The volunteer knew just what to do. She trusts her feeling and takes action aligned with the mission statement of her organization.
The volunteer I’m referring to is one of Delta Society’s therapy and service animals. Even though they haven’t read the mission statement they’re totally aligned with helping people improve their health and wellbeing. They have a natural urge to be of service and certainly aren’t in it for the money!
JoAnn Turnbull, Marketing Director of Delta Society shares examples of animals helping people in profound ways. The simple life of an animal might be just the example you need with the overwhelming demands of today’s nonprofit.
1) Animals have helped people come out of comas. Chris had been in a coma for two and a half weeks. Showing no signs of improvement, her mother was faced with the tough decision of whether or not to keep her on life support. Pet partners Joe and his Burmese mountain dog Jake happened to be in the hospital that day. Chris’s mom sees them in the hall and invites them in. Jake immediately went to Chris’s hand and started licking it. Although the dogs aren’t allowed to lick, Chris’s mom encouraged it, knowing how much Chris enjoyed dogs. They took Chris’s lifeless hand and stroked the dog’s soft fur a while. A couple hours later, Chris woke up asking if there had been a dog in her room.
Nonprofit tip: As Kathryn Harding, a volunteer from Oregon says, “The power of this work is in its simplicity.” Nonprofit organizations are filled with people who take on the weight of the world. They’re natural givers who can sometimes end up giving too much. When you feel overwhelmed with trying to do or say too much, remember Jake who simply sat by the bedside of a coma patient and changed her life forever.
2) Another common experience is when a pet partner takes their dog in to visit a patient. Rather than going to the patient as expected, the dog will go to a certain family member instead. It turns out that in that moment the one who needed the love and attention most was a sister or father of the patient. These therapy and service animals just go where they’re needed. It all goes back to the mission of serving people. Animals don’t need words to motivate them toward their mission. They just feel it and do what needs to be done.
Nonprofit tip: Feeling the heart of your nonprofit organization may reveal unexpected opportunities. JoAnn encourages nonprofit professionals to think of the overall mission first. Be open to working with other nonprofits (even those you may view as competitive) on how you can better advance the mission by working together. Maintaining that focus could uncover the perfect opportunities to help more people.
3) Although there are thousands of scientific studies proving the positive impact of animals, Delta’s donors don’t need facts to tell them how helpful their pets have been. They know in their hearts how much their pets give and then naturally want to contribute. There’s a perpetuating cycle of giving and being grateful. The pets give unconditional love; the donors want to reciprocate that love with donations. People who have benefited in some way from an animal companion often become Delta volunteers themselves. It’s natural and doesn’t need persuasion. Raising awareness that a place like this exists is many times all that needs to be said.
Nonprofit tip: Who are some of your most generous givers? They’re usually the ones overflowing with gratitude, right? Having a place to give back like your nonprofit organization is a real gift. Have you ever noticed that the more you give, the more blessed you feel?
4) JoAnn shared a story of a man with Alzheimer who’d been living in the past with no recognition of present time. When a dog was brought into the room, he instantly came back to lucid living. It’s a mystery, but one thing I know for sure is that dogs live in the present moment. Spending quality time with animals helps people let go of unnecessary thoughts of the past and worries about the future. There’s a rich sense of aliveness when you’re living in the present moment.
Nonprofit tip: To be most helpful to those you serve, live in the now. Notice how much of your talk is focused on the past or future. Eliminate some of the unnecessary words so you can be more fully present with the one in front of you.
5) All age ranges benefit from these non-speaking volunteers. One of my favorite programs involves animals that listen to young readers. For nearly 9 years Susan MacDougall and her special therapy dogs have been visiting classrooms to provide children opportunities to express feelings and share observations. Animals provide a non-judgmental space for readers who want to build confidence. I fondly remember speaking to cows on my parent’s farm when I was young. They were the best listeners ever! There are unique reading programs at libraries all around the world. New Oxford Library works with a 24-year old horse named Topper. Kids come into his horse trailer and read to him. Growing up in the constant barrage of TV and radio, it’s easy to underestimate the value of silent space and another life form who is simply being there with us.
Nonprofit tip: It doesn’t have to be complex. Lending an ear in a quiet, non-judgmental space may be more beneficial than you realize.
We can learn a lot from animals. The foundational work I do in group coaching is simply becoming comfortable in our own skin. Unnecessary words drop away and people become fully present with each other. Animals maybe don’t speak our language, but they offer great wisdom.