ONE MAN ONE DOG Who needed help. How we got our start in Starting a Robust Volunteer Program from Scratch Mia Gyzander, Lori Weise

Transcription

1 How we got our start in 1996 ONE MAN ONE DOG Who needed help October 23 26,

2 Downtown Dog Rescue was created to provide basic services for homeless people living with pets. First Steps In Organizing DDR: Identified our limited scope of services Identified who we served Formed a budget October 23 26,

3 We offered free spay/neuter, setting a goal of one dog a week. Offering services to homeless dog owners living on two streets in Downtown Los Angeles. Spending no more than $300 a month raised from family, friends and co-workers' small donations. Sheba Queen of Skid Row One of our first customers October 23 26,

4 YOU might be YOUR group s only volunteer and that s OK. Passion for a project draws others to YOUR work. Only YOU understand your vision fully. Communicate YOUR vision in words and in writing. October 23 26,

5 WHO CAN BE A VOLUNTEER? Decide what you need in order to work your plan. It s OK to not have a complete plan. WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A VOLUNTEER Does the volunteer understand the group s mission statement? Does the volunteer have similar views on the scope of the work? October 23 26,

6 MISSION STATEMENT? Why it s important to communicate the mission statement to every volunteer. Mission Statement is the guidepost for your work. Make it simple! Downtown Dog Rescue is a non profit organization that believes in second chances for both dogs and people. We rescue dogs and provide services for low income pet owners in underserved communities in Los Angeles County. October 23 26,

7 DO WE THINK ALIKE? Do we agree to work within the scope of our mission statement? Where do you find a good volunteer? October 23 26,

8 Adopters can become wonderful volunteers Community Members often just need to be asked to help. Friends and Family - Don t overwhelm them! Adopters that are excited about their new dog and want to help - get them involved! October 23 26,

9 Community members quickly became some of our best volunteers. Schools and community groups October 23 26,

10 Community based volunteers are critical to getting your group s message out. Lives are forever changed when we work together! Be grateful for whatever time a person volunteers October 23 26,

11 Don t be afraid to put your vision out there. Set a goal, tell people about your goal and the steps involved. DEFINE THE PROGRAMS October 23 26,

12 MONEY You are going to need it! HOW TO BUILD A TEAM? Start by spreading a message about your mission. October 23 26,

13 WHO DOES WHAT? Assign roles Create job descriptions Set it up as a company structure October 23 26,

14 Set up opportunities for both hands on and work from home volunteers. Understand the importance of YOUR presence Validate group leaders for increased status October 23 26,

15 PACK HIKE A leader: People & dogs follow Expect people to complete a task. Trust people to do the work. October 23 26,

16 WHY WILL THEY DO IT? Clear goal/mission Emotional reward = pay check Face To Face Interaction Take a moment to chat October 23 26,

17 Do not get overwhelmed. Be fair but demand results at the same time. Be transparent about how your organization operates including how money comes in and how it is used. October 23 26,

18 DON T GET DISAPPOINTED Less than 20% will be active in the long run Thank you! "WE" did it! INSPIRE YOUR TEAM October 23 26,

19 OFFER EDUCATION Try something else Ask someone for guidance DON T GIVE UP October 23 26,

20 downtowndogrescue.org October 23 26,