Shelter Staff & Volunteers

[Carmen]

I am a manager at a shelter and oversee our volunteer program. I have had complaints from volunteers who feel they are not appreciated or treated as if they are doing community service from staff. I have had meetings with our staff to stress the importance of our volunteers. What would you recommend to let our volunteers know that ARE appreciated and not viewed as "free labor"?

[Diane Wilkerson]

We do appreciation events (get staff involved). We host two a year. One in the summer (we just had an "ice cream social") and one around the holidays. We ask staff to "volunteer" to make a dish to bring to the events. We have never had to ask more than once. Staff is usually just so busy with everything that they forget the importance of the "pat on the back". We invite staff to the event as well. So that folks can interact together in a socal atmosphere. We also do a monthly newsletter which includes a "applause corner" that spotlights volunteers who have gone "above and beyond". Very effective.

[Zoe]

I was a volunteer at a veterinary clinic with five hundred hours completed. The only time someone ever said thank you was five minutes before I left for the last time. I would love to work at the local shelter as a volunteer, but you have to be 18 or older. I am upset by this, becuase I feel I am qualified. I will be a certified veterinary assisstant when I complete the course next year, through Texas A&M University and 4-H Veterinary Science Program. Do you have any suggestions of what I could do until I am old enough to volunteer at the shelter? Our veterinary science group is also looking for ideas of activities/events/etc. to do as a group.

[Ann Andersen]

I have worked in a shelter. Your staff needs a couple of days with no volunteers. Shame on your staff. Can not have to many hands to love and hold.