get back, you might what to try a week or month long service trip on for size.

For the Faint of Stomach, But Not the Faint of Heart

houndsgood — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 01:18:55 +0000

What is this mysterious spectre? No, its not a Titanic-exhibit-gone-creepy. Rather, it’s the new Ghost Ship at Morey’s Piers. Nope, no rotating midway Viking ship here, but rather an interactive haunted house. For your next volunteer amusement park “thank you” or wish granting trip for teens, there is finally something more at the park for those not of the faint of heart, but the too faint of stomach or faint neck for roller coasters.

Rescue, Reward and Recoup

houndsgood — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 00:25:22 +0000

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

A few folks I know who do extensive volunteering have some sort of smart phone. Just a few years ago, a lot of shelter volunteers juggled a cell phone and a camera, and then had to find a Kinko’s or office center to write from the road. If they could get photos and descriptions of dogs and cats out into the world after having met them and pet them, there was a chance that one of them would play on someone’s heart strings and they would get a home or a rescue would take them in before it was too late.

The new fangled phones, like the iPhone, are more costly to operate on a monthly plan, but it saves time. You can snap a photo, immediately send it to rescues, your Facebook account and more, then write up a somewhat meaningful post or email. Still, there is an art to typing on those little keys but it is far better than using the cell phone digits. You will never have to leave your location.

Now, there is a way to somewhat subsidize your phone use for those who are running around everywhere to save lives. WeReward.com is a new concept that allows you to earn points, which converts into money, for visiting businesses and completing tasks, such as snapping a photo or “checking in” at a location.

WPvideo 1.10

If you have an iPhone, Download the App in the iTunes store. It is a complimentary download. In addition to an iPhone and plan, you are required to have a Twitter, Foursquare or Facebook account, which is free to set up if you don’t already have one. In the future, users of similar devices, such as Droid phones, may be able to participate.

Now, at this point, no one is going to be rich or quit their day job by completing Tasks, but if you are savvy about it and pay attention to where you might be going before you are on your way, you can complete a task or two. It may help recoup some of the costs of your monthly phone plan, while encouraging you to look up from the steering wheel and discover some new places to take out of town guests. As an added bonus, you might just have some fun!

Focus:HOPE is hoping for volunteers

houndsgood — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 21:28:36 +0000

Focus:HOPE in Detroit is looking for a few good men and women to fill volunteer positions. The organization has provided food for families with children under six and seniors (Over 10 million meals and counting), career training, and has launched the new Hope Village Initiative. Hope Village Initiative is modeled after Harlem Children’s Zone and supports academics for children in the neighborhood. I have also learned that there is a machinist institute that trains individuals for skilled careers.

A full list of opportunities can be found on Volunteer Match.

Opportunities include:

Food Packing and Delivery
Greeters
Job Placement Assistant
Machine Repair
Admissions Department Assistant (secretarial).

As you can see, there is a position for every skill. If you are living in the Greater Detroit area, or if you are just visiting for awhile, consider throwing your hat in the ring and helping out for a few days, a week, or even every week for a year.

Take Care of Your Most Loyal Volunteer: Your Car

houndsgood — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 23:05:20 +0000

There are a few of my friends that are involved in charitable causes who feel downright not so charitable this year. There are some folks who are self employed, so benefit from making donations throughout the year to help offset their taxes. That is not why they donate, but it sure helps. Then, there are other folks who find that charitable works gets in the way of their ability to make money. They take time off of work, or they purposely find a part time job to be able to volunteer the rest of the time.

While it may be noble, the big issue is that they don’t spend money on themselves at all, or more importantly, their vehicles. When you neglect your vehicle and don’t get a simple oil change, it may cause problems later. The price of a simple water pump or a tune up may seem like a big chunk of change, but it is a small investment compared to paying to rebuild an engine or transmission down the road. A friend of mine, who has an Toyota Corolla, found out very quickly that foreign made cars are more costly to repair than domestic cars due to the cost of parts. However, basic maintenance, such as break pads and fluid changes are the same or about the same as domestic. It prompted her to pay attention to her car more.

