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Join the MSPCA Community Advocacy Leader (C.A.L.) volunteer program and help drive meaningful change for animals across the Commonwealth. As a C.A.L., you’ll play a vital role in advancing state and local legislation that promotes animal welfare. Working within your own legislative district, you’ll engage directly with your state representative and senator to ensure they understand and support key animal protection initiatives. You’ll also be part of a dedicated statewide network of advocates working together to create a more compassionate future for animals. With your passion and our guidance, we can make real progress for animal welfare in Massachusetts.
Have additional questions? Email bdezolt@mspca.org!
As an animal advocate, one of the most powerful actions you can take is meeting with your legislators—whether virtually or in person. Every Community Advocacy Leader (C.A.L.) connects with their elected officials through phone calls or emails, but building lasting relationships often involves more.
Many C.A.L.s take the next step by meeting face-to-face during district office hours or participating in key events like Lobby Day for Animals. These personal interactions help legislators better understand the importance of animal protection legislation from a constituent’s perspective.
In the most recent legislative session, 21 C.A.L.s provided testimony before seven different legislative committees, playing a direct role in shaping animal welfare policy. Each advocate received guidance and support in preparing compelling written and oral testimonies, ensuring their voices were heard loud and clear.
To build a strong, connected community of advocates, the C.A.L. Mentorship Program pairs seasoned volunteers with newcomers. This supportive structure helps new Community Advocacy Leaders gain confidence and skills as they begin their advocacy journey.
Mentors offer guidance in key areas such as writing effective emails, preparing testimony, and communicating with legislators’ offices. They also help mentees prioritize tasks, break down complex issues, and navigate the legislative process with clarity.
Mentorship is flexible and accessible. Mentors connect with their mentees in person, over Zoom, or by phone, offering personalized support, encouragement, and real-time feedback to help each new advocate grow and succeed.
As Community Advocacy Leaders (C.A.L.s) grow in their skills and knowledge, they take on a larger role in mobilizing their communities for animal protection. Many C.A.L.s build a network of local “helpers”, community members they can activate to contact state legislators and support key animal welfare legislation.
By tabling at community events and engaging their personal networks, C.A.L.s help raise awareness about animal protection issues and inspire others to take action. Their efforts make advocacy accessible and impactful at the grassroots level.
C.A.L.s also make a difference by championing local ordinances and bylaws. In recent years, several leaders have successfully testified before local governments to advocate for bans on the retail sale of animals in pet stores and the use of exotic animals in traveling shows. One C.A.L. even helped pass a fur sales ban in Attleboro, demonstrating how local action can lead to meaningful victories for animals.
Monthly meetings are a key part of the Community Advocacy Leader (C.A.L.) Program, providing ongoing support and information for advocates across the state. These sessions cover timely updates on animal protection legislation, allow members to share what they’re working on, and offer a space for collaboration.
Meetings often feature guest speakers, including legislators, policy experts from other states, and community organizers with experience in civic engagement, messaging, and advocacy strategy.
By participating regularly, C.A.L.s continue to build their knowledge and skills, stay current on legislative priorities, and connect with fellow advocates working toward the same goal, improving protections for animals in Massachusetts.
