Holiday Gift Donations - Facets: Fill & Download for Free

Can you believe it? The first half of the year has come and gone. We’re enjoying the summer months now, but before we know it the holidays will be upon us… again.Did you know that nearly one-quarter of Americans report making the majority of their charitable gifts in the last quarter of the year (Q4), particularly in the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day? And, that number increases among high net worth families. Many organizations report receiving a spike, if not the majority of their annual revenue, during this period.Who cares, right? Why does it matter when you make your gifts to the charities you support? Keep reading to learn what this increase in end-of-year giving means for organizations, and how you can budget to better support your favorite groups throughout the year.If you’re like me, you look forward to receiving your tax return each spring. I know somewhere around March or April my bank account will see a little boost, and I’ll have “unexpected resources” to pay bills, or put away, or treat myself to that bag I’ve had my eye on. Each year I have an estimate of what I expect to receive but the return always varies--sometimes higher, sometimes lower. Inevitably, I have a moment (especially when my return is lower than expected) when I question why I pay more in taxes upfront and wait for the return on the backend. Wouldn’t it be nicer to have those “unexpected resources” throughout the year?It’s not a perfect analogy, but this is how I think about end-of-year giving for nonprofits. Many organizations count on a spike in donations at the end of the calendar year to anchor their annual budget. They can use numbers and data from the previous year to predict what they can expect to receive but, like a tax refund, those are just estimates until the money is actually in their bank.End-of-year giving has become a norm for donors and charities alike. For donors, waiting until the last few weeks of the year gives us time to settle our finances and determine what’s available for charitable giving. Plus, the holidays always help to bring out our generous spirits. For organizations, this means spending months planning and executing multi-faceted campaigns that will appeal to donors and stand out against tens of messages in their mailboxes and inboxes.I’m sure you’ve noticed the extra envelopes in your mailbox in November and December, or the sudden increase in charity emails waiting in your inbox. As someone who receives both, I understand the frustration. But, as someone who used to write both as a nonprofit fundraiser, I understand the purpose. These messages are charities’ ways of securing that end-of-year spike, or anchor, for their budget so they can continue their work for another year. It’s a time when people are listening and opening their wallets, and organizations’ want to be heard.Wouldn’t it be nice to think that your favorite charity, the one working on the cause that’s so near and dear to your heart, didn’t have to rely on a spike in end-of-year donations to continue working on their mission? Well, guess what… there’s a way to help!Many organizations agree that recurring giving is the best way to support their work, rather than one large, annual gift. It provides them with a steady influx of cash throughout the year so they don’t have to rely as heavily on end-of-year donations.And, recurring giving is great for donors, too! Many donors find it’s less of a financial burden to break up their gifts throughout the year and may even allow them to be more generous. Instead of making one gift of $100 in December, making monthly gifts of $10 is less of a lift and, over the course of the year, results in a 20% increase for the charity. Plus, most organizations have special programs for recurring donors that provide them with special updates, newsletters, or reports.So, how do you become a recurring donor? I find it’s easiest to start with my budget. I consider how much I can afford to donate for the year, divide that by 12, and plug that number into my monthly budget. (You can also consider making quarterly or semi-annual gifts, too). Once I have that number, I determine which organizations I want to support and set up recurring donations with them.Our recent post, Donating on a Limited Budget, includes more great tips for making charitable giving part of your budget. And our Advanced Search Tool and Discover feature are great resources for finding an organization to support if you don’t already have a favorite.

Here are one or two or a hundred:I’ll start with some that I’ve already written about, and then I’ll move to a bunch more I found on the internet.First, here is the link to the Cornell University project: ZooniverseThey are calling the project “Hawk Talk”!That link takes you to the “About” page, which describes the project. In the right top corner, you’ll see a link to the “Classify” page. That’s where you’ll want to go to participate. It allows participation from anonymous volunteers if you wish, or you can also register and have your contributions noted by name.Basically, what’s going on is that they are trying to collect additional data about the vocalizations that Red Tailed Hawks make (their sounds, or calls), and what the various calls mean. Normally, this would almost be impossible… or at the very best, it would require researchers to spend thousands of hours just watching a cam. There’s not enough hours in anyone’s day to do that, without missing something. So, they have set up this project, where any of you can help collect the data. What they’ve done is… they have broken up hundreds of hours of nest cam footage, into 10-second clips. Clearly, this results in many thousands of clips. What they hope is that enough people will get involved and that each person will run through these short clips, hoping to catch a moment when either one of the parent hawks, or one of the chicks, is calling out in some way. There is a set of four questions next to each clip, which are to be answered. Then, when the project is over, they will have caught every single instance of red tail vocalization, and exactly what they were doing at that exact moment. It’s quite a brilliant project plan. But it requires the help of hundreds of people who want to spend 5 or 10 minutes of their day or night, running through the clips one by one and clicking on the various possible answers.Okay, so this one is a whole lot of fun. It’s actually a sub-section of Zooniverse, above. But there are a lot of menu items in Zooniverse, so I wanted to point this one out in particular as I’ve had a lot of fun and spent quite a few hours playing with it. It’s basically photos taken by a automatic Trail Cam. Each photo was set off by something moving, and they are asking you to look at each still-shot and try to find what it was that set off the camera. Sometimes it was just the wind on a weed or something you can’t see. But they have thousands of photos to go through, so they’re asking for the public’s help in flipping through them. There are two cams here… one for mammals and one for birds. Give it a try! I found it to be a bit addicting, sort of like finding Waldo! Sometimes you need to adjust the contrast, or maybe change it into a negative photo. Usually you find nothing, but sometimes you’ll see a bobcat, coyote, or maybe just a hare’s or rabbit’s butt running off the photo’s edge. This was set up by Sky Island Alliance, an environmental group I worked with for a number of years, out of Tucson, AZ: Help Us ID Species - Sky Island