Become a Community Advocacy Leader

The MSPCA Advocacy team has launched a new volunteer program for those who want to become deeply involved in protecting animals in Massachusetts. Individuals in this program, also referred to as Community Advocacy Leaders (C.A.L.s), play a key role in helping to pass state and local legislation to advance animal welfare.

C.A.L.s work within their legislative district to ensure that their state representative and state senator support and understand the importance of animal protection legislation. Each leader is part of a team across the state working in their communities to influence their elected officials. Constituents are the key to influencing legislators. With your effort and our support, we can further animal protection legislation. Learn more about the commitment and role below.

Requirements:

• Must be 18 years or older and registered to vote in Massachusetts.
• Must be familiar with Microsoft Office and Google Drive.

Expectations for the Community Advocacy Leaders:

• Attend initial one-on-one call/training with Bethany DeZolt, the Advocacy and Community Engagement Coordinator.
• Spend 5-8 hours/month on C.A.L. tasks. The amount of time may vary during the legislative session.
• Participate in the types of projects C.A.L.s will take on:
  • Research your state representative and state senator (via website, social media, animal scorecard).
  • Set up a meeting or call with your state representative and state senator (we can help with this!).
  • Monitor your legislators’ activities on animal issues, such as whether they are co-sponsor, have a position on a bill, etc.
  • Identify, attend, and encourage other community members to discuss animal bills and issues when legislators hold office hours in the district. Notify the MSPCA when these events occur.
  • Ask your legislator to support or oppose legislation as requested and share responses with the MSPCA.
  • Attend Lobby Day for Animals and other events, when possible.
  • Recruit 5-10 other people in your district who you can activate to also call upon your state legislator.
  • Participate in monthly update calls with the MSPCA and other C.A.L.s.
  • Participate in the C.A.L. Facebook group and share your experiences and questions with other C.A.L.s.
  • Write letters to the editor on key animal bills.
  • Keep track of hours and completed tasks; report responses from legislators, meetings and other interactions to Bethany.

Benefits of being a C.A.L.:

• One-on-one communication with Bethany for onboarding and ongoing support.
• Training and support from the MSPCA Advocacy Team and other experts.
• Monthly group meetings with other C.A.L.s throughout the state and early updates on legislation.
• Access to a C.A.L.-only Facebook group.
• Early notification of Lobby Day and other trainings.
• Review of testimony letters and letters to the editor.