Teen Volunteer Program (Saturdays)
The Teen Volunteer Program meets two Saturday mornings each month for three (3) hours. The program is geared towards students 13-17 years old who are interested in learning about domestic animals in our environment, pet care and responsibility, cat and dog behavior, animal shelters and other related issues. It is anticipated that the students will carry the knowledge they have gained back to their communities which should result in improved human/animal relations. The program involves tasks around the shelter and may include work with cats and dogs. Students receive service learning or community service hours.
PROGRAM HAS EXTENSIVE WAIT LIST. PLEASE CHECK BACK IN APRIL 2012
Requirements:
- Applicant must be between the ages of 13 and 17.
- A completed Teen Volunteer Program Application must be submitted.
- Completed waivers must be submitted.
- A telephone interview will be conducted.
- All teens must attend an orientation before volunteering.
Download the application and waivers and return them to the program coordinator by fax, email, or postal mail.
After completing an orientation, teens are able to volunteer for as many Saturdays as they choose in a flexible program. Each spring, active teen volunteers will be invited to volunteer as "cheer-leaders" during "Bark in the Park", a fun 5K walk with thousands of dogs and their owners. There will be an annual celebration to bring together all teen volunteers from the year. Participation in the program will also allow the teens to explore careers, foster empathy for animals, and promote job-readiness.
Perhaps more noteworthy than the benefits to the individual teens, is the potential benefit for the greater Chicago community. While volunteering at The Anti-Cruelty Society, teens will be learning to care for other living beings. They will be learning about the importance of empathy and compassion. Traits that make someone a good pet owner are the same traits that can help build stronger communities. If the teen volunteers go back to their communities with stronger senses of compassion, it is possible that they will spread these positive attributes in their neighborhoods; building a community of caring. During the annual celebration students that have brought humane education principles back to their schools and communities will be highlighted as examples.
To learn more about the Teen Volunteer Program, please contact Robyn Dellahousaye via e-mail.
You can download the Teen Volunteer Program application and waivers forms here.
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If you are at least 18 years of age, you can become a regular Volunteer!