AllianceNext… I’ll give you the best kept secret I know for nature lovers; how easy it is to VOLUNTEER for wildlife. It can change your life and give you adventures & knowledge you never thought you’d have access to. No matter if you’re a banker, a soccer mom, a grandma, a student or an electrician… there are groups you can join near you. Most people have no idea.Volunteers Home Page, US Fish & Wildlife ServiceThere are infinite ways to learn about nature. School, reading, asking, etc. But nothing beats DOING. And this is extremely easy. The number of opportunities to volunteer in nature-related work are more than I can count. If you are in the USA, look at the link above; The US Fish & Wildlife Service Volunteer Opportunities page. I’ve used it. Whether you live in Mississippi, Alaska, the deserts of Arizona, or anywhere in between, there are ways that you can volunteer your time out in the field and get the best education about nature that you could imagine. Get your boots in the mud. Walk the prairies counting antelope. Scramble over rocks looking for tortoises. Wade though rivers picking up trash or fixing bank erosion. Change the ground bedding at a Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility. Spend two hours a week, and go home after. Spend a weekend a month and camp out with fellow volunteers for a weekend project. Spend a two week stretch in the wilderness on an advanced project. Be the car pool driver for your fellow volunteers. If you have a little time and no money, or a lot of time and can help with supplies… it doesn’t matter. Go out and help and you will learn more than you can imagine.US Fish & Wildlife is but one resource. One of hundreds or thousands.Water SentinelsThe picture above is a group I’ve helped with. Water Sentinels. It’s part of the Sierra Club Near YouVolunteering Opportunities Government Agencies Various outdoor opportunities in your stateWorking with Us | US Forest Service Self-explanatory. Much of this volunteer work is in National and State Parks. Also involves the planting of seedlings, a vital task usually done by volunteers. Programs for kids, too!Wildlife Conservation Volunteering That one is for international projects. However… please be aware that most of what you’ll find on this site internationally requires you to pay a considerable fee to participate. From $2000 - $8000. I can’t really wholeheartedly endorse these types of programs… at least not all of them. Since they are businesses, and they give you a grand adventure, they are “for profit”, so the animal’s welfare isn’t necessarily the first priority. I’ve provided this link just so you know that these programs exist. Some may certainly be worth a look, but my preference is to volunteer locally (and for free!). Every area has wildlife volunteer opportunities of their own, close to where you live.United States wildlife habitat Volunteer Opportunities That one covers everything from taking a whole summer to be a care-taker, to meet-ups on weekends to do local projects for a few hours.Get Involved That one is for locals in FloridaVolunteer Opportunities There’s for MichiganVolunteer - Sky Island Alliance A fantastic group I spent years with in Arizona. This is where I got introduced to someone who eventually recommended me for a spot on the jaguar research team:Volunteer Opportunities at Texas State Parks There’s one of the many in TexasI could go on, but I think I’ve made my point. Google “Wildlife Volunteer Opportunities in ______” or “Environmental Volunteer Opportunities in _____” (fill in your city or state)…and you will find the way to learn about nature, with other people who also care, also want to learn. You’ll be amazed at the adventurous things you will end up doing.Do you live somewhere other than America? Then try some of these:Here’s one of the resources in India: List of wildlife volunteering programs across India..Try this one in Brazil: ▷ Volunteer in Brazil | Top 10 Projects for 2018 | Volunteer WorldHow bout Norway? The Norwegian Wildlife HospitalOr South Africa? 7 Places To Volunteer With Animals In South Africa (Just don’t go swimming, wearing a seal suit!)Keep Calm and Volunteer in England: Animal Volunteer Work UKCheerio!Whether you’re in India, Norway, Chile, Australia or the USA, every place has people, groups and agencies that will give you these adventures if you offer them a bit of your time and effort. 13 year-olds can help and learn. 75 year-olds can help and learn.You can stay on Quora and read the hundreds of awesome nature and animal articles I’ve written (some are quite good, if I do say so myself!)… but instead of that, I would suggest you start searching for a group near you who go out and make a difference and who need your help. It’s a win/win situation. It’s easy and fascinating. You just have to get started. Take a friend with you! You can thank me later, for helping you discover a world of adventure that was right under your nose the whole time. I highly recommend it!EDIT: One important additional point… once you volunteer for any of these government agencies, non-profits, groups, etc., you'll become privy to many more fun opportunities directly from them, which aren't advertised on the websites. Once you are in the inner circle, get to know people, and start building a reputation as being dependable and passionate… you will get good references for the really good stuff at other organizations. This was my experience as well, and as an example, it's how I got a tip and good reference for a job with the US Fish & Wildlife Service. It was a month long research project that took me by helicopter to the bottom of a branch off the Grand Canyon. I was put on a waiting list, and about 6 months later, got the call. I felt very privileged, as the other members of the small team of seven were all reputable biologists and researchers from all over the country. This is also where I had my adventure of being stalked by a mountain lion that some of you may have read about, elsewhere on Quora. It was a thrill of a lifetime, and all due to having volunteered diligently, and building a solid reputation in that inner circle of wildlife professionals and volunteers, the year prior. All of this experience and reputation also eventually made me a shoe-in for, years later, getting a position at the Carolina Raptor Center, which was also life changing. So I urge you… just get started! Good luck! It's extremely satisfying.These are the Non government Organizations you should keep an eye out for if your passion is helping animals. Find out who they are to start saving lives today!World Wildlife Fund (WWF)One of the largest organizations in the world dedicated to save nature and ensure endangered species.You can go to their site and there you will find many different ways to contribute, amongst which are signing petitions or contacting officials to save endangered species, travel with WWF to natural habitats, make donations, adopt an animal, and many other ways to help make a difference.Humane Society of the United StatesCompletely dedicated to animal protection, this organization offers the opportunity to help in three big ways: Animal rescue and care, Animal advocacy, and Pets and shelters.Animal rescue and care – You can be a part of the rescue team, disaster response, mobile vet clinics, or sanctuaries and care centers.Animal advocacy – You can help advocate through public policy, corporate reforms, and major campaigns.Pets and shelters – Providing humane residence for animals in need.Go to their site to find out more.Read more on Activism with Compassion: Volunteering at Farm