AVMA launches program to fill volunteer roles

Hundreds of volunteers serve on AVMA councils, committees and task forces but the organization still faces difficulties when it comes to filling vacancies in these roles. Since January 2014, the organization has advertised 113 committee/council vacancies and 78 of them had one or no nominees. 

The most common reason given by members to explain their reluctance is time. In order to tackle this dilemma, AVMA has developed a new program that is expected to provide more opportunities with high value but less time commitment. 

Two advisory panels and their associated systems will comprise the pilot program and will incorporate the councils and committees currently affiliated with the AVMA's Scientific Activities Division. The advisory panel model is intended to provide more opportunities for members to participate in the association, but with a lower time commitment, through the formation of a large pool of 'busy experts and professionals'. Instead of committing to the several-year term required for council or committee participation, you can declare your expertise and interests and be given the opportunity to serve as members of short-term, ad hoc working groups that will address issues relevant to the profession. 

The pilot program is expected to be implemented in the 2015-2016 association year, which begins July 2015. 

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Volunteers create backbone of WestJet Air Angels

A unique collaboration between animal rescue organizations and WestJet Airlines employees has seen the transportation of more than 100 animals across Canada. 

Nearly four years ago, Inge Neilson created Animal Rescue Transportation Society (ARTS) when she recognized a gap in the relocation of shelter animals. ARTS is a network of volunteers who provide ground transportation to animals. Not long after, a handful of WestJet employees jumped on board, using their buddy pass system to accompany the dogs on flights. 

There are now more than 150 WestJet employees involved in the organization. Each relocation trip costs approximately $100 after crate fees that are offset by the accommodating animal societies. 

"Working together is so much more productive and rewarding than working separately," said Neilson. "Because what we can do together is greater than what a single person can do in the community by themselves. I can't tell you how much we depend on our volunteers to keep this going." 

ARTS Air Angels on Facebook

National Volunteer Week 21-27 April 2013

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association celebrates National Volunteer Week - 21-27 April 2013 - to honour the many veterinarians who donate their time and expertise on behalf of the CVMA in support of the veterinary profession. 

Over 450 member volunteers support the work of the association through their contribution on Executive, Council, various standing committees, advisory groups, task forces and journal reviews. Volunteers act as ambassadors in media interviews and represent the CVMA and the veterinary profession on over 30 different external boards, associations, legislative and policy-making groups both in Canada and abroad. 

CLICK HERE to view a complete list of CVMA volunteers. 

If you want to get involved as a volunteer or are interested in serving on a particular committee and wish to find out more, please communicate with the CMVA office or contact your provincial representative on CVMA Council.