There are other challenges that are induced by the weather changes. I am sure a Chicago auto repair shop doesn’t see quite the same weather damage to cars as a shop in Miami would. Salt damage causes a body to rust much more quickly. The remedy is to wash your car regularly to avoid salt damage. I know, as a new owner of a “late model” car myself, cleaning it is important. I have a great engine, but quite frankly, the car is only going to be good so long as the body doesn’t disintegrate. It may not matter in the day to day, but I am hoping to get another two years out of my car by protecting it from the road salt. In the southern states, humidity and heat can be more of an issue, so don’t leave your plastic comb where it can melt to your dashboard.

I know, I know: an oil change may equal so many pounds of dog food or a water pump may equal winter coats for kids for the local shelter, but you aren’t going to be able to go to the store to buy them with a dead vehicle, nor will you be able to help the injured wildlife on the side of the road. When you are figuring out your monthly expenses this winter, remember your car. It may prevent you from donating as much this week, but in the long run, it will make you available to volunteer more time, as it will get you where you need to go.

Still Seeking Volunteer Opportunities.

houndsgood — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:02:41 +0000

In the past, I have presented general lists of ways someone can pitch in. However, this year, I am looking to hear from grass roots causes and charities themselves on how people can assist them even if they only have a short amount of time to give.Volunteer opportunities that are a one time gig, or require a time commitment of less than 2 hours per week are being sought. Also, if the volunteer need not handle currency, that would be a plus. Opportunities that require even less are highly welcome to receive the most amount of volunteer interest possible. Please submit your specific calls for volunteers, with the guidelines in mind. The volunteer opportunity must be able to be filled by someone that fits this profile:

The volunteer need not have a specific degree or certification.
The volunteer does not need to own special equipment (i.e., sensor equipment, a dump truck)
Gender of the volunteer does not matter.
Age of the volunteer is 16 or over. Upward age does not matter.
Volunteer opportunity can be fulfilled as a one time gig, or in a time allotment of less than 2 hours per week.

There will be two categories: Live opportunities, where a volunteer needs to appear in person at a site, or needs to be in close proximity. The second category is for virtual opportunities. The volunteer CAN be in close proximity or further away, but the opportunity does not call for meeting regularly in person to fulfill their duties.

Please submit opportunities with the following information:

Name of organization or cause
Type of cause (if not obvious from the name. What are you all about?)
Physical location (city or locality)
Decription of opportunity
Time commitment
Dates of opportunity if applicable
If the opportunity is an ongoing need or at the volunteer’s convenience, indicate it.

Send the following information to: houndsgood at gmail.com. The list will be published at the discretion of houndsgood.com. Some opportunities may not be published due to space, complexity of the opportunity, or if the cause conflicts with the mission of Houndsgood.com.

Set Your Child Up for a Lifetime of Volunteering

houndsgood — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:59:36 +0000

A woman I recently met was telling me about her children. She has a daughter in medical school and a son in college. The son is participating in a australia study abroad program this year, while the daughter is volunteering for Doctors Without Borders. Her children are very well rounded and wildly successful, which should make any mother proud. However, they are that way despite the upheaval, trials, and tribulations, that the mother has had with her husband. I know so many individuals who had a parent that constantly threw family life in a tailspin and their lives seemed to never be able to right themselves, and here were two young people who were confident.

My new friend explained that when times were rocky, she encouraged her children. She sent them on mission trips in high school, while other kids went to the beach or puttered around the house. She send them on to semesters abroad, or just in town to their local Habitat for Humanity build. She would scrape and save and work two jobs to do so, but at an early age, they helped others and broadened their horizons. A outfit like Carpediemeducation.org has a lot of opportunities for individuals to go on a semester abroad, even if a particular school that you are attending doesn’t offer it. All trips include a strong basis in community service.

Another new concept that is popular in Europe, but relatively new here is “gap year.” It is common for students to transition from high school to college by taking a year off and traveling, volunteering, or exploring themselves in other ways. I have known people who have taken a year off, and it actually made it harder to go to college because they were mired in a full time job and other commitments had also cropped up. However, I would imagine if you had a structured environment, such as these programs allow, you would have greater success. You may just find yourself, when the time comes, being a bit more narrowed down on a major versus spending your first year at college figuring out just what you would like to pursue.

