Michigan Pet Alliance is always looking for knowledgeable animal welfare advocates to lend their time to help us build and improve programs and events. Our working committees are one way to get involved and lend your expertise. There are also occasional volunteer opportunities at events and fundraisers.
Please let us know your level of volunteer interest by completing this form.
Volunteering
To remain an active volunteer in good standing, a volunteer must give their time to the organization at least once every six months. Volunteers are responsible for signing in and out at events and for reporting their volunteer hours. Volunteers must read, understand and adhere to the volunteer manual, sign the liability waiver and commit to representing the Michigan Pet Alliance in a positive light at all times.
Representing MPA in Public and with the Media
All media relations and media contact must be directed to the Michigan Pet Alliance Marketing & Communications Committee. Only approved spokespersons for the Michigan Pet Alliance may speak to the media on behalf of Michigan Pet Alliance or concerning Michigan Pet Alliance events and issues. All spokespersons must complete media training and be well versed on animal welfare issues, the organization and current animal-related news and events.
When representing Michigan Pet Alliance in the public, such as volunteering at an MPA event, all volunteers are required to conduct themselves professionally, to treat others kindly, to be polite and courteous, and to avoid any and all behavior that could be considered unbecoming to the organization. All volunteers representing the organization at events are expected to wear a Michigan Pet Alliance volunteer shirt. All clothing should be clean and appropriate (no profane language).
Reporting Grievances
Most conflict and frustration between volunteers results from a lack of communication. It is expected that adults will work out the conflict between one another through professional, respectful communication. If the conflict cannot be resolved, the volunteer should contact their supervisor and/or volunteer coordinator for assistance.
Tax Deductions
Michigan Pet Alliance encourages all volunteers to use a free tracking service or software, such as www.itsdeductible.com, to record their mileage and donations. Costs incurred from attending animal welfare trainings and conferences are tax-deductible so long as specific criteria are met:
- Conference or training is pre-approved by Michigan Pet Alliance
- Volunteer is currently active and in good standing with Michigan Pet Alliance
- Attendance is as a representative of Michigan Pet Alliance
- Learning is shared with Michigan Pet Alliance and disseminated to other active volunteers
Volunteer Rights, Responsibilities and Privileges
As a volunteer, you have the right to:
- Receive accurate information about the organization
- Receive a clear, comprehensive job description
- Be carefully interviewed and appropriately assigned
- Receive training
- Do meaningful and satisfying work
- Be seen as belonging, through inclusion at meetings, social functions, etc.
- Be seen as a person and to be supported in your role
- Be safe on the job
- Have choices and feel comfortable about saying “no”
- Not be exploited
- Be consulted on matters that directly or indirectly affect you and your work
- Receive feedback on your work
- Receive recognition for your contribution
- Have your personal information be kept confidential
- Be trusted with confidential information if it is necessary in order to do your job
As a volunteer, you are expected to:
- Be reliable and punctual
- Be trustworthy and honest
- Respect confidentiality
- Not take advantage of the organization
- Respect the rights of people you work with and the views of the organization
- Follow the rules and guidelines of the organization
- Have a non-judgmental approach
- Carry out the specified job description
- Give feedback (i.e. participate in evaluations when asked)
- Be accountable and accept feedback
- Be committed to the program and your role
- Avoid overextending yourself
- Follow through on your commitments
- Acknowledge decisions made by the leadership or the organization
- Address areas of conflict with the appropriate supervisor or volunteer coordinator
- Undertake training
- Ask for support when it is needed
- Stay safe on the job
- Respect each other, handle issues as mature adults and address grievances appropriately
- Act in a professional manner
- Positively represent the organization and communicate with one another professionally
As a volunteer, the following privileges are extended to you:
- Assistance finding training and educational opportunities
- Representation for animal welfare legislative advocacy