CCQ Spring 2023

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM UPDATES

Volunteers are the backbone of Cat Care Society, providing invaluable support to our daily operations and care for cats while engaging the greater community. Without the help of our nearly 200 volunteers, we simply couldn’t have the impact that we do. We are so grateful for every single person that has helped us throughout our 40-year history.

The volunteer program here has been strong for years, though COVID brought about some changes to the positions available to those giving their time. As our organization continues to evolve and adapt, we are excited to share a few updates to the volunteer program.

While most of the volunteer roles in the past have centered around hands-on caring for the cats and assisting at events, we have been working hard at finding new ways to engage volunteers and provide much-needed relief to our shelter staff. Some of these roles will leverage volunteers’ time to serve as adoptions assistants, lobby attendants, phone support to check in with adopters, and offer professional skills. We now have a street team helping to help raise awareness of CCS, hanging posters around town and arranging fundraisers. We are also looking for a street team for our Catty Hour events to help recruit both host destinations and attendees, and raise further awareness.

Interested volunteers can also expect a new streamlined application process. Now, there will be set dates where applications are open for two weeks every other month, which allows time for onboarding and ensures volunteers start in groups, with tasks and staff ready to welcome them.

All new volunteers will also now go through formal trainings for cat handling and behavior and receive an updated handbook detailing rules and guidelines, plus individualized training for their role. We believe this will provide additional support for volunteers and set them up for success.

If you’re interested in volunteering, applications will be open from June 1-15 at www.catcaresociety.org/volunteer.