The only thing that left me a bit quizzical was an answer to a question on the site, where they are asked if the program has any religious affiliation, like other “helping” programs do. It is not, which is perfectly fine, but they go on to state, “If anything we try and expose our students to as many different perspectives as the program can provide and make every effort to be welcoming of every perspective. We believe that no amount of dogma can truly capture an individual’s relationship with the world that surrounds them.”

I was a little disappointed by their elaboration, as how can it be stated that they are “welcoming of every perspective,” make it a point of exposing students to other cultures, yet the language implies a judgment that traditional faith is automatically dogma by proxy. It would seem to me that this statement goes directly contrary of being welcoming to every perspective, unless I somehow misread. As for myself, I find that my faith actually enhances a relationship with my surroundings. There is no way to compartmentalize my wonder, and for some that wonder is their inner drive to reach out and help others, or to just sit in wonder at nature.

No matter, I encourage you to allow your teenagers and college students the opportunity to reach out beyond their four walls and touch the world, and how to travel independently. If you had a gap year between high school and college, please let me know how that worked out, and if you have ever been on a semester abroad, I would be interested to hear about it too. Did it propel you into a lifelong love of volunteering, was it a one shot experience, or did you already have the drive before you went?

The Incredible Journey

houndsgood — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:17:50 +0000

Last week, a pair of dogs, who had been together from a very young age were dumped off at animal control. Their elderly owner had bladder cancer, and their family refused to take care of the man’s beloved dogs. They felt like taking care of the man was enough as it was. For me, it was hard to believe a family wouldn’t come to the conclusion that having his pets around him would keep him upbeat.

Death seemed imminent, as owner turn ins are the first to be euthanized. After all, the shelter need not hold them to give owners a chance to find them because they are not looking for them. “Pairs” are sometimes a tough sell on rescues or adopters as people feel badly not being able to keep them together, so opt for another dog. It seemed like there was no hope for these two, until a kind woman named Mary spotted Hennesey on petfinder from over a thousand miles away, and knew that she would fit in well with her two existing dogs. Having a three dog limit where she lived, she could not take on Jack. We were thrilled, of course, when the sweet black and white lady was chosen, but feared that her buddy would be left behind to die. Even though he was neutered, so the main adoption expense would not have to be paid, black labs are a tough sell because there are so many at the shelters.

Jack was to be euthanized today. He was held over from Friday, and given one last chance. Over the weekend, a miracle happened. Mary was at a family function and mentioned her sadness over not being able to save both. Lo and behold, a relative – I believe the sibling of an in-law – overheard the tale of the two tails, and was interested in adopting Jack!Now, instead of being euthanized together, one making it and one not, or being split up and going separate ways, these dogs will be able to live the rest of their lives seeing each other from time to time! They will live just about an hour apart, and their owners are connected through blood and marriages, so the happy reunions will happen for these dogs not just once for old time’s sake, but regularly.This would seem like a Hollywood ending, but there is just one more element that has to come together and that is their transport to freedom. There is a legged transport organized to get them from a kill shelter in Georgia, to their new homes in upstate New York.Do you live a long the way? Can you help? If you have ever taken a drive with your dog somewhere before, you are definitely well qualified to assist these kids get home.

SATURDAY JUNE 27TH, 2009 ~SUNDAY JUNE 28TH, 2009~

FRANKLIN, GA to Jordan NY

Passenger is coming from kill shelter to New Approved home waiting.

Transport Coordinator: Emily
Phone: 334-744-5590

Email:
cherryharleysavinganimals @ yahoo.com

Passenger List:
Hennessy~BORDER COLLIE MIX FEMALE
Jack~ Black Lab Neutered Male

Coming from~
Heard County Animal Control Center
11818 Ga Hwy 100
Franklin, GA 30217
Phone: 706-675-3570

Going to New home
Mary Hunnicutt ~Jordan, NY 13080
**All Passengers travel uncrated with leash and collar
****Paperwork accompanies all passengers
All legs flexible

SATURDAY JUNE 27TH, 2009

Leg 1- FILLED~THANK YOU EMILY
Depart: Franklin GA 8:00 am
Arrive: Atlanta GA 9:10 am
1 hour 10 min

Leg 2 – FILLED~THANK YOU
Depart: Atlanta GA 9:25 am
Arrive: Commerce GA 10:35 am
1 hour 10 min

Leg 3 – FILLED~THANK YOU
Depart: Commerce GA 10:50 am
Arrive: Greenville SC 12:05 pm
1 hour 15 min

