What questions to ask a potential volunteer?

[Craig Caughlin]

Hi folks,
I've volunteered (actually, I was drafted ) to screen potential volunteers for our non-profit K-9 organization for my local Sheriff Dept. K-9 unit.

We are truly just volunteers that help with fundraising, event organization, etc., so we do not take a sworn oath of any type.

Nonetheless, I'm not quite sure what types of questions I might ask a volunteer, other than the obvious, "Why do you want to be a volunteer for our K-9 organization?"



Even though we don't do any formal background check of individuals, should I ask "Would you have any problem passing a background check" just to stimulate a response?

To make things easier for me, if I can gather a list of questions, I'm thinking I'll either make a snazzy PDF form that someone can fill out, or maybe a page on our web site that someone could fill out and submit.

Suggestions???

Thank you,
Craig

[GSDElsa]

Well, if they are just doing fundraising and such........I'm assuming no actual dog handling?

Need to ask how they can contribute and how much time a week/month/whatever they can volunteer.

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

Here's a big volunteer application that you could pare down a little if you needed to:
http://www.ccspm.org/files/catholicc...lunteerapp.pdf

I would definitely ask the background question.

Another interesting one: https://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal...2&Embedded=off

This one has a good one to determine where you are getting your volunteers from:
http://www.pittsfield-ma.org/images/...lication_1.pdf

Do you have a name for your group and a neat logo and stuff?

Hope these help! Good luck!

[Craig Caughlin]

Hi Jean,
Hey thanks for the links...I'll check them out.

Yes, we do have a logo, website, etc., it's Foothillsk9.org - Home Page.

I'm also setting up a website which I'll try to encourage other interested people, no matter where they live, to get involved with their local K-9 department and help with fundraising to care for the dogs. I think law enforcement would welcome any/all support and I want to help buy the best of the best for the heroic K-9's and to help keep our law enforcement officers safe!



Craig

[ladylaw203]

Originally Posted by Craig Caughlin

Hi Jean,
Hey thanks for the links...I'll check them out.

Yes, we do have a logo, website, etc., it's Foothillsk9.org - Home Page.

I think law enforcement would welcome any/all support and I want to help buy the best of the best for the heroic K-9's and to help keep our law enforcement officers safe!



Craig

Small agencies,yes, but larger departments have budgets for the dogs,their upkeep etc. There is case law with regard to paying the k9 officers as well.