SanctuariesAmerican Society for the prevention of cruelty to animals (ASPCA)This society is a huge advocate for animals in need, ASPCA offers nationwide volunteer opportunities where you can advocate in legislative and public policies, get on the investigations and response team, advocate to protect horses from slaughter, volunteer at adoption centers, and be a pet foster parent.Find out more here.Animal Welfare Institute (AWI)The AWI seeks better treatment for animals everywhere, in the laboratory, on the farm, in commerce, at home, and in the wild.Though you should know that because AWI is the country’s leader in obtaining laws to benefit animals in need, it is slightly a less hands on kind of experience, the kind of help they encourage you to give is donating to their causes or getting involved with their initiatives and raising awareness for their cause.You can find all the information you need here.PetSmart CharitiesTheir goal is to end animal homelessness by investing in animal welfare charities all over the country to get pets adopted, and fund spay/neuter surgeries to prevent unplanned litters and reduce overpopulation from the start.And the best part is that they have a really good web page where you can easily find the adoption center or spay/neuter clinic closest to you, so you can waste no more time and start saving lives today.Teens Making a DifferenceAre you an animal-loving teen who wants to make a difference? Well, you’ve come to the right place!The Anti-Cruelty Society has been providing shelter and medical care to hundreds of thousands of animals since 1899. This is only possible thanks to hard-working, dedicated individuals who share a passion for helping animals and the people who love them. Volunteers have long been a backbone of the Society, providing much-needed assistance in every department to ensure that the shelter continues to operate smoothly and that the animals in our care stay happy and healthy while they wait for their forever homes. We encourage anyone--of any age--to volunteer! If you love animals and want to help, we have a number of different programs for you to participate in.Have questions? Email [email protected] for answers regarding this or any youth program at The Anti-Cruelty Society!Virtual OpportunitiesLIVE! At The Anti-Cruelty SocietyCalling all classrooms, community groups, and youth clubs! Are you looking for an engaging activity for your group to learn more about animals and animal welfare? Look no further than LIVE! at The Anti-Cruelty Society. This unique virtual program offers a behind-the-scenes look at some of the important facets of the work we do to help people and pets at The Anti-Cruelty Society. Click here for details and more!Service ProjectsThe Anti-Cruelty Society offers a wide range of home and classroom-based service learning projects. They are ideal for students in need of service learning hours, scout troops looking to earn a badge or teachers in search of a classroom project. Each different project is worth a specific amount of hours, but you can mix and match to suit your needs.Service Project DetailsWeb WarriorsWhether you’re stuck at home or are simply looking for unique ways to learn and volunteer this program may be just what you are looking for. Explore animal welfare topics, and make a positive impact in your community through our Web Warriors program!Read Web Warriors DetailsVeterinary Mentoring ProgramThe Anti-Cruelty Society, in partnership with The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, offers an exciting program for high school students with a serious interest in veterinary medicine or animal science-related careers. The Veterinary Mentoring Program is an academic program that introduces students to the many areas of science that they will encounter in veterinary school. Students attend seminars one Saturday a month at which they explore various topics and learn how clinical science is used to diagnosis and treat injury and disease in animals.Veterinary Mentoring DetailsTemporarily Suspended: (next four)After School AdvocatesThe After School Advocates program empowers teens ages 13-18 to explore animal welfare issues that affect the Chicago community. After School Advocates gives participants the opportunity to gain valuable insights into animal shelter operations, positive reinforcement training, animal careers, animal abuse in the community, and animal advocacy, while learning from professionals in the field. This limited admission, 4 week programs takes place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with three sessions per year.After School Advocates DetailsJunior Crafting CrewIf you’re looking for a one-day, on-site volunteer opportunity for your group at the Society, consider signing up to for a Junior Crafting Crew! This onsite program engages youth clubs or classes to help shelter animals in a practical way by crafting enrichment projects using common everyday materials.Junior Crafting Crews DetailsShelter Service DayThe Anti-Cruelty Society welcomes teens to our Shelter Service Day! This unique volunteer opportunity occurs one Thursday per month from 4:30-6:00 p.m. Use your crafting skills to create toys and beds for the animals at The Anti-Cruelty Society so that they can stay cozy and happy while they are in our care.Shelter Service Day DetailsTeens Who CareThis program aims to provide a hands-on volunteer experience for high school youth ages 13-18. Participants will help our animals find homes by performing supportive tasks throughout the shelter departments such as cleaning, animal socialization, administrative assistance, and more.Teens Who Care DetailsVolunteering Opportunities with AnimalsWe know there are TONS of animal lovers out there who wish they could help every single animal in need. If that's you, know that, while you may not be able to help all animals, you can certainly make a difference for many right in your own community.Before looking for volunteer opportunities with animals, think about the type of involvement you want and how much time you realistically have available. For example, would you prefer working directly with animals or providing behind-the-scenes support doing administrative work or fundraising? Would you rather work in a group or do tasks you can perform alone? If you don't have a lot of time for a big commitment, volunteering for a one-time event or for two or three hours here and there can still make a difference.Once you've determined what type of volunteering you want to do and how much time you can devote to volunteering, look for volunteer opportunities with animals in your area and identify ones with missions you feel most passionate about.Below are some ideas for volunteering with animals to get you started. Many non-profit organizations that work with animals will need volunteers to help with one or more of the tasks below.Transport Animals to Appointments - Help shelter animals stay healthy by driving them to and from their vet appointments.Volunteer at a Pet Adoption Event - Shelters often organize adopt-a-thons and other events, many of which require setting up of booths, tents and displays. This is a perfect way to help out for a day if you aren't able to volunteer on a regular basis.Become a Foster Parent - Many animal shelters and rescue groups rely on caring foster parents to provide a loving home for the animals in their care. By volunteering to be a foster parent to an animal, you help keep him out of cages and kennels.Help with Laundry - Shelters go through a lot of laundry, all of which needs to be folded and put away. When volunteers