“We’re in it for the long haul” declared one of the volunteers at the Farm Sanctuary Walk held at Green Lake. His dedication toward the mission of ending cruelty and creating a kinder world for farm animals was inspiring.
As a volunteer, you have a couple options: to become discouraged when you don’t see immediate results or know that every thing you do is contributing to your long-term mission.
75 volunteers showed up today to walk around Green Lake. They were each given the option to carry a poster of a cute chicken, playful pig or a curious cow. Although it’s a bit of a stretch to think that a passing jogger will give up meat because of seeing a poster, you can bet it all makes a difference. Maybe this jogger will think of the animal’s face next time he picks up a slick, prepackaged piece of meat from the supermarket.
When advocating for your cause remember:
1) Timing: The person you’re trying to persuade might be in the middle of a personal tragedy or have too many other things on his mind to entertain any new thoughts.
2) Repetition: As marketers advise, it takes multiple exposures for a new concept to be accepted. This may be the first time they’ve heard or seen anything about your cause. Each time you’re building more recognition.
3) Impression: You are the message. If you want a kinder, world did you leave the person with a kind impression? Are you the type of person they want to spend more time with?
If you are a volunteer or a volunteer manager, keep these points in mind knowing that everything you do with the intention of creating a better world makes a difference.