DESCRIPTION
In Defense of Animals (IDA) offers an Animal Activist Support Line, providing free resources and support for animal activists and those who care for animals. IDA volunteers and staff operate the Support 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 is a great way to use your psychology skills to help animals by supporting animal activists!
This nationwide service (also available in Canada) is free, confidential, and available via phone or email. Weekly hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8am-8pm PST (11am-11pm EST).
Seeking Volunteers:
We are seeking adult volunteers with psychology training and knowledge of animal rights activism. Volunteers must be empathetic, non-judgmental, and able to fulfill one three-hour shift per week. Although you may not be answering calls during your entire shift, please be available to respond to calls, texts, and emails during your assigned shift. There are additional duties to monitor comments on our Facebook support group.
You will need an Internet connection, computer access, and personal phone for this volunteer position. Counselors 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 Support Line handbook. During the training program, Counselors 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. Letters of recommendation are available after 15 hours of volunteer service.
HOW TO APPLY
lisa@idausa.org