Welcome to my second blog post of the semester!
The action I am planning on doing is volunteering at LAPS (Langley Animal Protection Society) animal shelter, I chose to volunteer at an animal shelter for my action because I want to help animals in need and make them feel loved and safe until they find their forever families. I have already filled out their volunteer application form online, and so my next step is to complete my first training session as soon as possible so I can start volunteering. Volunteering takes up a lot of time and commitment so incase this doesn’t work out my backup plan is to do my other action which is on my blog post #1, goal #13 out of the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals. My action for #13 (climate action) is choosing specific days in my weekly schedule to go out and pick up garbage around my community.
In the TedTalk the speaker said that “everything is complicated”. In my perspective it means that everything small or simple, still has its challenges. An example is picking up trash to help the environment, it can make a difference, but in the end people continue to litter in the exact same spot you cleaned. Some complexity that I will probably face In my action is the emotional challenge of working with animals. As a pet lover it’s really hard to see dogs and cats stressed out and loud because they are in an unfamiliar place. Knowing that some of the animals came from horrible homes will be really upsetting and seeing some animals get passed by adopters day after day will also be really emotionally challenging.
My action is sustainable, because it relies on a 6 month personal commitment. An example on how volunteering at an animal shelter is sustainable is that by working for free the shelter can save their money over time, by saving money this creates a long lasting financial health. This makes them able to spend the money on expensive surgeries for rescued animals that are in need. Another example is that spending time with and socializing with a scared animal can help them to trust humans, this behavioural change is long lasting. Making them much more adoptable. My action does provide opportunities, for both me and the animal. Volunteering at an animal shelter can help them get adopted and out of their kennels. For me this action provides animal care skills, also helps me gain volunteer experience and hours. To ensure I am making the positive impact I intend I will log my hours in the MyImpactPage.com after my shifts. I will also check in with the shelter staff to make sure I meet their standards and to make sure I am making an impact and helping them. The expert that’s going to be apart of my volunteering journey Is going to be the LAPS Volunteer Coordinator and the Animal Welfare and Behaviour Coordinator. I did some research and they are the ones that are going to be setting up my orientation, and they are the ones that are going to teach me how to handle and care for the animals safely and properly.
Thanks for reading!!
