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Rescue Resource Network Volunteer Training |
How can I be trained as a Rescue Volunteer?
All rescues have their own procedures and policies for training volunteers. These are usually included on their volunteer application or they might have a Handbook for training in specific areas of rescue work. Inquire with the rescue group itself or the Volunteer Coordinator to read their policies or ask questions about things you do not understand. They should be willing to freely answer all questions and provide you with everything you need to be a qualified and competent volunteer.
Tips for rescue groups on training Volunteers
The following are tips for rescue groups on how to train your volunteers to ensure the safety of all humans and equines alike.
Have a questionnaire available for potential volunteers to fill out which asks them what areas they are interested in volunteering and how much experience they have (and what kind), if any, with horses. It is best if this application is easily downloaded or cut/pasted off your website so it can be sent via email (or printed and mailed) easily.
Fully review the applications of each potential volunteer and be sure to contact them all personally to discuss their application and the rescue organization with them. Even if a volunteer applicant does not meet your criteria, let them know in a polite, prfessional manner why they are not qualified to volunteer with your organization.
Set up volunteer orientation meetings and training classes for new volunteers. This can be something your Volunteer Coordinator handles. The application should allow any applicants to request specific topics be discussed at the orientation meeting. At the meetings volunteers should be expected to provide the rescue with documentation of their equine experience, if any.
From the questionnaire, personal interview and orientation meeting you should be able to ascertain where best any given volunteer would fit into the rescue organization.
For volunteers who will be dealing with paperwork, be sure they are provided with access to an email address/account associated with the rescue and be sure they are provided with stationary which has the name, address, telephone number and IRS tax ID number, if any, for the rescue. Fully explain to them the necessity of remaining professional and courteous at all times to those they have contact with in relation to the rescue.
For volunteers who will be dealing with website updates and maintenance or message forum moderation, be sure they have access to an email address/account associated with the rescue, be sure they are well informed and up to date on any information needed for the website (best to try updating at least on a weekly basis to let members, adopters, potential adopters, donors, potential donors and lurkers know what's going on), including photos/graphics plus any text and be sure they have the ability to work on the website at their convenience (by providing them with access codes or passwords). In moderating message forums, remind them they must always be professional and fair handed. Remind them they must not allow emotions to run free and must delete anything which could associate the rescue to something negative with which it is not associated. Fully explain to them the necessity of remaining professional and courteous at all times to those they have contact with in relation to the rescue.
For volunteers who will be helping with fundraising or promotion, make certain they are provided with promotional materials to give to interested parties, including flyers, adoption lists, donation applications and volunteer applications. Fully explain to them the necessity of remaining professional and courteous at all times to those they have contact with in relation to the rescue.
For volunteers who will be helping directly with the horses, set out a list of things to be done while the volunteer(s) is/are at the location horses are housed, including stall cleaning, grooming, bathing, clipping, excercising/turnout, various ranch chores and tack cleaning. Show all volunteers exactly how you want things done and ask them for any questions they might have with your methods, or any input they have about their own methods. Many volunteers might have their own way of doing things (such as stall cleaning, etc.), so you want to discuss this prior to commencing work. If you have no objections to the methods of individual volunteers, allow them to do things their own way. Be sure to have more experienced volunteers assist the newer ones. The end goal is for no humans or horses to be injured, frightened or concerned. Safety is the key!
For those volunteers who wish to provide foster care to horses at their own location, be sure you are clear in your expectations and understand completely the level of experience such volunteers have in the equine field. Likewise, be sure such volunteers fully understand what is expected of them in the care of the rescue organization's horses.
Make sure you have contracts from all volunteers, have at least three ways to contact each volunteer and emergency numbers at which to reach friends or relatives in case something unexpected happens.
You want any volunteers who represent the rescue to remember their place and their duty at all times -- the reputation of the rescue itself, it's officers and members are on the line! For reference, we have included a Sample Volunteer Handbook which can be reviewed both by rescue organizations as well as individuals interested in becoming volunteers for a rescue group.
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