help with these tasks, staff members are free to focus their efforts and attention on caring for the animals. A lot of shelters also rely on volunteers to wash the laundry, as hiring a laundry service often isn't in the budget.Use Your Photography Skills - Help animals find homes by capturing their personalities and overall adorableness with your camera. Photography can increase adoption rates, helping to save animals' lives.Become a Board Member - If you love fundraising and networking and have great management skills, consider becoming a board member at your local animal shelter.Social Media Management - Do you possess excellent social media and advertising skills? You can use these skills to bring attention to the cause of your favorite animal shelter by managing their social media accounts. Share the stories and photos of animals to help promote the shelter's cause and help more animals find homes.Sources:13 Creative Ways to Volunteer for Animal Shelters & RescuesHow Photography Can Save Pets' Lives | PetfinderVolunteer StoriesTestimonialsLocal Volunteer OpportunitiesHoliday Volunteer OpportunitiesB-Corp Partnerships5 Benefits of VolunteeringDownloadable ToolkitSimply put, volunteering your time saves precious lives.In 2018 alone, PAWS volunteers contributed a staggering 74,000 hours toward helping cats, dogs and wild animals in need.HOURS & LOCATIONSEach year, PAWS cares for more than 7,600 cats, dogs and wild animals, and we couldn’t do it without our compassionate and dedicated volunteers. Volunteers work side by side with PAWS staff caring for wildlife and companion animals and helping with education and outreach to the community. We provide the training for all volunteer positions – no prior experience required. Whether you’re feeding orphaned wildlife, helping find homes for cats and dogs, or contributing to the success of an event, you can play an important role in the life-saving work of PAWS.Ready to volunteer?Become a volunteerAre you looking to help animals in need, feel inspired, and meet like-minded animal lovers? Find the requirements for volunteering at PAWS and how to get started.LEARN MOREVolunteer opportunitiesFrom feeding baby birds at the PAWS Wildlife Center to making donor thank you calls from your home, PAWS has volunteer positions for anyone who wants to make a difference. Check out the many opportunities and get involved today!LEARN MOREInternships and externshipsPAWS has a variety of opportunities for those wanting to gain hands-on experience in the fields of companion animal sheltering, wildlife rehabilitation, veterinary medicine, and outreach/education.LEARN MOREPopular Ways to Volunteer with AnimalsLending a hand at the local animal shelter may be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about volunteering with animals, but there are tons of different settings and roles beyond the shelter for prospective volunteers to explore. Wild and domestic animals alike need help from human volunteers, and even those who want to help animals without handling them directly can find their niche.Explore Animal Volunteer PathsAnimal Shelter VolunteeringFostering Pets in Your HomeAgricultural Animal VolunteeringVolunteering with a Therapy PetVolunteering in Wildlife ConservationVolunteering with Animals Abroad1Animal Shelter VolunteeringApproximately 6.5 million animals enter shelters annually according to the ASPCA. Caring for and homing shelter animals is a collaborative effort, so volunteers are needed to fill many different types of roles. Hands-on behavior modification, animal handling at off-site adoption events, educational outreach, groundskeeping, veterinary transportation, photography, administrative work and everything in between are crucial to the success of animal shelters and their furry residents.Common Volunteer Tasks & ResponsibilitiesSocializing catsWalking, running and playing with dogsTraining and behavior modificationBathing and groomingTransporting animals to vet appointments and adoption eventsCleaning and maintaining groundsCommunity outreach and educationWorking in the shelter retail storeWorking off-site adoption and fundraising eventsAdministrative and office workPet photographyGathering background data on adoptable animals through observation and interactionYou’re a good fit for this type of volunteering if …You’re at least 16-18 years old, depending on the volunteer positionYou can commit to a consistent volunteer scheduleYou can bend, lift and spend multiple hours on your feetYou work well with people as well as animalsYou communicate effectively in person and via email and textYou enjoy hands-on workReal-Life Animal Shelter Volunteer ProgramsVolunteer programs will vary from shelter to shelter, but the following examples of real-world programs can give future volunteers an idea of the opportunities that may be available in their area. Volunteers can find a program type that aligns with their interests, skills, and schedules and ask their local shelter if they have similar opportunities available.Animal Shelter Group VolunteeringGroup volunteering opportunities are great for students, office teams, clubs and other small organizations to lend a hand and build comradery. These are typically single sessions that last a few hours. Group volunteering at the Oregon Humane Society is open to small and large groups and can entail socializing animals and maintaining grounds.Youth Volunteer ProgramWhile many opportunities require volunteers to be at least 18 years old, many shelters have youth programs that allow kids and teens to help out in a variety of capacities. At Lucky Dog Animal Rescue in Virginia, youth volunteers can participate in adoption events and help with administrative work in the shelter office. Fundraising, educational camps and even birthday parties where kids make treats and toys to donate to the shelter make for hands-on volunteer opportunities off-site, too.Animal PhotographyShelter animals often get a quick photo snapped when they enter the shelter to help them get adopted, but these animals are often scared and uncertain when they first enter a shelter. Volunteer photographers play a key role in taking nice photos that make shelter pets look more appealing to prospective adopters. Photographers, like the ones at Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA, may also take photos at special events.Off-Site Adoption Events & Special EventsOrphans of the Storm shelter in Illinois notes the unique impact off-site and special event volunteers have on getting animals adopted. Volunteers develop relationships with animals outside of a shelter environment, get to know their histories and personalities and hype them up to potential adopters who either can’t or prefer not to visit shelters directly.Retail or Thrift Store VolunteeringShelters often have a retail component to help fund shelter operations. Volunteers may help out in these stores, taking in and selling merchandise. The Humane Society for Southwest Washington’s ReTails Store has been consistently voted the best thrift store in Clark County thanks to its volunteers, and proceeds go to help the shelter’s animals in need.Reading with RescuesReading programs are nice ways for kids to spend time with animals who can benefit from the soothing effects of a human voice and company. Kids can also gain confidence in their reading and speaking skills since animals are a non-judgmental audience. Minnesota’s Animal Humane Society Rescue Readers program offers a low-cost season pass for young readers who want to visit regularly.Teaching Animals Basic Behavior SkillsEast Bay