Hello all,
I recently started a new role at a municipal shelter that allows volunteers under 16, but only if a parent is actively supervising and participating. We often get inquiries from school-aged children who want to help the shelter but are either too young to volunteer independently or can only commit to a short period of time.
When they come in groups, I can have them and their parents sign a one-day volunteer waiver and lead a group project, such as making enrichment items. I also encourage students to organize school fundraisers and then offer them a tour when they come in to deliver the donations.
However, I'd like to expand the range of options I can suggest. I'm especially unsure what to offer individual children who can't volunteer with a parent or classmates. Because I'm required to directly supervise them at all times, I can't have them do on-site tasks unless it's part of a larger group activity.
What options do you offer for children volunteers, off-site ways to help the shelter, or for single-day volunteer opportunities?
#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)------------------------------
Anastasia Peterson
Volunteer Coordinator
Hayward Animal Services
CA
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