Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Williamson County Animal Control - Building the Empowerment Asset in Young People

The Williamson County Animal Control is helping to build healthy communities and healthy youth in middle Tennessee. They truly value the resources that young people have, and they offer multiple opportunities for youth to serve others. They also help create a safer community for all. These are all important pieces in the Developmental Assets category of empowerment.

Volunteer Coordinator Debby Leddy says, “[Volunteering] helps build their self esteem and often young people relate so easily to animals that it is a very positive experience. We help with giving responsibilities to the children to work with the animals who have been abandoned, as some of them may feel of themselves.”

Here are some of the ways youth can volunteer:
§ Cat Socialization (work with cats/kittens to make them more adoptable)
§ Crafts Production (various craft making, sewing, drawing, painting)
§ Dog Park Care Taker(repairing, painting, posting announcements
§ Dog Walking, Training Program
§ Event Planning (educational seminars, fundraisers, volunteer drives)
§ Foster Program (be a foster family for baby kittens and puppies)
§ Fund Raising grant writing, canvas local corporations for support)
§ Greeter's Program (Welcome visitors help them find their new best friend)
§ Humane Education (Teach children to be responsible pet owners)
§ Paws On Wheels Program assembles and/or delivers pet food for people in need
§ Publicity and Public Relations (computer, writing and PR skills)
§ Shelter Beautification Program (gardening, carpentry, etc.)

For more information, contact Debby Leddy at the Williamson County Animal Control, (615) 790-5590. Or visit www.williamsoncounty-tn.gov (under departments, click Animal)

To learn more about the Developmental Assets, visit www.Search-Institute.org.