SPCA puts a strong emphasis on behavior modification to help animals get adopted faster and thrive in loving homes. After receiving training, volunteers help in training, socialization and enriching animals during their shelter stay.Exercising PetsAnimals in shelters don’t usually have the ability to roam freely and get exercise on their own, so they rely on volunteers to help them stay healthy. Pet exercise can include walking dogs, running with high-energy dogs, playing with cats, and helping prospective adoptees burn off excess energy during adoption events. The San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter’s Pet Project Foundation even has volunteers who set up safe exercise pens for their rabbit residents.2Fostering Pets in Your HomePet foster parents are essential players in the animal adoption and shelter system. When shelters don’t have room for new animal intakes, or they have animals who could benefit from being in a temporary home rather than a shelter, foster parents step in and open their homes to hundreds of thousands of pets each year. Keeping animals in foster homes rather than shelters gives them a chance to let their true personalities come out, which is key in finding permanent homes. The Fairfax County Animal Shelter in Virginia found that after placing 52 dogs thought to have behavioral problems in foster homes, 90 percent turned out to be normal and were adopted within a month. The shelter environment was simply too stressful. Foster homes are needed for all types of animals, not just stressed dogs, so it may be a great option for people who like the idea of having a significant impact on animals without the long-term commitment.Common Volunteer Tasks & ResponsibilitiesUnderstand the individual needs of your foster pet and ensure you can meet themProvide basic care, including exercise and vet visits, as well as a safe and loving homeSocialize foster pets with other animalsWork on trainingTake pictures of your foster pet to help them get adoptedLearn about your foster pet’s personality and behavior and talk about them to potential adoptersYou’re a good fit for this type of volunteering if …You want a flexible way to help animalsYou like caring for animals but don’t want or are unable to take on the full commitment of a permanent petYou can commit to care responsibilities for different animals, like walking dogs, administering medication, or nursing kittens.You have experience training animalsYou are patient and empatheticYou are able to promote your foster pets to help them get adoptedSources & Further ReadingBestFriends.org – Pet Fostering Q&AFoster Dogs, Inc. – Know Your Role as a Foster ParentOneGreenPlanet – Why Fostering Dogs and Cats is So Important and How to Get InvolvedPetFinder – Before You FosterPetFinder – How to Prepare Your Home for a Foster Pet3Volunteering with Animals in Agricultural SettingsThere are many opportunities for people to volunteer in agricultural settings, particularly at farm sanctuaries. These sanctuaries provide care and enrichment for animals who have escaped or been rescued from factory farms or other inhumane animal agriculture facilities. There are farm sanctuaries around the country, but since they strive to let animals live out their lives in the most natural way possible, more opportunities exist in rural areas, where animals have space to roam freely. Volunteers typically help with animal care, grounds maintenance and guided tours and education for the public.Common Volunteer Tasks & ResponsibilitiesBarn cleaningGrounds maintenance and minor repairsFeeding, cleaning and providing other care for animals in the shelter’s hospitalHospital chores, like cleaning and laundryFeeding barn animals and cleaning troughs and food dishesEgg collectingAdministrative supportPublic educationGuiding toursRunning the gift shop or visitor’s centerAssisting with special eventsAnswering visitor questionsYou’re a good fit for this type of volunteering if …You meet minimum age requirements or plan to volunteer with an adult parent or guardianYou can work in all types of weatherYou are physically fitYou are interested in volunteering on a regular basisYou are invested in the welfare of agricultural animalsSources & Further ReadingOneGreenPlanet – 10 Farm Sanctuaries in the U.S. That Are Great For VolunteeringThe Farm Sanctuary4Volunteering with a Therapy PetUnlike the other volunteer opportunities addressed here, where volunteers help with animals that live in sanctuaries or don’t have permanent homes, volunteering with a therapy pet typically involves pet owners working with their own pet to help people in their community. Therapy pets can play many helpful roles, like helping young students learn to read, relieving college student stress, calming nervous fliers at airports or enriching patients at hospitals and residents of elder care facilities.Common Volunteer Tasks & ResponsibilitiesParticipate in handler trainingParticipate in regular therapy pet training, including the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen training for dogsTalk with visiting people while remaining attentive to their petVisit hospitals, schools, assisted living facilities, airports and other participating locationsEnsure that both human and animal participants are calm and safeYou’re a good fit for this type of volunteering if …You have a well-behaved pet, and you work well togetherYou can commit to trainingYou can pass a criminal background checkYou and your therapy pet can commit to regular visits to participating organizationsYou are okay with others touching and interacting with your petSources & Further ReadingAKC Recognized Therapy Dog OrganizationsAlliance of Therapy DogsK9to5 National Therapy Dog RegistryLove on a LeashPet Partners Therapy Animal Program5Volunteering in Wildlife ConservationVolunteers can play important roles in animal care and wildlife conservation, both directly and indirectly. There’s a huge range of volunteering opportunities where you can help protect wildlife. Some volunteers may work in enclosed wildlife sanctuaries, caring for animals that can’t survive in the wild, while others may work in fish hatcheries or nature refuges ensuring animals can continue thriving in the wild.Common Volunteer Tasks & ResponsibilitiesVisitor educationWorking in the retail shop or visitor centerGrounds maintenance and restorationFeeding and food preparationCleaning enclosuresCommunity outreachGrant writing and fundraisingObservation and data gatheringSpecial events coordinationRehabilitation and medical carePreparing animals and facilities for seasonal changesYou’re a good fit for this type of volunteering if …You can meet the physical demands of volunteer work, such as lifting heavy objects, bending, twisting and navigating different terrainsYou are comfortable working on different types of tasks as neededYou can commit to training and a consistent volunteer scheduleYou can work in different climates and types of weatherYou communicate effectively with visitors and fellow volunteersSources & Further ReadingCalifornia Wildlife Center – Become a VolunteerU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – VolunteersAnimal Ark Volunteer Program6Volunteering with Animals AbroadVolunteering with animals can be a global adventure. Wildlife and domestic animal populations around the world can benefit from volunteer efforts in a range of capacities, from caring for street dogs to making sure that newly hatched sea turtles survive the dangerous journey from beach to ocean. Because of the incredible breadth of ecosystems, animals, organizations, and