Leg 4 -FILLED~THANK YOU
Depart: Greenville SC 12:20 pm
Arrive: Gaffney SC 1:15 pm
55 min

Leg 5 – FILLED~THANK YOU
Depart: Gaffney SC 1:30 pm
Arrive: Charlotte NC 2:30 pm
1 hour

Leg 6 – FILLED~THANK YOU
Depart: Charlotte NC 2:45 pm
Arrive: Jonesville NC 4:00 pm
1 hour 15 min

Leg 7 –

NEEDED~
Depart: Jonesville NC 5:15 pm
Arrive Willis VA 6:20 pm
1 hr 5 min

Overnight in Willis, VA – thanks Rigel!

Sunday, June 28,2009

Blue Tick Hound joins transport

Leg 8 filled, thank you Rigel!
Depart Willis VA 6:30 am
Arrive Roanoke VA 7:45 am

Leg 9 - NEEDED~
Depart: Roanoke VA 8:00 am

Arrive: Staunton VA 9:20 am

1 hour 20 min
Leg 10 -FILLED~THANK YOU
Depart: Staunton VA 9:35 am
Arrive: Mount Jackson VA 10:30 am
55 min

Leg 11 -
NEEDED~ FILLED~THANK YOU
Depart: Mount Jackson VA 10:45 am
Arrive: Martinsburg WV 11:50 am
1 hour 5 min

Leg 12 – FILLED~THANK YOU
Depart Martinsburg WV 12:05 pm
Arrive: Carlisle PA 1:20 pm
1 hour 15 min
Leg 13 -FILLED~THANK YOU FRAN
Carlisle PA -Tremont PA exit at rt 209 (81)
1:20- 2:45 PM
61.64 mi 1 hr 6 min

1 hour 15 min

Leg 14 -FILLED~THANK YOU MARY
Tremont PA exit at rt 209 (81)-Hazleton PA (81)
2:45-3:45PM
38.23 miles 44 mins

Leg 15 -Filled, thanks Mary!Depart: Edwardsville PA 4:25 pm

Arrive: Hallstead PA 5:40 pm

1 hour 15 min

Leg 16- Filled, thanks Mary!Depart: Halstead PA 5:50 pm
Arrive: Binghamton NY 6:10 pm
20 min
Blue tick hound Leaves Mary at this point

Leg 17 for Jack & Hennessy Filled, thanks Mary!

Depart: Binghamton NY 6:25 pm
Arrive: Jordan NY (Home sweet home) 8:05 pm

1 hour 40 min

Leg 17 for hound Filled by adopter Rita
Depart Binghamton, NY 6:25 pm
Arrive Oneonta, NY 7:25 pm
1 hour
Leg 18 for hound Filled by Adopter Rita
Depart Oneonta, NY 7:30 pm
Arrive Scotia, NY (Home sweet home) 8:45 pm

1 hour 15 min
end of transport!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Passenger #1:

Hennesey
Breed: Border collie mix
Color: Black & White
Age: young/adult
Weight: 40-50lb
Sex: Female
Crate: No
Leash/Collar: Yes – provided
Vaccinations: UTD

Altered: will be done by rescue/Adopter
Health Issues: None – Health Certificate accompanies passenger
Behavior Issues: None

Passenger #2:

Jack
Breed: Black Lab
Color: Black
Age: young/adult
Weight: 50-55lb
Sex: Male
Crate: No
Leash/Collar: Yes – provided
Vaccinations: UTD
Altered: Yes
Health Issues: None – Health Certificate accompanies passenger
Behavior Issues: None

*~INFO NEEDED ~*
Leg willing to drive:
First & last name:
Location:
Email:
Home:
Cell:
Vehicle description:
Tag state and number:

PLEASE CONTACT Emily at cherryharleysavinganimals @yahoo.com if you can drive one or more legs!

Buy me a cup of hot chocolate. It really helps keep me writing and makes this site possible!

Love Animals? Get into the Pitchfork Festival for Free!

houndsgood — Sat, 16 May 2009 14:38:33 +0000

It is that time of year again!

