Volunteer

Volunteering has a positive effect on your community, and it's good for you too. For example, it can help you learn more about yourself and even put you on a path to your future career. Volunteering can help you gain valuable life experience and skills, meet interesting new people, earn academic credit, show colleges that you are committed, and make a difference in your community. Below you can check out just a few of the many different ways you can volunteer in your community. Check the bulletin for current volunteer opportunities or visit the CCC.

VENTURA BOTANICAL GARDEN

Please visit us! Ventura Botanical Garden's trailhead is located in the upper parking lot of the historic City Hall on Poli St. in Ventura. There are many ways of getting involved. We have work days for trail maintenance that are advertised in the bulletin and by your American Govt. teacher. Another contact person at Nordhoff is Mr. Lepine, Environmental Studies. We would like volunteers to enjoy their time so select a volunteer area that interests you and get in touch online or call. Our office is open by appointment only. We are located in the 505 Building in back of Ventura City Hall. (Catalina Rm.)

• Person(s) of contact: Joe Cahill, Executive Director Maureen Johnson, Data Manager

• Website: http://venturabotanicalgardens.com

• What are the volunteer needs? Membership Strategy, Corporate sponsorship strategy, IT, Administrative Support for Fundraising Cultivation Activities, Administrative Support for VBG Executive Staff, Stewardship, Public Outreach, GIS, Speakers Series. **all explained at the following link: https://venturabotanicalgardens.com/volunteer/

• Are there any requirements? No, pick an area and sign a liability waiver.

• Who should volunteers contact? Joe Cahill jcahill@venturabotanicalgardens.com, 805-232-3113 Ext. 0 or Maureen Johnson mjohnson@venturabotanicalgardens.com

• How long of a commitment should they plan on making? Is it a specific length of time? This depends on the category of volunteer work selected. Working on the trail might be a 3 hour job, meeting one or a number of times (Call Joe); entering data, clerical help, or working at an event might involve different times ( Maureen, mjohnson@venturabotanicalgardens.com).

• How long are typical shifts? It varies, depending on the type of work selected.

• How often can they volunteer? Are there specifications or limits on that? As often as needed. Must have a signed liability waiver on file. Under 18 requires a parent signature.

• Where can they apply?Online? In Person? Over the phone? See website above or Email either Joe Cahill or Maureen Johnson, depending on your area of interest.

OJAI VALLEY LAND CONSERVANCY

“Join our great staff and other volunteers at the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy office or on one of our open space preserves. Lend your time and special talents to help with a project that we just couldn’t get done without you. Whether for just a few hours occasionally or on a regular schedule, every hour you can give truly makes a difference.” ------Taken from OVLC Volunteer page.

• Person(s) of contact: Brendan Taylor, Director of Field Programs

• Website : http://ovlc.org

• What are the volunteer needs? Mailing, Trail building Programs, Preserve clean-ups, help with nursery, weeding, planting, clerical work.

• Are there any requirements? An application needs to be filled out online. In addition to the regular application there is a liability form that needs a parent signature if you are under 18 years of age. OVLC Volunteer Page

• Who should volunteers contact? Ojai Land Conservancy prefers volunteers sign up through the website first so they can know about your interest and when events come up they will email you the information and everyone else interested in that area.

• How long of a commitment should they plan on making? Is it a specific length of time? No, just sign up and volunteer when you can. Only specific jobs need more of a commitment. Docents ( lead hikes and tours) are required to do 40 hours a year minimum.

• How long are typical shifts? Depends on the project. A regular event may be 2-3 hours but volunteers aren’t required to stay the entire duration.

• How often can they volunteer? Are there specifications or limits on that? No specifics because their events shift a bit, but volunteers are more than welcome to go and just do some clean- up.

• Where can they apply? Online

HUMANE SOCIETY OF VENTURA COUNTY

“Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer at the Humane Society of Ventura County. Our volunteers play a crucial role in promoting health, safety, welfare, compassionate care and protection of all animals in the Ventura County. Our volunteers are dedicated members of our team assisting in all areas of our operation. As a private, non-profit organization that does not receive funding from the government or national animal welfare organizations like HSUS or ASPCA, we depend on people like you who selflessly give their time to the animals and the programs that support them.” -> Taken from HS Volunteer page

• Person(s) of contact: Audra Lucas, Volunteer Coordinator

• Website : http://www.hsvc.org/

• What are the volunteer needs? Walk and play with dogs as well as socialize cats. Make their animals feel loved and cared for while in a shelter environment until they get adopted. They also need help at events or with pet therapy, and their is also a foster program (Contact Amanda for more information).

• Are there any requirements? Junior Volunteers are from ages 10-15 ( require an adult be with them at all times while volunteering), after 16 volunteers just need parental permission. General orientation required and then both a dog and cat classes depending on which animals the volunteer would like to work with.

• Who should volunteers contact? Yes, Volunteers may contact Audra Lucas directly at Volunteer@hsvc.org or call (805) 646-6505 ext. 110

• How long of a commitment should they plan on making? Is it a specific length of time? Yes, at least 6 month commitment.

• How long are typical shifts? No specifics

• How often can they volunteer? Are there specifications or limits on that? No specifics, volunteers can come as often as they please. The humane society would like least 5-8 hours a month if possible.

• Where can they apply? Online