When I first applied for the position of Coordinator of Volunteers and Programs with the Richmond SPCA, I was ecstatic to have the opportunity to recruit individuals dedicated to our mission to provide additional care to the animals in our humane center. I cherished the idea that the lives of these animals would be enriched by my efforts, the efforts of my coworker and our incredible team of volunteers.
Once I began training for this position, however, I discovered that this department would allow for many other unique ways of providing meaningful care, not only in our humane center, but also to those in our community. There are multiple wonderful programs our department oversees, but the one that really struck me was our Animal Brigade.
Animal Brigade is essentially a service-learning opportunity for middle school students who attend fall and/or spring sessions to learn about canine and feline body language, communication, reward-based training techniques, the inner workings of the Richmond SPCA and larger topics in animal welfare. They then put their knowledge to use by volunteering throughout our humane center and completing semester projects to apply their newfound knowledge to real-world situations affecting animals nationwide. Last semester our students made cat toys, learned about animal health, practiced giving vaccinations on oranges, argued for more progressive and extensive legislation to protect companion animals and more. This coming semester, our students will examine a variety of rescue organizations, looking at how they care for the pets they rescue, and how they advocate for animals on a larger scale as well.Through planning these lessons, engaging with these incredible students, and watching their young minds learn, explore and grow, I realized what drew me to Animal Brigade.
While our volunteers provide hands-on care to the animals already in our humane center, our Animal Brigade students are learning to advocate for them on a larger scale. They’re beginning to consider at a young age what it means to be good, loving and compassionate to all beings, not just to one another. This program grows individuals who will grow up building upon the knowledge they glean from our classes together, and the input of their fellow students, to be better caregivers to their own companion animals, and to fight for the lives of animals.
If you know of any middle school students with hearts for animals, we would love to have them in our program and to see what their bright minds bring to the table. You can access more information about the program or submit an application on our website. Our fall semester begins on Saturday, September 15.
Michelle Russell is the coordinator of volunteers and programs for the Richmond SPCA. To read the biographies of our regular bloggers, please click here. Before posting a comment, please review our comment guidelines. Please note that our comment policy requires a first and last name to be used as your screen name.
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