Do you live in the Chicago area, or can you easily get there? Would you like to help out a great organization, and at the same time get into the Pitchfork Festival for free? The music festival this year will include such acts as Yo la Tengo, Beirut, and the Flaming Lips. In fact, the Flaming Lips will be taking requests during their set. In fact, the 3 day passes to the festival have already SOLD OUT!

So, how can you get there, then?

All you have to do is volunteer to hold down the fort at the Saving Shelter Pets, Inc., booth! The following shifts are needed to fill:

Available Shifts for July 17-19, 2009:
Friday 4pm-10pm
Saturday 11am-5pm
Saturday 4pm-10pm
Sunday 11am-5pm
Sunday 4pm-10pm

According to SSP: Volunteers that work the Friday shift can come back to the festival either Saturday or Sunday. Saturday and Sunday AM volunteers are welcome to stay after they complete their shift. Saturday PM volunteers are welcome on Sunday. Sunday PM shift can attend the festival anytime Friday, Saturday or Sunday before their shift.

If you are interested, and can truly commit to a shift, send a note to info @ savingshelterpets.com. Please include your full name. First and last. Then, tell them the shift you are available to work, and your T-Shirt size (small through 2x Large). Last year, the festival gave money to charities who were vendors and were able to get a certain amount of people to volunteer. Let’s make it happen for Saving Shelter Pets. I am strongly considering making the journey. Maybe I will see you there, if all goes according to my plans! Guess I will see if a rich benefactor buys me enough cups of hot chocolate to make it possible.

Buy me a cup of hot chocolate. It really helps keep me writing and makes this site possible!

Dear Abby: You Got This One Right

houndsgood — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:03:50 +0000

Yesterday, there was a letter in the “Dear Abby” column that both reminded me of my readers and spoke to me about how this blog came to be. Read on for the letter and my commentary, in blue, below.

DEAR ABBY:

I am a 13-year-old girl, soon to graduate from elementary school. Please don’t judge me by my age because I have an important question.

Recently, I picked up the newspaper, glanced at the front page and an article caught my eye. It was about a disabled man who had been kidnapped and taken to an apartment where he was beaten. It was one of the most disgusting things I have ever read.

Not long after that, I saw another article. This time it was about a mentally challenged man who was lured from his bus stop to a deserted street, then beaten and robbed. Knowing these things happen makes me sad, angry and turns my stomach.

I want to do something to help stop these acts of violence, but I don’t know what. Joining a group or donating doesn’t seem to be enough. I would like to help the disabled directly. Do you have any ideas?

– CARES DEEPLY IN ONTARIO, CANADA

When I was the same age, I wondered why people didn’t “stop doing things” as well. We have a large role in forming the young people of this country. We can choose to dismiss them as idealists; phase they will grow out of. Or, we can encourage idealistic thoughts and behavior that are not based in reality, nor are backed up with action. It shows character to follow through, or they will quickly discover that they are up for the idea but not the hard work. There are enough people in the country who “think something is not right” but won’t come to someone’s aid who is right in front of them. It is important to raise good adults, not ‘good kids’ who are not aware of the space farther than 2 feet around them.

I do understand the writer’s sentiment about joining groups and feeling that it doesn’t help. Sometimes, it does help. When you become aware of what others are already doing, sometimes it is more powerful to join forces than to go it alone. Also, in some instances it gives you a knowledge pool or access to information you would not have otherwise had.

DEAR CARES DEEPLY:

You are a sensitive, right-minded young lady, and for that I commend you. I do have some ideas you might find interesting. You could:

1. Collect gently used children’s clothing and donate the garments to a homeless shelter.

2. Volunteer some time each month to befriend a developmentally disabled child. The special education department at your school might be able to help you with this.

3. Collect signatures for a petition to increase the penalties for those who commit crimes against mentally ill and homeless people. Talk about your feelings at school and at your place of worship and see if friends would be interested in joining you in your efforts. Remember, one small spark can start a prairie fire.

These are very actionable things. I was impressed with suggestion #2. Of course, there is much need for the people that are peripherally involved who send of a check every month, but the people that meet others, and make sure they know that they matter are so important. As far as petitions go, always do your research before starting a petition. If there is a specific way you need to go about it, as far as language and method of collecting signatures to make it legitimate, find out first. There are so many petitions circulating on the internet and going door to door that it is hard to know if your John Hancock will make a difference, or just go on a mailing list.So, get out there. Make some sparks.