needs around the world, international volunteers can offer specialized aid that they may not be able to provide in the U.S. Upon returning home, volunteers can continue spreading awareness of global ecological and animal welfare issues and apply their skills in local settings, too.You’re a good fit for this type of volunteering if …You have a passportYou are at least 18 years old or will be traveling with a parent or volunteer organizationYou are interested in ethical volunteerism abroad, not just social media cloutYou are flexible and adaptableYou can pay travel feesYou can get any requisite vaccinesYou can work in all weather conditions4 Rewarding Ways to Volunteer with Animals AbroadBecause there are so many ways to volunteer with animals abroad, you may find it helpful to narrow your focus to one of the following areas of interest before seeking volunteer positions.Wildlife Sanctuary VolunteeringWildlife sanctuary volunteers help care for sick, injured and orphaned wild animals. Volunteers can work with a wide range of indigenous wildlife in a single area, which makes sanctuary volunteering unique and exciting. Some sanctuaries focus on rehabilitation and release into the wild while others care for animals through the remainder of their lives. Australia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Costa Rica are popular wildlife conservation destinations.Volunteering with Street AnimalsMany areas around the world do not have the resources to care for and house homeless animals. International animal care volunteers typically provide care to street dogs, but opportunities to work with other animals may be available as well. Volunteers generally feed, wash and play with street animals and may help shelter staff with cleaning facilities and providing medical care to animals. Opportunities are common throughout Asia and South America.Volunteering with Marine LifeCoastal regions around the world need volunteers to help preserve and study turtle populations and collect data on reefs, fish and other aquatic life. Volunteers may go on deep dives, comb beaches or help in rehabilitation and care facilities. Marine life volunteer opportunities are common in Costa Rica, Seychelles, Thailand, Fiji, Sri Lanka and Mexico, but opportunities are available in many other island and coastal areas.Farm and Livestock CareThose who volunteer on farms abroad often do a combination of animal care and farming work. Volunteers may learn about sustainable farming practices and help ensure animals are fed and tended. Volunteers may herd goats, milk cows and gather eggs as well as build and repair farm buildings and infrastructure. Farm and livestock opportunities are available in Thailand, Kenya and Nepal.Examples of Animal Volunteering Abroad ProgramsAustralia – Wildlife Animal SanctuaryVolunteers help out at Walkabout Wildlife Park, a wildlife sanctuary and Aboriginal cultural site, for 1 to 4 weeks. Volunteers spend half their on-site time working directly with animals and half maintaining sanctuary grounds. They have weekends free to explore the surrounding areas. Living accommodations are provided on-site.Location(s): Calga, AustraliaGet more infoAnimal Care/Animal Rights in GuatemalaAnimal care volunteers are placed in high-demand facilities, including dog and cat shelters, exotic animal refuges and veterinary clinics, and may perform many basic care duties. The facilities commonly rely on volunteers to clean enclosures, help with vet care, bathe and play with animals and work on small construction projects. Volunteers live with host families during their stay.Location(s): Antigua, GuatemalaGet more infoElephant and Endangered Sea Turtle Coastal Conservation in ThailandVolunteers can have a direct impact on two endangered species: the green sea turtle and the Asian elephant. The program begins on Thailand’s southern coast, where volunteers work with turtle conservation groups, like turtle nurseries. Then volunteers head to northern Thailand to help trainers reintroduce Asian elephants to semi-wild habitats.Location(s): Chiang Mai, Thailand and Phang Nga, ThailandGet more infoMarine and Coast Conservation Volunteer Program in SpainThis volunteer opportunity involves working with marine wildlife as well as studying coastal plants and animals nearby. Volunteer work focuses heavily on gathering data and monitoring wildlife like whales, turtles, dolphins and seabirds. Volunteers also help improve wetland ecosystems and work on underwater and beach cleanups.Location(s): Denia, SpainGet more infoThe Little Farm Friendly ProjectFarm volunteers assist with both animal care and sustainable agricultural work. Animal-focused duties can be hands-on, like feeding, bathing and raising, but volunteers also help with building enclosures and cleaning up after animals. Simple living accommodations are provided along with two meals per day. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one week of work.Location(s): Ratchaburi, ThailandGet more infoHow and Where to Find Animal Volunteer OpportunitiesOnce you’ve decided how you want to volunteer with animals, it can sometimes be difficult finding organizations and programs that are located nearby and/or offer the exact type of volunteer work you’re looking for. Here are some tips and resources for tracking down the perfect animal volunteering opportunity.Look online for animal volunteering opportunitiesWhether going directly to an organization’s website to check their volunteer positions or searching through a volunteer database, looking online can be a great way to find a wide range of animal volunteer options. These websites can get you started in your search:Best Friends National Network: Find a Best Friends volunteer program in your area, or search for a Best Friends Network partner.The Humane Society of the United States: Search for over 60 types of Humane Society animal volunteer opportunities across the United States.Vet Set Go: Vet Set Go is a resource aimed at aspiring veterinarians, but anyone can use their volunteer opportunity search tool.Audubon Society – Audubon Near You: Ornithological enthusiasts may want to hone in on bird-specific volunteer opportunities. Local Audubon societies are a great resource.GoEco – Animal Volunteer Opportunities: Discover a range of opportunities to volunteer with animals abroad and read past volunteers’ experiences.Volunteer.gov: Get involved in government-sponsored wildlife and conservation volunteer projects through http://volunteer.gov.VolunteerMatch: VolunteerMatch is an extensive database of open volunteer positions. Narrow your search to find animal-focused opportunities in your area.GoAbroad – Animal Welfare Volunteer Programs Abroad: A popular resource for international teachers, GoAbroad also helps connect volunteers with animal welfare projects around the world.Petfinder: Unfamiliar with shelters in your area? Petfinder’s shelters and rescues search can help you find a place to volunteer.ASPCA: Learn about and find ASPCA volunteer opportunities by location and area of interest.International Volunteer HQ – Wildlife and Animal Care: International Volunteer HQ facilitates many animal volunteer opportunities abroad and provides helpful information to future volunteers.World Animal Net Directory: Search for animal protection agencies domestically and abroad to help narrow your volunteer opportunity search.Corporation for National and Community Service: This government resource helps volunteers find local opportunities in their area of interest.The Nature Conservancy – Volunteer and Attend Events: Find events and ways to volunteer