Volunteer Positions
Accounting
As a non-profit organization, it’s imperative that we have excellent financial record-keeping and sound accounting practices. We are growing and need the guidance and support of a (volunteer) non-profit experienced accountant.
Advertising
Opportunities abound. We have various advertising possibilities at the facility, at the store, on the website, in the newsletter, at events, and other potential sources. We would like to have sponsors to name our barn, stalls, paddocks, pastures, and the like. These are valuable fundraising opportunities for the horses. If you have advertising sales or fundraising experience, we need you.
Animal Care and Handling
Most of our horses have been through challenging times, and they deserve the best of care. The horses can never get enough attention, whether it’s through feeding, grooming, handling, cleaning stalls and paddocks, socializing, or simply getting a little love. Many of our horses have little to no handling or their experiences have been bad; therefore, many need very experienced handlers to help show them the way. Volunteers feed and care for the horses during morning shifts (8:30a to 12:30p-ish) and afternoon shifts (3p to 6p-ish), and other times, when needed. We do not have an “open barn” policy. We schedule all volunteers via an online scheduling system, and visits to AAE are by appointment only.
Capital Campaign
Our capital campaign was drastically impacted by COVID. Our current funding effort is for our new barn. Reinstating our capital campaign is in our future to raise funds for improvements and additions our new facility. We are looking for individuals with experience managing and/or supporting a capital campaign.
Events and Volunteer Coordinators
Scheduling events and volunteers can be a challenge. We need help coordinating our schedules/calendars to make sure things go as planned so we are not short staffed. This can be one person or multiple persons working together: one for events, one for facilities, one for volunteers, one for horse care/training, etc. If you are good at keeping a smooth schedule, we need you.
Facility Maintenance
There is always something that needs to be done around the barn, paddocks, or pastures. If you can help with minor repairs or maintenance such as fence and gate monitoring and maintenance, structure repairs, feeder/waterer repairs, tree trimming, cutting downed trees, replacing lights, or other unexpected repairs, we could use your help. We also need occasional help installing new fencing, re-configuring panels, setting up/taking down equipment, weed control, welding, plumbing, electrical, automotive/equipment, and the like. If you can operate a tractor, we have those needs, too.
Hoof Care
Our rescue horses have their hooves evaluated upon intake, and they need regular hoof care. Farrier costs add up quickly, and the hoof needs of the herd is a regular zap on our funds. If you can donate hoof care services for one horse, one-half day or a full day of services, once or once every 4 to 8 weeks, a discount on services, or otherwise help defray farrier costs in any way, your support will be greatly appreciated.
Fundraising
The size and success of our program depends on our ability to secure the funds we need to sustain our program and grow when we can. There are endless ways to raise funds, but it takes time, effort, and persistence. If you have experience with a certain type of event or fundraising program or want to learn, we can use all the help we can get.
Grant Research and Writing
There IS grant funding available, but research and writing takes time and experience. If you have researched grants or written grant proposals, we need you. Please join our grants team, even if you can tackle only one grant. We're also looking for help with GoogleAds grants.
Graphic Design
Creative professionals needed to assist with various design needs such as advertising and marketing materials, website graphics, miscellaneous print media, t-shirt designs, or other retail products, etc.
Media/Public Relations/Outreach
Media opportunities abound, and we need our community's support. Support of one or more experienced media, PR, and/or communications professionals to help us would be invaluable.
Outreach Activities
AAE participates in several annual events like Western States Horse Expo, El Dorado County Fair, and Draft Horse Classic, as well as other local events to share info and promote AAE, adoptions, the store, volunteering, donations, and more. If you enjoy talking with people and supporting a cause, we need you.
Program Leaders, Youth and Adult
There are numerous programs we can establish to benefit the horses, AAE, and the community such as various youth, adult, and senior volunteer programs, birthday and pony programs, scouts programs, 4-H programs, riding and horsemanship programs, educational programs, summer camps, after school programs, training/clinic programs, experiential and therapy programs, etc. We are open to your ideas and willing to embrace and support programs that benefit the horses, AAE, and the community. Bring your ideas or make ours become a reality.
Used Tack Store
AAE receives a lot of in-kind donations in the form of used tack and various ranch equipment and supplies, apparel, and other related horsey items. With voluminous surplus tack, AAE opened a used tack store in October of 2017, AAE utilizes tack and other donations at the ranch, and when not needed, surplus tack, equipment, and other goods are transferred to store inventory to raise funds to support the feed, vet, and other AAE needs. Donations of new and gently used tack and other ranch items are always welcome and needed. The store also needs volunteers to support operations from leading shifts to transporting donations, cleaning and processing tack, researching items for pricing, merchandising, soliciting donations, cleaning and organizing, sharing information about AAE, online sales, and everything else involved in operating a used tack store.
Technology
AAE volunteers need occasional help navigating issues or creating new options in all areas of "technology" from hardware to networking, and software. Anyone with expertise in any of the following could be very helpful, when needed: Weebly, WordPress, Google Drive, various Google applications, Google Ad Grants, Facebook, Instagram, QuickBooks Online, video cam networking, and general hardware issues. We need help when we encounter issues, but also assuring our systems are kept up to date, secure, upgraded when needed, and where they should be. If you have expertise in any of these areas an can help on a voluntary, as-needed basis, please submit an inquiry below, and include a brief note about your area of expertise.
Interested in volunteering? Fill out our Volunteer Interest Form!
Go to Main Volunteer Page
