Volunteering for Southern Cross BTR
We are excited that you are thinking about volunteering for SCBTR! Volunteers make up our entire organization. There are Bostons counting on them for their livelihood. Regardless of the type of commitment you are considering, it is important that you make an informed decision to have the best experience possible. Here are a few things to think about before you make the commitment.
- What do you hope to achieve by volunteering?
- Do you actually have the time?
- Are you financially able to make the commitment, such as providing the gasoline for transportation or purchasing pet food?
- Do you like to work with people, or prefer to work alone?
- Do you like to be involved with something that is worthwhile?
Areas Needing Volunteers
COMMUNICATIONS
This is a broad category and can include preparing mailings, writing thank you notes, making phone calls to prospective adopters, sending emails, and keeping others informed of activities. It may also include working on the website.
EVENT ORGANIZING
SCBTR holds a few events each year to raise funds, educate the public on adopting, the importance of spay/neuter, puppy mills, and adoptions. Are you an organizer or like to work on planning, setting up, finding venues, and everything else needed for the event? Do you enjoy hanging fliers or assisting with donations for our raffle baskets, or maybe you have your own ideas? This would be a great opportunity to use those skills!
FUND RAISING
SCBTR operates entirely on donations. You can help SCBTR by obtaining funding needed to support the rescue. If you are interested in helping to raise funds for SCBTR, are knowledgeable about grant writing, soliciting donations from individuals as well as corporations, this is an opportunity for you. This would also include using your creativity to come up with new ideas for raising funds. If you do not have any experience, but would like to learn these skills, don’t hesitate to sign up!
GIVE PET ADVICE
Have you owned Bostons for years? Do you have experience in dealing with rescues and the special problems that might be encountered? Would you be willing to listen to a new owner and offer advice? This is not to be confused with being a veterinarian, but owners can sometimes benefit from sharing their experiences and offering support. If this sounds like you, then we can use your expertise!
HOME VISITS
Prior to placing a Boston in a new home, SCBTR volunteers perform home visits, either virtually or in-person, of potential adopters going through the application process. Volunteers make an appointment with the potential adopter at a time when all persons living in the home are available. Information to perform the home visit is provided by SCBTR. By completing a simple online form, you will help make a recommendation as to whether a Boston should be placed in that home. If you would like to help ensure Bostons are going to good forever homes, then this is a task for you!!!
PUBLICITY/PUBLIC RELATIONS/SOCIAL MEDIA
Do you like to write press releases? Would you like to spread the news about SCBTR? Do you like to let others know about events and things happening with SCBTR? Are you familiar with navigating social media platforms?If so, you would be excellent working in this area!
TRANSPORTATION
Providing transportation for Bostons is an essential part of the success of SCBTR. You must have a valid driver’s license and car insurance. Transportation is needed for Boston surrenders, getting Bostons to or between foster homes, getting Bostons to their forever homes, to the veterinarian, and to special events. This can include very short transports, all the way up to larger ones, or whatever you are available to help with. If you are willing to volunteer your vehicle and your time, we would love to have your help!
OTHER IDEAS
Do you want to volunteer but have an idea that you haven’t seen? Sign up and share your information with us. SCBTR is always looking for new ideas and ways to improve!
Volunteer Expectations
Volunteers are the foundation of SCBTR and represent the organization with everything they do. If you volunteer, you may be the only SCBTR person someone knows; Therefore, you are SCBTR to that person. You set the reputation for the organization. For this reason, SCBTR takes volunteering very seriously. In order to establish a professional image, SCBTR has the following expectations for all volunteers:
- to adhere to the SCBTR mission and guidelines at all times.
- to report any issue that arises out of the ordinary to the volunteer coordinator.
- to not receive payment or reimbursement for their work.
- to be on time and wear identification information as provided.
- to meet their commitment in its entirety and in a timely manner.
- to refrain from speaking to the media, if contacted, asking for a comment or an opinion about SCBTR.
- all media contacts are to be referred to a Board member.
- to enjoy the work they are doing while treating others and animals with respect.
- All Volunteers must complete the Liability Waiver prior to being approved as a volunteer.