Of course, you can look in the right hand column of this site for “breaking news” on efforts you can jump in on.

Ohioans: Can You Drive Tomorrow (April 4th)?

houndsgood — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 02:50:06 +0000

This just came across my desk. There are two legs of a transport that need to be filled for Great Pyrenese Rescue. If you are anywhere near these locations in Ohio, please contact Jane atIndy Great Pyrnees rescue (Jane@ igpr. org).

Transport is for Saturday 4/4 (tommorrow)

Leg 6) Mansfield, OH to Strongsville, OH
Approx 62 miles, 1 hour, 5 minutes
Leave time: 2:15 PM
Arrive time: 3:20 PM
***Needed***

Leg 7) Strongsville, OH to Ashtabula, OH
Approx 80 miles, 1 hour 30 minutes
Leave time: 3:35 PM
Arrive time: 5:05 PM

*** Needed***

Never Transported before? If you have ever taken a car ride with a dog pal, and your car is big enough, you are qualified! It is extremely rewarding!

How Do You Look at All The Sad Photos?

houndsgood — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:17:24 +0000

My box is filled every morning with notes from all over the country. Often, I am one of a large list of people who receives them. They are pleas for help for animals just about in every state. Sometimes it is hard to look because one can’t help them all or one would go bankrupt for sure. When someone starts receiving them for the first time, sometimes one sends money or offers to adopt a dog or take them into their rescue, even though they are hundreds of miles away and there is no network that one knows to tap into to get the dog or cat or other animal to them. Then, it ends up costing hundreds and thousands. After awhile, people burn out or bankrupt themselves.How do I look when I don’t have any money to contribute, can’t possibly adopt, and don’t have a foster home? I scan the notices and see what little nudge I can give to these souls along the way. It may be a phone number to a rescue I know, connecting up people who are in my address book that don’t know eachother, or posting a notice. Sometimes that can do a world of good and provides the missing link that a shelter volunteer or an interest party needs to get things underway to save a life.

The key is to not promise to do something you can’t do, do what only what you can. Rescue sometimes hangs on hope, so don’t volunteer to take a cat or a dog if you never breeched the subject with your spouse or roommate. Sometimes it is discouraging to think a dog or cat has a home and then converting to a temporary situation only without a rescue backing it up to place him/her. It often gets dodgy when the other parties at the home do not agree, so the dog/cat is in danger of being bounced around to several other homes, which is what brought them into the shelter in the first place. Also, once a shelter volunteer or shelter sees interest in an animal, though most places don’t consider interest until pen is to paper and the animal is being picked up, some falsely hope that someone calling on the phone saying they are interested means that they will follow through.

So, do what you can. Many people working together and doing just a tiny bit can really go a long way. There are people that can do it all, but if you are not one of those people, don’t hesitate from doing the little bit you can. It may just be the missing link to connect the dots with a ride, a phone call, or a spare crate for the night.

Cultivate Your Greatest Asset

houndsgood — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:55:44 +0000

Many people are pinching their pennies and curtailing many of their usual donations to organizations right now, especially in areas that have industries that are hardest hit. What is a charity to do? Is it time to let people go? Should the annual fundraiser be toned down? Is it a time to disband and regroup later? The greatest asset that a group has is their volunteers. The greatest thing you can do right now as a group is to recruit more. That may seem counterintuitive as returns seem diminishing.

Just think about it. Charity work is about networking. One person equals an additional circle of friends that can catch the “fever” when they see their friend find a cause that is worth volunteering for. You gain a whole new personal network.

Secondly, not all volunteers have to work at it 40 hours a week to make a difference. If in the past, your group was essentially a handful of people giving it their undivided attention and sometimes burning out, find ways where volunteers can help out in one shot opportunities, or in a lesser capacity. If their time was enjoyable, they will be more likely to sign up again. This also gives you the peoplepower that you need at the time you need it. There are also people that are retired, or laid off, or looking to meet new people. They may not sign on to your organization forever, but while they are exploring their interests or expanding their resume, it is a win-win situation.

