Training programs through PETucate’s volunteer program will be predominately conducted in-house with multiple options for outside educational attainment. The necessity of said training is vital to providing the type of care that exemplifies both the mission and the vision of the organization. Pace and Basso (2009) assert that volunteer training is beneficial not only to the individual and organization but to the larger community, implying that humane training at PETucate serves a broad purpose. Thus, volunteers aiming to impart humane education on a diverse client base will indeed be held to standards that echo experience and knowledge sharing.
Dependent on the specific program from which a volunteer participates will determine the mandatory training prior to involvement with the public and the client base. All volunteers, staff and board members are required to complete an informal, staffed, combined session on the mission, vision, and volunteer requirements of the organization as well as general diversity training. It is highly encouraged that volunteers embrace multiple avenues of learning whether self-completed or through mentorship with more experienced co-staffers beyond the scope of their chosen program.
Volunteers enrolled in youth education curriculum will optimistically be certified as pre-K, K-12 or autistic teachers within the home state prior to applying to the program. Non-certified teachers will be hobbyists, educators or professionals in the pet industry which can be cleared prior to engaging youth audiences. Training for this area relies heavily on the particular upcoming presentation and speakers are encouraged to “brush up” on new trends and age appropriate methods of relating to their audience.
Volunteer library staff will receive direct training and supervision by the experienced staff in this section of the nonprofit center. While the tasks will be easily absorbed and executed by a majority of volunteers, acceptance as a library assistant will be decided by senior staff based on candidate qualifications.
Animal educators, foster parents and pet pantry staffers will be trained through various mediums, including videos, seminars, books, online academic databases and senior volunteers/staff experienced in multiple arenas. Mandatory training in pet first aid/CPR for volunteers in this program will be provided at reduced cost to volunteers. Those unable to pay out of pocket will be able to attend pending agreement for guaranteed volunteer hours. In addition, a personal safety course for pet pantry delivery drivers is required, as to empower individuals to proactively address situations outside of the organizational premises.
References
Pace, E., & Basso, L. (2009). Social return on investment, value added and volunteer work. Journal of the Academy of Business & Economics, 9(3), 42-58.
Carrie D. Gaston
Filed under: Volunteers , pet first aid, volunteer training
