If you wish to become a volunteer with ANAA and are willing to undertake a serious and responsible commitment, dedicating both time and effort, so that hundreds of animal may obtain the care they need and the home they deserve, then read on… What is a volunteer? The first thing you should know is that a volunteer is someone who, by personal choice and for ideological, ethical, moral or other specific reasons, has decided to dedicate part of his or her time, work and resources to a compassionate and altruistic activity, for which no economic compensation will be received, except for the satisfaction, skill, experience and human relationships, together with other personal benefits, acquired on the job. VOLUNTEERS’ RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS Rights Volunteers have the right to: - Receive information, training, advice, support and, when required, any necessary materials for the exercise of the responsibilities assigned to them. - Receive a treatment of non-discrimination, respect for individual freedom, dignity, intimacy and beliefs. - Actively participate, within the association, in the elaboration, design, execution and evaluation of programmes, as contemplated in the By-laws or rules of application. - Insurance coverage, of the nature and insured capital as established by law, against risk of accident and illness as a direct result of the exercise of the aforementioned voluntary activity. - Credentials stipulating the status of voluntary worker. - Conduct his or her activity in adequate safety and health conditions depending on the nature of work and requirements of tasks performed. - Receive respect and recognition for the social value of his or her contribution. Obligations Volunteers have the obligation to: - Know and respect the ideals, By-laws, objectives, programmes, rules and regulations and work methods pertaining to the association. - Respect the association and not use it for their own benefit. - Abide by principles of confidentiality and discretion. - Make responsible use of the material goods placed at their disposal by the association. - Make correct use of the credentials granted them by the association. - Break off their collaboration if the association justifiably so requests. - Freely and loyally commit themselves to diligently fulfilling the commitments they have accepted and performing the tasks they are allotted. - Request and participate in training activities. - Seek information with regard to the tasks and responsibilities to be undertaken before assuming any commitment, and be sure they have sufficient time and energy for same. - If they wish to withdraw their services, inform accordingly with sufficient notice to avoid damaging the interests of the animals or the association. - Maintain an open and cooperative attitude towards any indications issued by the association. - Offer an imaginative participation in the association. - Report on any of the animals’ needs that go unattended, or deficiencies in applying any of the scheduled programmes. - Inform if any programme is deemed inappropriate or ineffective. - Report on any faults or irregularities that may be detected. Some of the activities conducted by volunteers All the association’s activities are conducted by volunteers themselves, or with their support. These are just some of the tasks performed. - Running and maintaining the organisation. - Planning, management and development of projects and events, etc. - Procurement of funds and resources. - Publicising and raising public awareness. - Interviewing, orientation and advice to future adopters and follow-up on adopted animals. - Direct attention to the animal inmates. - Managing and maintenance of installations at the re-homing centre, the ANAA website, computer systems, and the association’s other material resources. Qualifications required of a volunteer Goodwill alone is not sufficient to become an ANAA volunteer. Certain basic requirements are necessary to guarantee that you can offer the help needed, and not prove a hindrance or damage the association’s work and the successful fulfilment of its objectives. These minimum requirements are as follows: - Volunteers must be over 18 years old Anyone between 16 and 18 years old must have written authorisation from a parent or a responsible adult. Those under 16 may only help in the company of a volunteer, be this a parent or legal tutor, and under that person’s sole responsibility. - A strong sense of responsibility and commitment. - Time and Continuity: Being a volunteer is not a summer pastime or a hobby; if you have not sufficient time for continuous dedication to your work as a volunteer, it would be better for you to seek another means of cooperation. - Attendance at a training course for volunteers: these courses are held on the first and second Saturdays of the month (information in the Activities section). - Acceptance of ANAA policies, rules of organisation and work methods (ANAA is a private association, reserving the right of admission and expulsion of its volunteers). - Signing of a volunteers contract. If you are a professional lawyer or IT expert, or you work in organising events, or have experience in any other profession or activity, and would like to collaborate with us, you may do so from home or your workplace. All you have to do is contact us and offer your experience for the benefit of our animals. E-mail address for information about volunteer work: voluntarios@anaaweb.org