The annual NVADG New Volunteer training is scheduled and the Registration Application is available.  Here is information about it, and some thoughts about being a NVADG volunteer.

Please complete your Registration/Application prior to attending.  This is vital so we have a correct headcount for materials.

Training Weekend:  Saturday and Sunday, January 21 and 22, 2023
Time: Saturday 8:30am – 5pm, Sunday 9am – 5pm
Location: Marsh Jr High School, 2253 Humboldt Rd, Chico
Registration/Application links. Opens in new page:  For computer:  http://bttr.im/kgjic    For mobile: http://bttr.im/1e0x1

Costs: 

• Training is free.
• There is a $57 cost for the Live Scan for your background check.  The Live Scan will be done at training and paid directly to the Live Scan service.  Cash, check, credit card, Venmo. The Live Scan and background check is unique for every organization.  Even if you’ve passed with other organizations, Butte County requires NVADG do its own Live Scan and background check for you.
• You’ll be asked to buy a uniform T-shirt for $20.  Other attire available.  Cash, check, PayPal.  Note: PayPal accepts credit cards, you don’t need to have a PayPal account to utilize it.  The uniform attire will be available at training, and payment is due at that time.

Lunch:  Plan to bring your lunch or grab a quick bite nearby.

Saturday Dinner:  With luck, we’ll put together a big group dinner for Saturday night for new and existing volunteers!  You can meet fellow volunteers and probably hear tales about animals saved and friends acquired.  We will ask for a small payment to cover the cost of the food.  Watch for more info on this!

Registration/Application links – opens in new page-  For computer:  http://bttr.im/kgjic    For mobile: http://bttr.im/1e0x1

The Registration/Application link takes you to an overview of being a NVADG volunteer, code of conduct, and agreement.  When you “agree” to the code of conduct, you’ll be asked to set up your MyImpact/Volunteer Impact profile by creating a user name and password, and entering information about you.

Volunteer Impact is our Volunteer database.  With the information you enter, we will know how to email and text you.  We will know what skills you bring, your interests, and as you train we’ll update your ever-expanding competencies. Volunteer Impact  is how you sign up for training, outreach and events. It’s where you’ll find the link for incident response.

If you don’t have time to fill it all out now, log in later and finish when you have time.  Please do not upload a profile picture.  To be a Disaster Service Worker (DSW) we will take an official headshot picture for your DSW badge.

Volunteer Impact is secure. Your contact information is only seen by NVADG administrators.  If you have questions, feel free to email volunteerimpact@nvadg.org.

Orientation is just the start!  There is function-specific training 2-3 times a month February through June.

There are many rewards when volunteering with NVADG! You’re helping animals, helping your community, learning new skills, and making new friends.

That said, it’s also time consuming, emotional, and physically demanding.

The 2-day orientation is your overview of the many functions needed to care for animals in a disaster.  It’s a jam-packed training on regulations, policy, Incident Command, basic animal care, procedures and pitfalls.  Many volunteers say it’s the best 16 hours they have ever spent.

Upon completion of the orientation training and background check, you will be able to volunteer for basic animal shelter care, outreach, and help with day-to-day operational jobs.

• We hope you do!

Most new volunteers dedicate February through June attending as many training classes as they can.  They get specific understanding of what NVADG does and how to do it.  It also gives them a chance to find the function that fits.

• When it comes to animal disaster response, there is a position for everyone!

Then what?

We have year-round work that needs to get done:  Events to attend, Warehouses to stock, Equipment to repair, Newsletters to write, Funds to be raised, Donors to thank, Administration to support, Plans to be planned, Radios to program, Websites to update, and so much more.

• These ongoing functions can take a few hours a month or a few hours a week.

When disaster strikes, we need all volunteers to pitch in. We are only activated on average 2 or 3 times a year.  When that happens, we are trying to fill at least 62 positions, every day.

•  Your fellow volunteers support you with training so you will support and join with them when the animals need us.  We hope you will be there when you’re called!

This is an exciting time to be a NVADG volunteer. We are on the verge of integrating Shelterly, our electronic animal and service request tracking software. We are on the verge of a state-wide coalition of County Animal Response Teams (CARTs). (NVADG is a CART). We are embracing the expanded role and governance structure that current disaster response for animals requires. We have enthusiastic volunteers who are ready to work side-by-side with you to make you the volunteer you want to be.

If you have the time and are able to participate – Join us!

Start your application/registration here:
Registration/Application links – opens in new page – For computer:  http://bttr.im/kgjic    For mobile: http://bttr.im/1e0x1