MSPCA-Angell Headquarters

350 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130
(617) 522-7400
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Angell Animal Medical Centers – Boston

350 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130
(617) 522-7282
angellquestions@angell.org
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Angell West

293 Second Avenue, Waltham, MA 02451
(781) 902-8400
For on-site assistance (check-ins and pick-ups):
(339) 970-0790
angellquestions@angell.org
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Angell at Essex

565 Maple Street, Danvers, MA 01923
(978) 304-4648
essex@angell.org
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Animal Care and Adoption Centers – Boston

350 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130
(617) 522-5055
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Animal Care and Adoption Centers – Cape Cod

1577 Falmouth Road, Centerville, MA 02632
(508) 775-0940
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Animal Care and Adoption Centers – Nevins Farm

400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844
(978) 687-7453
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Animal Care and Adoption Centers – Northeast Animal Shelter

347 Highland Ave., Salem, MA 01970
(978) 745-9888
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Donate Now

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From an online gift to a charitable gift annuity, your contribution will have a significant impact in the lives of thousands of animals.

Community Advocacy Leader Program

Join the Community Advocacy Leader Program!

Are you looking to get more involved in protecting animals in Massachusetts? Join the MSPCA Community Advocacy Leader volunteer program! 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. With your effort and our support, we can further animal protection legislation.

Have additional questions? Email bdezolt@mspca.org!

Resources to Get Started

Program Requirements and Benefits

Program Requirements and Benefits

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Where are Community Advocacy Leaders Located

Where are Community Advocacy Leaders Located

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C.A.L. Spotlight

C.A.L. Spotlight

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Components of the Community Advocacy Leader Program


Meeting with Legislators

As an animal advocate, the most impactful thing you can do is meet with your legislators remotely or in person. Every Community Advocacy Leader makes contact with their elected officials over the phone or by email. However, to develop a relationship with their elected officials, most C.A.L.s have met them in person during district office hours or while attending Lobby Day for Animals. Additionally, during the last legislative session, 21 C.A.L.s testified before seven legislative committees. Before every hearing, each leader was guided on how to prepare written and oral testimonies.

Mentorship Program

To foster collaboration and support advocates, the C.A.L. mentorship program pairs experienced volunteers with newcomers. This program provides support in various areas — such as writing emails, testifying, and communicating with legislators’ offices. It also helps in identifying priorities and breaking down tasks. Currently, we have mentors who meet with the mentees in person, via Zoom, or by phone, to provide reassurance and guidance for improvement.

Advocate in your Community

As the C.A.L.s grow their skills and knowledge to become even better animal advocates, they also establish a group of C.A.L. “helpers” in their community who they can activate to call upon local state legislators. By tabling at community events and having conversations with their current network, they play a crucial role in educating people in their community about animal protection issues and how everyone can speak for animals. Another way Community Advocacy Leaders help animals is by passing local ordinances and bylaws in their neighborhoods. On the regional level, 4 Community Advocacy Leaders testified in front of their local governments to ban the sale of animals in pet stores and prohibit exotic animals in traveling acts. A C.A.L. has also worked to ban the retail sale of fur in Attleboro.

Attending Virtual Meetings

One of the primary components of the Community Advocacy Leader Program is our monthly meetings, where we discuss a variety of topics, including what is currently happening in animal advocacy and check in to see what group members are working on. Our meetings include many guest speakers, such as legislators, experts from other states, and community organizers with experience in civic engagement, messaging, and leadership development. Through the C.A.L. Program, advocates across the state are empowered to improve their advocacy skills and speak effectively for animals, gaining confidence in their ability to make a difference.


Interested in joining this wonderful group of advocates? Apply today!