To retain volunteers, show appreciation. A verbal “thank you” or “I enjoyed working with you” is important. Also, recognize individuals who are capable of self direction and allow them in some capacity to make decisions for the job at hand. Nothing feels worse than when a new volunteer comes in and they are shuffled around like cattle, especially with an organization that has a small band of volunteers and especially if they have helped for a long time. You never know when the old standys are going to move away or have a life change that curtails the time they have to devote and fresh perspectives are always needed to keep a group, large, small, or beyond tiny, to flourish for years to come.

Looking for volunteer opportunities?

houndsgood — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:23:36 +0000

Are you looking to make new friends?

Looking for a way to fill your spare time?

Looking for likeminded people who you can make a difference with?

Try out VolunteerMatch.org.

Organizations small and large, in your own backyard, and 1,000 of miles away have hundreds of unique volunteer opportunities. Whether you can drive, you are good with your hands, or you are looking for something you can do from home – you will not be disappointed. You can let the organization know you are available right on the site. Organizations range from orphanages to animal sanctuaries to anything else you can imagine. Try it out!

Pictures Help Your Local Pound

houndsgood — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:00:51 +0000

This message recently came into my box:

I was just wondering, is some kind of permission from the various AC shelters needed to go in and take pictures and post? Is it only licensed rescues for example, or if I just take a camera in will they let me see dogs and take pictures for posting…? I might consider doing it for XXXX County shelter, but I never see any postings for XXX on cl so wondered if it’s because they won’t allow it or if just nobody ever does it. Thanks for any advice.

Many local animal control centers and lowkill shelters do not use petfinder or pet harbor. Some folks like to paint an image of animal control officers of being evil and not wanting anyone to see the dogs for adoption there, but I remind you that it is not their doing that people refuse to spay, refuse to microchip, and refuse to train/spend time with their dogs to prevent them from wandering, to make sure they can be id’ed if the un thinkable happens, or to prevent them from being “too much to handle.” More often than not, there are no photos on petfinder, etc, because there is just no one both willing to do it and willing to stick with it.

If you are thinking the same thing as the letter writer, I urge you to first put your feelers out and see if you can connect with like minded people. Are there already a couple people who are volunteering that you can join up with? Maybe there is a “friends of” the shelter group. Or maybe there is a lone person that goes periodically to see what dogs are there and contacts rescues, but doesn’t know enough about computers or have access to keep photos updated online or hasn’t thought about it. Search your newspaper’s archives and the internet, and also contact your local shelter.

Some animal control officers/directors will jump at the opportunity for your help. Some may be a little reticent because they are used to people either attacking them for a problem that is the public’s fault or are used to people volunteering for a short time and then losing interest or being too horrified of what goes on at animal control to try to help the dogs and cats that they can. When people realize they will not be able to stop all dogs and cats from being euthanized overnight, sometimes they leave. But if someone can celebrate in the fact that they can make a difference for a few, you’ll find that it snowballs and you can save more and more, especially if you can hook up with other likeminded people.

Be ready at first to listen to what is being asked of you instead of pushing to do it “your way” at least at first. You need to gain trust, and to be even allowed to help at first. Learn from others. Find out what is working well, and help pick up slack for those that are burned out, to continue things in a positive direction and to increase saved lives.

If you have time and the desire to help your local shelter in this way, do an honest assessment of the time you can commit, and then make a proposal to the director of your local pound, the animal control officer, or the volunteer coordinator. Let me know how it works out!

Pitchfork Festival Chicago: How to Attend Free!

houndsgood — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 01:23:06 +0000

Do you live in the Chicago area? If not, can you get there? Does helping animals and getting into the Pitchfork Music Festival for Free sound good to you? If it does, have I got an opportunity for you! Saving Shelter Pets, Inc. is looking for a few good volunteers to work a 6 hour shift at the festival.

Volunteer shifts include responsibilities such as collecting tickets at the gate, checking wrist bands at the beer tent, backstage security, etc.

SSP currently has 32 volunteers, and if we
can just get 3 more, then the Pitchfork folks
will also donate $1,500 to Saving Shelter Pets!

Please spread the word to all of your Chicago-land friends

Just a few of the bands at the festival:
• Animal Collective
• Spoon
• Public Enemy
• Dinosaur, Jr.
• Les Savy Fav
• Ghostface and Raekwon
• Mission of Burma
• Sebadoh
• The Hold Steady
…… and more!!!

Comment on this post and I will put you in touch. Or, you can email info @ savingshelterpets.com