Recently we’ve been having an issue about who our volunteers take advice from when it comes to the work at the rescue. Usually our On-Site Manager, EJ, holds the torch and tells us what needs to be done around the place and possible projects we can do. Since the rescue is half home and half shelter our manager lives there along with any other acquaintance that needs a place to stay for a while. The person who is staying for a while has been a great help in the beginning, but has turned into a thorn in our side.
Even though they volunteer and help at the rescue they begin to presume that they are more knowledgeable than us about our own service site even when we have been working there for a year now. This is the type of behavior that drives people who want to help away. It does not matter how old you are or anything before you came to the service site. It is bad practice to come onto a site and assume what they need and proceed to do that project without consulting anyone else.
For example when me and the other volunteers are on site we know that we need to let out dogs, feed them, clean their crates, provide them fresh water, and continue their training. After we finish these basic chores we continue to add improvements around the place and provide extra help. This of course all runs by EJ first.
One thing that bothers me a lot is how much this person causes strife from within the group. They act kind and thoughtful, but they have just been nasty behind our backs and criticizing us to the Manager and everyone else who has an ear. This kind of behavior is childish and reminds me why I’m happy that high school ended.
Even though I want to strangle this person with the unnecessary drama they create.
I need to remember that I’m not in charge of the rescue and that I'm an adult. My job is to make sure the job that is put in front of us is complete and that the other volunteers are safe and serving their community in a productive environment. So everytime I have to come in contact with this person I button my lip and try to be civil.
We have all told our manager about the problem this person is causing and he will have a talk to them about who is in charge and to give us volunteers a little more respect than they have shown. I do not want someone that causes so much negative energy in a place that is usually so positive and fun to work at. Hopefully after this talk everything can go back to normal because know one comes into my site and talks smack about my babies!
Aniarka out!
You are the wisest ill mannered alpaca ever!
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