District Leader Volunteer (Iberville County, LA)

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Please note this opportunity is mainly done virtually/at home, but in order to cultivate effective, professional relationships with your legislators, you will need to meet with their district offices several times each year.

Do you want to help the HSUS build an even stronger platform of protection for all animals? Then consider becoming a part of our volunteer leadership by applying to be a district leader here: www.humanesociety.org/districtleaders

District leaders are at the forefront of the Humane Society of the United States’ efforts to fight the big fights for animals and thereby create a more humane society. As a district leader, you will serve as an HSUS ambassador in your congressional district and advance the HSUS' federal, state and local animal protection legislative priorities. To learn more, review the district leader volunteer position description here (PDF): http://volunteers.humanesociety.org/theHub/?downloadFile=1&table=resources&field=file&check=83fd8f6318bd4031c883843505cad9ad&key=256

The district leader volunteer responsibilities include:

• Actively participate in ongoing federal, state and local legislative advocacy and reform campaigns.
• Cultivate and maintain effective professional relationships with legislators.
• Politely, clearly and consistently relay HSUS animal protection positions to your legislators, encourage their support of those positions and thank them for their efforts.
• Build a network of HSUS allies in your community who will take action with you on animal protection issues.
• Participate in Humane Lobby Day in your state capitol and, when possible, participate in federal Humane Lobby Day in Washington, D.C.
• Submit letters to the editor to your local newspaper.
• Collaborate with your HSUS state director and fellow volunteers on priority animal protection issues.
• Represent the organization and help raise awareness on animal protection issues at community events.
• Optional: Under the guidance of your HSUS state director and district leader staff, develop and implement a local animal protection project in your community.

Benefits of becoming a district leader volunteer

As part of the HSUS volunteer leadership, you will reflect the spirit of the organization and communicate our mission, approach and positions, and foster a stronger and more visible animal protection presence in your state and community. You will join a community of others who are dedicated to protecting all animals.

You will become a highly trained volunteer leader in the rapidly growing animal protection movement, receiving advanced training and ongoing support in effective animal advocacy from HSUS staff. District leader volunteers will be provided with an orientation and background information, including information on the HSUS’s policies, programs and campaigns through an online, self-paced training course. You will be provided with a volunteer leader toolkit which highlights effective engagement strategies relative to animal protection. You will also gain access to numerous additional resources via our volunteer database. You will develop your legislative advocacy, networking, leadership and strategic thinking skills and you will have the opportunity to share your expertise and experiences with others in your community.

The efforts of our district leaders, coupled with the support of the nation’s most effective animal protection organization, serve to advance animal protection priorities in the 435 congressional districts across the nation. Join us!

Requirements for our volunteers

• Commitment to the HSUS mission ( https://www.humanesociety.org/our-mission).
• Willingness to cultivate professional relationships with legislators and relay HSUS animal protection positions to them.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to take initiative.
• Strong leadership skills and experience.
• Active engagement in your community.
• Strong computer literacy skills including a general knowledge of and willingness to use social media platforms to advance animal protection initiatives.
• Ability to communicate with a variety of people effectively and without judgment.
• Ability to work both as a team member and also as an independent self-starter.
• Ability to think strategically and to adapt to rapidly-changing priorities.

Commitment Policy

District leaders commit to work an average of one to three hours per week for a minimum of one year. Time commitment varies by week. Ongoing participation is preferred.

Restrictions

• Must be a current HSUS member or have provided greater philanthropic commitment.
• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age and willing to register to vote, if not already registered.
• Must be able to learn and follow all HSUS guidelines and policies and follow directions given by staff.
• Access to a computer with Microsoft Office and internet capabilities, as well as a phone.
• Must not be participating in the district leader program to fulfill court-ordered community service obligations.
• Must submit the required paperwork before being assigned.

Please see full details about the District Leader Volunteer position and apply through our web page at www.humanesociety.org/districtleaders. Before becoming an official volunteer, you must sign a volunteer agreement and a waiver/release of liability.