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IDA’s Animal Activist Helpline

IDA’s Animal Activist Helpline

 

IDA’s Animal Activist Helpline – Volunteers Needed

Position 1: Animal Activist Mentor

In April 2015, In Defense of Animals (IDA) launched the Animal Activist Mentor Line, offering guidance and self-help resources for animal activists. IDA volunteers and staff currently operate the Mentor Line remotely. Our goal is to help animal activists gain clarity on their missions, work effectively and efficiently, create successful and satisfying careers, balance activism with the rest of their life, and avoid (or heal from) burnout and trauma.

This nationwide service (also available in Canada) is free, confidential, and available via phone or email. Hours of operation are Monday – Friday 8 am-8 pm PST and 11 am-11 pm EST.

Seeking Volunteers:

We are seeking adult volunteer Mentors with a background in psychology or animal rights activism. Volunteers must be empathetic, non-judgmental, and able to fulfill one three-hour shift per week. We offer a variety of shift options, including evenings and weekends. Although you may not be answering calls during your entire shift, we ask that you are available to respond to calls and emails during your assigned shift.

You will need an Internet connection, computer access, and personal phone for this volunteer position. Mentors answer calls from home, directed to them via a Toll Free number. An answering service connects the caller to the counselor to maintain confidentiality. Counselors choose their desired three-hour shift according to their personal schedules.

Volunteer Training:

Volunteer counselors will participate in free online training and will receive a downloadable Mentor handbook. During the training program, Mentors will learn how to focus on the caller, listen effectively, problem solve, gain rapport, and provide the caller with emotional support and community resources to address their situation over the long-term. Mentors receive a Para-professional Certificate of Completion upon taking the training course. Letters of recommendation are available after 20 hours of volunteer service.

How to Apply:

To submit your volunteer application please email lisa@idausa.org, attach your completed application form, and your resume. Once we review your materials, we will contact you and arrange an online meeting where you can ask questions.

Position 2: Animal Activist Ambassador

IDA is looking for friendly, outgoing Animal Activist Ambassadors. You must be comfortable speaking to fellow animal activists, participate in activist Meetups, events, and protests or online groups/forums. As an Animal Activist Ambassador, you will be speaking and answering questions about our support services. For information about our Animal Activist Mentor Line, please visit: www.idausa.org/mentor.

Responsibilities

  • Provide information on IDA’s Mentor support services
  • Create a positive image and encourage fellow animal activists to contact our Mentor Line
  • Distribute flyers at in-person events, vegetarian/vegan restaurants, and share Helpline graphics and links on social media
  • Understand and interpret activist’s needs
  • Report on in-person event information (interest level, questions asked, number of flyers distributed, etc.)

Requirements

  • Ability to understand activist’s needs and interact with varied personalities
  • Strong listening, communication, presentation, and social skills

How to Apply

If you are interested in volunteering for this position, please email: lisa@idausa.org

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