Do you want to help create a more humane society for all animals? Check out our Humane Policy Volunteer Leader opportunity!
Humane Policy Volunteer Leaders are at the forefront of our work to advance priority federal, state and local animal protection policies. These efforts serve to advance humane priorities across all 435 congressional districts and thousands of state legislative districts across the nation. Please join our team!
Humane Policy Volunteer Leader responsibilities:
- Establish and maintain effective, professional relationships with government officials and encourage their support of the HSUS’s priority animal protection positions.
- Actively engage in federal, state and local policy advocacy, including scheduling virtual or in-person meetings with the offices of at least one federal and one state legislator annually, submitting comments to federal and state agencies on proposed animal-related regulations, as well as letters to the editor in coordination with HSUS staff.
- Work closely with your state director to serve as an ambassador for the HSUS by communicating our mission, approach and policies in order to foster a stronger and more visible animal protection presence in your community.
- Participate in HSUS-facilitated webinars or meetings. If possible, participate in and assist with your state’s Humane Lobby Day and/or local grassroots events.
- Develop and implement a local animal protection project, preferably working with your city council or county board of supervisors to advance an HSUS priority ordinance or resolution in your community.
- Encourage your networks to take action on HSUS alerts and priority policies. Recruit HSUS allies to continue expanding the diversity of our audiences, volunteers and the organization, and make the animal protection movement more inclusive for all.
- Humane Policy Volunteer Leaders commit to taking actions as directed by HSUS program staff and their state director, averaging one to three hours per week for one year (weekly time may vary). Ongoing participation after the first year is preferred.
The volunteer position description includes detailed information about the requirements and restrictions of this position. We encourage you to read it thoroughly to determine if this opportunity is the right fit for you before applying.
I’m proud to be associated with such a strong and impressive group to channel my animal protection passion! Always a pleasure.
Beverlee Loat, Arizona
Benefits of becoming a Humane Policy Volunteer Leader
The Humane Policy Volunteer Leader program is the first, largest and most effective animal protection policy volunteer program of its kind in the nation. HSUS volunteers are essential partners in our lifesaving work for all animals and are an integral part of this community of compassionate individuals, all of whom are deeply committed to advancing humane public policies for all animals.
Humane Policy Volunteer Leaders will become highly skilled in the rapidly growing animal protection movement, receiving advanced training and ongoing support. You will receive an orientation on our policies and programs as well as access to support and resources not provided to the public, including:
- Volunteer toolkit and other resources on effective policy advocacy.
- Regular virtual meetings conducted by your HSUS state director.
- Monthly webinars on timely animal protection issues.
As a Humane Policy Volunteer Leader, you will develop skills in public policy advocacy, networking, leadership and strategic thinking, and have the opportunity to share your expertise and experiences with community members. You will gain a deeper understanding of how to be an effective animal advocate, gain in-depth knowledge about the HSUS’s priority issues and deepen your understanding of the policy process and political landscape at the federal level, as well as in your specific state.
The Humane Policy Volunteer Leader program embraces volunteers as essential partners in our lifesaving work. We are committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in every aspect of our work and at all levels of our organization. We welcome and respect our volunteers' unique identities, backgrounds and experiences. We believe everyone can help fight for all animals!
I like the ability to take action with a large group to amplify my voice. I feel like I'm making a difference for a lot of animals.
Valerie Howell, Florida
Apply today!
If you’ve read the volunteer position description, requirements and restrictions [PDF] and feel the position would be a good fit for your skills and commitment level, here’s how to take the next steps:
- Please complete and submit your Humane Policy Volunteer Leader application. After clicking on the application link, click the red "Apply Now"' button in the top right corner.
- After reviewing your application, a staff member will invite you to complete a user-friendly, digital interview. If we mutually determine that this opportunity is a good fit, you will be offered the volunteer position and asked to sign a volunteer agreement and waiver/release of liability.
If you would like to learn more or have questions about this volunteer program, please email us or call 301-721-6405.
What to do if this volunteer position is not the right fit
If this is not the role for you, we encourage you to get involved with animal protection issues in your state through our ally program. Allies are contacted periodically to take quick action as time and energy allow. If you are interested in becoming an ally, please fill out this short ally form. You can also look for additional volunteer opportunities or check out how you can help in other ways.
I would have spent years wishing I could make a difference and not knowing how. These days, I’m given tools all the time and all I have to do is use them. Total game changer!
Dana Connors, California