A phone and perseverance is all it takes to save an animal’s life.
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) provides teenagers the chance to make a difference through phone banking.
The goal of the Humane Society’s phone banking is to convince voters around the country to support its legislative priorities and ballot initiatives. Legislation topics vary from wildlife protection, farm animal protection, animal cruelty prevention, and companion animal issues.
Young adults who own a phone, have computer access, and are above the age of 15 are eligible to volunteer. A computer and computer skills are required so volunteers can login and view new messages and updates.
Volunteers have flexible work schedules where they are required to work for one hour on any of the seven days from a location of their choice, making it an ideal option for students.
Senior Natalie Tussy said, “Balancing time between extracurriculars and school is very challenging. As one gets older, they have more responsibilities as college approaches including studying for the SATs and college applications. Finding a flexible volunteer opportunity is rare and ideal for the busy student.”
HSUS phone bank volunteers are provided with a phone list and a script which is to be closely followed. Volunteers advocate for support of HSUS’s bills aiming to increase animal protection legislation.
The Humane Society phone bank does not reimburse volunteers for calls made locally or for long distance. Furthermore, this is not an option for individuals seeking hours for court ordered community service.
Volunteering for the phone bank strengthens life skills including communication and persuasion. The individual will also explore deeper into animal legislation and the legislation process while advancing animal protection priorities.
“HSUS’s phone bank is a perfect way for students to integrate themselves into American legislature and learn more about how the government works at their own pace,” said junior Alex Singer.
Senior Monica Bayasgalan said, “Developing strong communication skills early on is highly beneficial improving relationships between coworkers or that special someone.”
Volunteers work independently with little direct supervision on interpersonal and communication skills and are expected to maintain a professional conversation.
Students can carry on these communication skills and requirements into future interviews and communications on a professional level.
To register, click here.
