Volunteering
can be rewarding or frustrating depending on how well you match your
philosophy and needs with the organization you choose.
Every organization has a personality and an agenda. Before joining any
organization, it is necessary to attend a few meetings or
participate in a couple of fund raisers. Meet the people and get to
know whether you share their goals and ideals.
If you are considering starting an organization, please go into it with
your eyes open. These projects may not pay, but they are still a
business with many financial and legal considerations. Running a
non-profit organization is not something you "do in your spare
time". It requires commitment, a variety of skills--or access to people
who have those skills, time, money, and a mission that generates
ongoing support for the cause. You also have to be willing to be
flexible for the good of the organization and the animals, and you'll
find there are times you have to make tough decisions that can be very
painful, for the same reasons.
This page offers information and links to help you find your ideal
opportunity or to help you build your dream. While you are looking for
ideas, don't overlook the opportunity to use virtual volunteers too.
They can do an amazing amount of work, and in turn you give
people who can't be physically present an
opportunity to support your organization. You also free those
volunteers who can do the hands-on work to do more.
ASU Center for Nonprofit Leadership & Management
Research, education, technical assistance, and conferences to help nonprofit leaders and organizations.
Children for Children
Promoting hands-on youth volunteering and teaching the value of community involvement
Idealist.org
This site lists volunteer opportunities, organizations, and consultants with non-profit experience
Servenet.org
The premier site for service and volunteering for youth and adults, nationally and abroad
ServiceLeader.org
Virtual volunteering resources, learn what virtual volunteers can do for your organization
Virtual Volunteering by Donna Fisher, CSP, Make the world a better place and grow your organization in the process. Also, check out
The Association for Volunteer Services who uses virtual volunteers, and PC World article
Virtual Volunteers Log on to Help Out.
If you are interested in the concept of virtual volunteering and have
questions, please send an email to penny@reiki4paws.com. Penny began
helping establish virtual volunteering programs in 1996. Today, you
will find her advice online at ServiceLeader.org in English
and Spanish.
Volunteer Match
Where volunteering begins with resources for volunteers and organization
Want to start an animal shelter?
The ASPCA provides a simple 10 step list to get you started
Want to start an animal rescue group?
Learn what to do and how to do it from a successful organization that knows the ropes
