Animal Welfare Professionals

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  • 1.  Assessing /Igniting the Volunteer Base

    Posted 03-18-2023 05:06 AM

    We have a stand-alone "members only" facebook page for our volunteer base which currently has 162 members. We add people to the group when they complete volunteer orientation. We use the page to spread good news, to provide a forum for their questions, and to publicize "asks" (transport for a weekend TNR project, fosters, warm bodies for the community market stall etc.)

    Only 15-20 of those are active. The same 15-20 respond to calls, post news and questions, share animal pics etc. 

    How do we/should we "weed out" that group's membership so we have a better idea of how much support we really have before we commit to further community projects/outreach? We don't want to just dump "sleepers" but 162 makes us think we have more resources than we really do.


    #PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)

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    BUNNY GOODJOHN
    Volunteer Grant Writer
    Central Virginia Regional Rescue
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  • 2.  RE: Assessing /Igniting the Volunteer Base

    Posted 03-19-2023 08:10 AM

    We make an occasional Facebook post on our private page that asks all volunteers and fosters to comment on the posts. If they don't comment they are subject to removal. Also if you find you can no longer tag an individual they have probably left your FB group and you can remove them from your volunteer list. Just try to be sure they are wanting to be removed and not just on a temporary hiatus due to travel or illness. Sometimes volunteers who signed up for Task A are willing to instead help with Task B and FB posts asking for hep with home checks or data entry will attract those no longer willing to foster for example. 



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    Linda Lea
    Big Bones Canine Rescue
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  • 3.  RE: Assessing /Igniting the Volunteer Base

    Posted 03-20-2023 08:07 AM

    We do the same! I love that we have a place for our volunteers to share photos of their interactions with our dogs and cats! When you can't be there it's nice to know you have an incredible group of volunteers loving on the animals and taking as good a care of them as you would. We share pics, inspirational stories and funny memes to keep morale high! Highly recommend to all shelters and rescues to do the same. 

    As for weeding out the ones who aren't posting or responding? I don't feel the need. If they were volunteers at one point you never know when the inspiration to volunteer will strike again. Maybe they'll see a post of a dog who tugs at their heartstrings and they'll come in again to help....



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    Stacey Mach
    Grant Coordinator
    Sanilac County Humane Society
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  • 4.  RE: Assessing /Igniting the Volunteer Base

    Posted 03-20-2023 12:59 PM

    Facebook is losing popularity as a social media site, especially by younger people. And lots of people who use Facebook don't comment or post, so judging your support base by Facebook interactions isn't a good way to judge how many supporters you have. More people are using Instagram, Tiktok, and Whatsapp groups now, so you may want to ask your volunteers how they would like to share and receive information.



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    M Saucedo
    GIS Analyst
    Pets for Life
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  • 5.  RE: Assessing /Igniting the Volunteer Base

    Posted 03-21-2023 05:33 AM

    That's a great idea. I'll suggest a three or four question "preference" survey...and polish up on my whatsapp skills!



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    BUNNY GOODJOHN
    Volunteer Grant Writer
    Central Virginia Regional Rescue
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    Original Message


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