with The Nature Conservancy, which has chapters around the country.Projects Abroad: Find international volunteering opportunities focused on conservation, animal care, marine life and more.Oceans 2 Earth: Oceans 2 Earth is a nonprofit organization that works exclusively with wildlife habitat conservation and animal welfare organizations around the world.Inquire in-person about volunteer needs near youStopping by an organization in person can often be the most direct way to get information about different volunteer positions. Staff or volunteer coordinators may even be able to give prospective volunteers more detailed information in person. Consider asking about opportunities by visiting a variety of places within your community, including:Animal sheltersWildlife sanctuaries and refugesVeterinary officesConservation organizationsFarm sanctuariesAnimal rehabilitation centersLocal fish and wildlife department or parks and recreation departmentHospitalsAnimal Volunteering ChecklistVolunteering with animals can be exciting and you may be eager to get started, but volunteers typically have to do some prep work before they can lend a hand. Specific procedures vary by organization, but these steps can help potential volunteers get ready to work with animals in need.Research the volunteer requirements and responsibilitiesBefore settling on an opportunity, prospective volunteers need to make sure they meet the position’s requirements and can fulfill all responsibilities. Volunteer coordinators can help potential volunteers find positions at their organizations that may be a good fit.Fill out a volunteer applicationVolunteer applications may be available online or at the volunteer organization. Applications often include requirements, codes of conduct and liability waivers, so be sure to carefully fill out and read through the form.Pay volunteer feesDepending on the organization, volunteers may have to pay a fee. For local organizations, this may cover training and supplies. International volunteering fees may be greater but can cover room, board, and extracurricular activities.Complete a background check, if requiredSome organizations require background checks. Background checks can take a while to process and may require an additional fee, so be sure to inquire about this when researching volunteer requirements.Attend any required volunteer trainingMost organizations require volunteers to attend training sessions before letting them help out. These training sessions are essential in preparing volunteers to provide the best help they can.Get ready to volunteer!Depending on how you volunteer, this can be as simple as putting on animal-friendly clothes or considerably more involved. Fosters, for instance, need to prepare their house for their new animals. International volunteers may need to get passports and vaccines squared away. Careful research and planning can make for a smooth and rewarding volunteer experience.IAdditional Resources and Reading for Volunteering with AnimalsVeterinary Volunteer: 4 Great Ways to Start Volunteering with Animals TodayHumane Society of the United States: What to Know Before You VolunteerWhy We Need More Animal VolunteersSo You Want to Be a Photographer in an Animal Shelter?How to Get Your Dream Job Working in Animal ConservationHow Animal Rescue Volunteers Create Happily Ever AftersAfter that… read through all these articles that I wrote on related subjects. You should find some helpful info in at least a few of these.Stefan Pociask's answer to How can I learn more about nature?Stefan Pociask's answer to Would volunteering at wildlife/nature centers improve my chances of getting a job working with birds?Stefan Pociask's answer to How hard is it to get a job in wildlife conservation? (US)Stefan Pociask's answer to How do you start a career in wildlife conservation?Stefan Pociask's answer to Where can I interact with animals in the wild, and contribute to their well-being?Stefan Pociask's answer to What is it like to be a birds-of-prey rehabilitation specialist?Take any job you can find, even the dirty ones that aren’t as popular… like cleaning trash from a river or riparian area. You will get a good reputation that way, and more and better things will come your way. Good luck!EDIT: ARRGH! I just checked google maps, and this is what has become of my beautiful wilderness full of Bald Eagles and endangered Gopher Tortoises and Indigo Snakes:Ah, well… we gave them a couple of extra decades I guess : (Some final excellent suggestions for you:Wildlife Rehabs. Do some research in your area, and I’m sure you can find at least one of several types of Rehabilitation Centers. Near me I have a Waterfowl Rescue, a Raptor Center and several Wildlife Rehab Centers. There are all sorts of Rehabs specializing in many different things, depending on where you live. You will get to interact with wild animals when they need you most, and when the time comes for them to be set free, you will interact with them when you go to release them into the wild. It’s very satisfying.BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Contact your local office and ask what types of field work opportunities they might have that you can volunteer your time to.Your State Wildlife agency. Same as above. Ask about volunteer opportunities.USFWS. Again, ask for volunteer opportunities.Local Universities. There are often grad students looking for volunteers to help them with projects. Check Natural Resources departments, or Wildlife Biology departments.Call these places and put your name on all their lists. Someone will eventually call you. Enjoy!Now… all you have to do is stop just reading about it, follow up on these websites… … contact them until you find one in your area that needs you… get up off your quarantined butt… and DO something!SO… THOSE ARE A FEW THAT SHOULD GET YOU STARTED!! GOOD LUCK!

who i wish i were sometimes: 1. reasonable  2. generous  3. innocent 4. submissive 5. appreciative  6. responsive 7. understanding 8. tender 9. affectionate  10. authentic 11. compassionate 12. careful who i wish i weren’t sometimes: 1. contrived 2. dogmatic 3. shrewd 4. bloody-minded  5. fierce 6. quarrelsome  7. frivolous 8. hypocritical 9. tough 10. critical 11. powerful 12. artful things i wish i could do at my age (despite my condition): 1. traveling to another country by myself (because one time me and my family travelled with lots of other people from the youth church we used to go to. it was awful because there was too much conflict, too much tension, not enough positivity, a lot of fighting and arguing, so many disagreements, misunderstandings and unexpressed hurt feelings, not being honest, denying a lot of deep rooted problems left unsolved, feeling jealous and resentful of each other, shouting, angrily emotional outbursts, cursing, crying and slamming doors. it was a mess. now, my family and i travel alone with no unexpected changes, no harassment, no disturbances and no drama but peace, quiet and love. 2. leaving college before i turn 20 (but it is a bit late now because i’m 20 already and we’ve been in lockdown for like 3 months now and by the time we all go back to school, college and work, i’m still basically going to be going to college, even if perhaps it’s for the last 2 months before we all break up for the summer holidays again. sigh.) 3. wearing different types of hairstyles, hair colours, clothes, shoes, bags, jewellery, foods, drinks and luxuries, nothing that i don’t like (and not care about what others say, do or think) 4. run around the house naked once or twice in a while (if i want) and