The Conway Area Humane Society and the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire - North (Formerly) CAHS receive animals from near and far, as need dictates. In total, the ARL North and The Conway Area Humane Society has helped over 3,500 animals in six and a half years.
Today, our spotlight shines on Dani Gudroe, Volunteer Coordinator for the CAHS. She uses VolunteerSpot's free volunteer scheduling software to coordinate volunteers at the shelter who help out with everything from the thrift shop, to working directly with the animals.
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Please tell us about the shelter and your volunteer needs.
In March of 1999, Roz Manwaring, founder of the Conway Area Humane Society (CAHS), asked the public what it thought of an all-inclusive, state-of-the art animal resource center. The response was immediate and very positive and in June 2003, Conway Area Humane Society opened its doors to homeless cats and small mammals. We quickly served 400 cats in the first six months; the “cat house” was full. Phase II, the dog facility, was accepting stray dogs from local animal control officers as well as owner-relinquished animals.
Hurricane Katrina was a call for help from a great distance, and the Conway Area Humane Society was ready, willing and able to respond, and did so, helping hundreds of disaster victims. The majority of calls for help are closer to home as the ARL North welcomes owner-surrendered animals from across New Hampshire and Maine. The shelter also takes in stray animals for eight neighboring towns.
There are a wide range of volunteer positions ranging from direct care for the animals to helping with office work and fundraising. All volunteers should expect to work with members of the public and potential adopters as well as the animals. We work carefully to match skills and interests with the jobs that need to be done every day. Available volunteer positions include Canine Care Assistant, Feline Care Assistant, Animal Medical Records Assistant, Spay/Neuter Clinic Assistant, Thrift Shop Volunteer, Animal Biographer, Events Volunteers and Read & Relax Volunteers. Individuals interested in joining our volunteer program must be at least 14 years old.
How did you get started as a volunteer leader?
When I was in college I applied for a part time Adoption Counselor position at my local humane society. From there I moved into the position of Animal Care Technician where I trained several volunteers. I was asked to consider becoming the Volunteer Coordinator for the organization on a part time basis in 2004. I loved working with members of the community who were willing to give their time and energy so freely to benefit the animals in our care. I have been a Volunteer Coordinator (amongst many other things) for 7 years and it never gets old! I have had the opportunity to work with so many different people, create incredible programs and change the lives of thousands of animals with their help.
What’s one piece of advice you have for volunteers and their leaders out there?
I would remind everyone that each one of us can contribute in some way. For volunteer leaders, use your volunteer applications to your advantage. Target the skills people have and guide them into a position that fits their strengths and your needs. For volunteers, always speak up if you want to learn something new! Let your volunteer coordinator know of your hidden talents or if you have identified a need within the organization that you would be willing to take a leadership role in developing. Almost any person can be an asset to the organization if you match them with the right position.
Why did you decide to use VolunteerSpot?
I was told about VolunteerSpot by the Volunteer Coordinator at our affiliate. I created a mock activity to test it out and found it to be incredibly easy to use! My favorite part is the automatic reminder emails sent to participating volunteers – one less thing to add to my list! I also love the fact that I can provide a link that allows volunteers to sign up on their own, see who else may be volunteering that day and how many slots are left to fill. The day before the event I can generate a printable report which saves me from keeping my own list somewhere on my desk (which is bound to be misplaced!). It is an amazing program and a huge asset to a volunteer coordinator who wears so many other hats within the organization.
To learn more, visit the Conway Area Human Soceity's website.
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We salute Dani and all the other volunteer leaders out there making a difference. If you're using VolunteerSpot, write and tell us about what you're doing and give us a chance to shine our Volunteer Spotlight on you!! Just email us at [email protected].
