Submitted by the AWLA

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria Announces New Junior Volunteer Program

The Junior Volunteer experience kicks off with an eight-part program led by the AWLA’s Humane Educator. Through this program, Junior Volunteers – ages 16 and 17 years old – will learn all about the AWLA, shelter operations, fundraising and social media, animal body language, training and more! Each eight-session semester will consist of a mix of virtual and hands-on elements. In-person sessions will be held in small buddy groups at the AWLA in order to give Junior Volunteers a safe and personalized experience.

Upon completion of the program, Junior Volunteers will be able to volunteer at the AWLA during regularly scheduled shifts during a variety of days and times with a program partner.  We ask Junior Volunteers to commit to at least four hours of regularly scheduled volunteering per month.  After the age of 18, Junior Volunteers are also eligible to participate in the standard volunteer program.

Junior Volunteers will start with an eight-session training course in September that will run through December and offer a mix of in-person and virtual trainings. Trainings will teach animal safety, body language and handling, as well as other facets of animal sheltering like social media and fundraising. Volunteers who complete the program will then be eligible to volunteer regularly at the AWLA in a variety of roles.

Participants will be expected to attend all of the scheduled training sessions, and we will offer new training courses every fall and spring semester.

Whether your student is looking to meet a service requirement or just wants to learn more about animals, the AWLA’s Junior Volunteer program has something for everyone. Space is limited, so register today!

Registration Details

• All participants must be 16 or 17 on the date that their session will start.
• The registration fee for the Junior Volunteer Program is $125. This fee helps us offset the costs of the training sessions, educational materials, supplies, a volunteer t-shirt, name badge and a closing celebration event. Any remaining funds assist in the care of animals in need.
• A limited number of scholarships are available for families who demonstrate financial need. You may apply for a scholarship at alexandriaanimals.org/junior-volunteers/. The application for our Fall 2021 program is due by September 1.
• Junior Volunteers are required to attend all sessions of their scheduled program.Please see the program schedule outlined on the website. alexandriaanimals.org/junior-volunteers/
• Registration fees are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to other sessions.