Good Mews

Volunteer Opportunities/Committees

Below you will see a sample of volunteer opportunities available at Good Mews.  Please note that some volunteer opportunities require additional training and may not be available due to the number of volunteers currently serving, legal requirements, etc. 

If you are interested in volunteering, we ask that you attend an orientation (orientations are normally held at the shelter on the 1st Sunday of the month at 2 PM at the shelter, but are subject to change).  Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information or to confirm an orientation date.

Adoptions:
This position involves working with the public in person and conducting interviews to determine the appropriateness of the home and the best possible pet matches.  Adoptions are done every Saturday from 10:00 – 4:00, the second, third and fourth Sunday of each month from 1:00 – 4:00, and by appointment.  Adoption volunteers are required to commit to at least one adoption day per month.  Additional training on adoption policies and procedures is required.

Communications:
This committee is responsible for writing newsletter articles, press releases, website content, etc.  Most of the work for this position is conducted offsite from the shelter. 

Disaster Recovery:
This committee creates and constantly revises the emergency preparedness plan for the shelter.  Members of this committee are strongly encouraged to participate in the online training offered by FEMA on disaster readiness. 

Feed and Clean:
These are the volunteers who have the most hands-on contact with the cats.  These volunteers come to the shelter in two shifts per day to maintain the cleanliness of the shelter and ensure the cats are fed properly.  Depending on the shift, this position could require as much as 4 hours per shift.  Volunteers are required to sign up for two shifts per month (can be the same shift—i.e. every other Saturday afternoon).  Additional training on feed and clean procedures is required.

Fund-raising:
This committee is responsible for raising the bulk of the Good Mews operating budget.  Activities have included The Furr Ball (silent and live auction), the yard sale, Birdies for Charity, booths at a variety of festivals around town, etc.  Volunteers are encouraged to come up with new ideas for the Fundraising committee. 

Grants and Corporate Sponsorships:
Volunteers with this committee work to obtain funding for the shelter through corporate sponsors and through grant providing agencies.  Strong writing skills are welcomed, though not required.  Time management and attention to detail and deadlines are required, as many of the grant agencies have strict deadlines for consideration of applications.

Kitty Buddy:
Several cats at Good Mews require additional attention so they can become more adoptable.  Active volunteers choose a cat or cats from the Kitty Buddy list they wish to work with.  Kitty buddies are required to spend a minimum of 30 minutes a week with their buddy, helping the cat become more socialized.  Only active volunteers are eligible to become Kitty Buddies.

Medical:
Medical volunteers are at the shelter twice a day administering medication to the cats.  Each medical volunteer is required to sign up for a regular shift (normally twice a month).  Additional training on how to administer medication is required.

Transportation/Kitty Cab:
These volunteers generously donate their time to drive cats back and forth to vet appointments.  There is no regular schedule for this—all Kitty Cab requests are sent by the Feline Care Manager.

Volunteer:
The volunteer committee works to provide a good orientation to the shelter, updates the volunteer manuals as needed, and tracks volunteer hours for the grant committee. 

Catistics

Adopted This Year: 58

Adopted Last Year: 240

Total Cats Adopted: 5,592+

Years Running: 22