not get told off or confronted for it or being spoken about in private by others, secretly recorded or noted down somewhere 5. talk to myself while figuring certain things out on my own that usually people my age are not meant to have any issues, difficulties or problems doing. without seeking any help, assurance or attention, i have to make sure i know what to do, how, when, where, why, who to do it with, who not to do it with and whether it’s better for me to ask for help or to do it alone, or people would just assume that i never payed attention at school. (without anyone asking why i talk to myself because it’s weird, it isn’t normal and no-one else does it and if i know that no-one else does it, then why should i?) the thing is, i only sometimes do it and every time i do it, it’s only as my own copying mechanism to do something really hard when i’m in desperate need for help but at the same time, i know that i have to start being more dependent on myself and not rely on other people too much because everyone else has their own problems 6. when i have no social life whatsoever, i could play an online game to win special and unique gifts and donate unwanted things to earn money and use the money to apply for a job suitable for me and my level of ability. as soon as i start working, i could go to work 5 days a week on weekdays and on the weekends, i could read my favourite story books, bake and watch my favourite films on netflix. 7. whenever i know what kind of bullshit that’s going on about me between other people that when they see me walk through the door or walk pass them anywhere, they smirk when they say hello or ask how i am. i unfortunately can’t help smile and laugh with them because it does feel nice to joke around about things, even when the joke is on me. but deep down on the inside, i was feeling so offended, rushed, defeated, outsmarted, consumed, manipulated, shocked, surprised, confused, disgraced, disgusted, played, betrayed, bullied, replaced, hurt and embarrassed. i looked pissed off for a while but holding the tears and the inner feelings in very tight was so easy, i just appeared angry, like my ego was somehow tested, kind of like i was going to be upfront, cheeky, vocal and direct about my feelings by being confrontational and unforgiving but i decided to behave in a really awkward, cringeworthy way to the point that it seems as if i’m upset for no particular reason 8. even if at times i’m wearing old-fashioned, modern, classic but trendy clothes to look beautiful but people become jealous and envious but curious about it and say that it makes me look like a 90 year old, offending other people, i will just simply ignore it, even if the comment causes me to feel insecure because it’s a sign of pure hatred towards someone else who has no problem with looking after themselves when no-one else is living with them to help them pay for the rent and if another person was living with them, they still get judged for it 9. those terrible moments in life when i sense that there is so much going on but sadly, i will have to play dumb just to stay out of trouble instead of to be my usual honest self and tell a trustworthy person about it to stop it from escalating, without coming off as fake, multi-faceted or hypocritical. this is mainly because i know how wrong and unacceptable it is to tell on others and not have any evidence or proof of what it is you’re talking about and that is not something that i am prone to doing, even though i‘m always being accused of doing that because every single time i mention the things i notice, it usually all disappears before i even get the chance to explain how it even happened in the first place, even if i am being honest. if i know the false things told to one another is about me or concerning another person i am close to, iy will talk and call the gossipers out who try to create blame for the innocent and vulnerable people who have nothing to do with what it is they’re accusing them of and not intentionally start a fight of any kind but my stubborn nature will cause me to be able to stand my ground, even if the dirt-filled conversation ends with one of my legs broken, a purple eye or a stiff neck. i don’t care. my pure, clean, honest, open friendships that were kept genuine for years will always stay like that, even if one of us sacrifices our lives for the other one of us or for both of us and it means a lot more to me than a stupid fight that was obviously caused by constant endless negative cycles of feelings of loving to hate on genuine people if the relationships aren’t even genuine or faithful in any way, except from just being pessimistic and selfish all the time  10. okay i know that during our breaks off school, work, college and other forms of education is closed in between january 1st and december 31st, i should definitely go home to spend some more family bond time so that when we grow old, our relationships will still remain strong and genuine, otherwise my life is over. during easter, christmas, mother’s day, father’s day, each other’s birthdays, pancake day, guy fawkes day, christmas eve and other lovely times in the academic school year, we should all definitely meet up for some time and get to know each other better, despite living together for long enough to know each other and what we’re like inside out, to always have each other’s backs no matter how difficult the things we experience in life can be or even the changes we all have to accept and not interfering in each other’s personal and private lives and the relationships we have with our husbands and wives. we can also take los of pictures to add to the ones we already took several years back to remember as lots of special memories that will always stay in our hearts, minds and souls forever and ever 11. when we have children after giving birth to them in the hospital, we will be very nice, friendly, patient, considerate and to be gentle. we will be empathetic with them as they make their first choice or decision in life, as soon as they’re capable enough to crawl from the kitchen to the bathroom, as soon as they can say their alphabet or count from 1 to 10, when they can put the spoon into their mouth, when they can sit on their potty to wee and flush the toilet without having an accident, when they can easily say “mummy and daddy”, when they enjoy the taste of their mother’s breastmilk, when they share their toys and books with the other boys and girls at school and they like peace and quiet while everyone else is being loud and noisy, causing trouble in the school playground. what about when they grow older and the other kids start pulling at their hair, stealing their special self-help book for the test they’ve been feeling petrified about for weeks out of their school bag when their back is turned? or if a random year 6 student out of nowhere starts harassing them and because they’re sill so small from the infants part of the school and they have no clue what to do or say and if they should tell a teacher or caretaker to stop it, they start to run away crying and it looks so sad but you’ll always find at least 1 person laughing… imagine that happening in the lunch hall. that would be so humiliating. or maybe the other boys and girls in their school are not mean or nasty to them but are rather more friendly and wants to play. Will the teacher treat your son or daughter like they are better than the rest or will the teacher belittle them and make them feel guilty for being different or for having difficulties doing certain things that are easy for the others in class?