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Out of the Cage! The Blog of the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals

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Dale Musselman, shown here with Ace, is one of the dedicated volunteers who help Animal Care & Control of NYC (AC&C) provide its services and programs throughout all five boroughs of New York City. (Photo by AC&C)

Dale Musselman, shown here with Ace, is one of the dedicated volunteers who help Animal Care & Control of NYC (AC&C) provide its services and programs throughout all five boroughs of New York City.

Photo by AC&C

Out of the Cage! (August 2010)

An Invitation to Volunteer at AC&C

by Julie Bank, Executive Director, Animal Care & Control of New York City

"A volunteer is a person who is a light to others, giving witness in a mixed-up age, doing well and willingly the tasks at hand – namely, being aware of another's needs and doing something about it." – Author Unknown

"Volunteers don't get paid, not because they're worthless, but because they're priceless." – Sherry Anderson

I was introduced to the world of animal welfare over 20 years ago due to a chance encounter with a mobile pet adoption van. I saw the faces of the animals and it hit me hard, but I didn't know what I could do to help. The smart staffer saw my expression and encouraged me to become a volunteer. Honestly, I had never thought about volunteering before, but at that moment I felt compelled to fill out that form and take action. That adoption staffer changed my life and unleashed the activist in me.

I keep this story in the back of my head to remind me of the power that one person has to make a difference in this world and in an individual. If it were not for that driver, I probably would have taken a very different path in life. Although I feel that I am one of the lucky people who have been able to make animal welfare my career, I still think it's important to be a volunteer, and I continue to give of my time to various organizations and efforts. The reward that I get for volunteering is invaluable and it's a lesson I plan to teach my child as he grows. I truly believe we can make the world a better place, one person at a time, by volunteering.

AC&C would love to have you join its recently revamped volunteer program this fall! (Photo by AC&C)

AC&C would love to have you join its recently revamped volunteer program this fall!

Photo by AC&C

At Animal Care and Control of NYC (AC&C), we have an amazing group of people who act as volunteers to help our animals. Their tireless efforts and energy add so much value and support to our team that it's difficult to think how we would function without them. We need more volunteers and hope that you will consider joining our team. For the past few months, a committee of staff and volunteers has been working to revamp our volunteer program in an effort to increase our volunteer participation and opportunities, provide meaningful volunteer experiences, and add a comprehensive training program. I am excited to announce that we began rolling out our brand new program in August to our existing volunteers.

In September, we will hold new volunteer orientation and training sessions, and already have people who have expressed interest in attending. Whether you want to work hands-on with animals at the shelters or have an interest in education and outreach, there is a volunteer job for you. We have opportunities in all five boroughs. If you would like to give of your time to help the animals at AC&C, please visit our website at www.nycacc.org after September 1 for more information on opportunities and orientation dates. Volunteering your time is one of the most powerful and meaningful things that a person can do. I hope you consider AC&C for your volunteer experience!

AC&C also has several staff positions available. You can read more about these staff positions here.

 

Julie BankAbout the Author

Julie Bank is the Executive Director at Animal Care and Control of New York City (AC&C). She has over 20 years of animal welfare and non-profit management experience specializing in sheltering, education, and outreach. She shares her home with a rescued French Bull Dog named Lola, a kitty named Carmen, and Nemo the fish. To contact Julie or to learn more about AC&C, visit www.nycacc.org.