This Q & A is now in the resources tab of our volunteer communities.
How do I find out about volunteer opportunities?
Finding a volunteer opportunity that interests you and fits your abilities is easy! Do you know we have more than 50 opportunities from which to choose? Simply go to the Network at
http://network.bestfriends.org and look for the VOLUNTEER box in the middle of the Network home page. Click! and you’re shopping for opportunities. (in this community, click on "Getting Started")
Sometimes the Network technology makes me crazy! HELP?
We rely heavily on modern internet technology to communicate with you and with one another as well as to handle the paperwork that is a necessary part of our jobs. Just remember that for anything you need to do concerning your volunteer information, go to “My Membership Tools” and the to the small orange word “Volunteer” to access the menu for various volunteer functions. And if all else fails, just send one of us an email. We’re really here to help – honest!
Speaking of paperwork, why so much?
We know, you just want to get into action and help the animals, either with outreach or hands-on work. For the safety and welfare of our volunteers and for all the animals, we must ask you to help us with some basic paperwork requirements. You can help us by keeping your volunteer information up to date on the Network. By the way, your information is completely confidential, we promise.
If I have a question, who should I contact?
Tiffani Hill (tiffanih@bestfrieds.org) for general questions, international volunteers, mobile adoptions, research, and animal transport
Brandi Bennett (brandib@bestfriends.org) for Network volunteers, including news writers, resource managers, and forum moderators
Ellen Gilmore (elleng@bestfriends.org) for Ambassador programs, Animals & Religion Ambassadors or Rapid Response
Kalene Craddock (volunteers@bestfriends.org) for volunteering at the Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah
Robin Harmon (robinh@bestfriends.org) for LA Programs
Nadine Goodreau (nadineg@bestfriends.org) for Best Friends Brigade – Los Angeles
Can I talk to a real person?
Certainly! Most of our phone numbers are listed on our email signatures, and you should feel free to give us a call. If you don’t have those numbers, just send an email requesting that we call you, and we’ll be delighted to do just that.
Where can I find important documents?
You can find a variety of important documents, such as volunteer position descriptions, training powerpoints, volunteer handbook, volunteer agreement, and others on the "Resources" tab of our various Network communities. For starters, you might want to look at these three communities:
http://network.bestfriends.org/bfnvolunteershttp://network.bestfriends.org/ambassadorshttp://network.bestfriends.org/sanctuaryvolunteersI've been asked to attend a training call. What do I do?
Our trainings are in the form of a conference call and simultaneous internet presentation. These trainings are listed on the "Calendar" tab of the Best Friends Network and Ambassador communities. Just click on the name of the training you want to attend, and the call-in/log-on information is posted for you.
How do I log my volunteer hours?
Our wonderful volunteers outnumber us substantially, so we really need your help in keeping track of your volunteer hours! Plus, it's very important! Not only will you receive recognition and awards at various hourly achievements, but keeping track of our volunteer hours helps us track important data that helps support our programs. To log your hours, simply log on to the Network and click on "My Membership Tools," then the little orange word "Volunteer" and then "Log My Hours" on the next menu. Thanks in advance for your help.
How do I keep up with everything that’s going on?
The Best Friends online Network is your best friend for information! We now have 450 Network communities, each posting News, Calendars, and Resources. The more you surf, the more you know.
What can I do to help Best Friends today?
This month's tip: Invite a friend to join the Network and help them get started.