Would you like to give talks on our behalf?
WDCS has a national network of volunteer public speakers who give educational talks about whales and dolphins, the threats they face and how WDCS is involved in helping to protect these amazing animals.
Our volunteer speakers give 40 minute (approx) talks aided by a speaker pack (inc. speaker notes and slides) to a huge range of interested groups, from schools to scouts, wildlife groups to the Women's Institute. The idea behind the program is to be able to spread the word to everyone who wants to learn more about whales and dolphins anywhere in the UK.
BUT, we need your help to do this!
How do I start?
Firstly, you may want to find out if there's a Local Group near you, working with them will increase the effectiveness of your work.
Secondly, contact Bridget Davies-Robertson at the UK office on 01249 449500. Bridget will send you all the relevant forms and information. Once you have become an official WDCS Volunteer, you'll work closely with Jess Feghali-Brown, our Education Coordinator, who will equip you with your talk pack, liaise with you over talk requests and provide you with any support you need.
So, what can I expect as a Volunteer Speaker?
The amount of talks you do will depend on many things: how busy you are; demand for talks in your area; how far you are willing to travel; whether you do any promotion of WDCS talks and word of mouth. Sometimes you'll have 3 requests in a week, while sometimes you might not get to do a talk for 6 months or more.
The type of talks you do will also vary, so you need to be adaptable and good at communicating with many different types of people. You'll probably get asked questions at the end, so although good back ground knowledge of whales and dolphins is desirable for being a Volunteer Speaker, we don't expect you to know loads about all the issues they face (there is a lot to know and more to learn!!). That's why we are here in the office, any questions you are unsure about or don't know then either ask us or get them to e-mail or call us. We would rather this than giving out misleading information.
Should I become a Volunteer Speaker?
If you are over 18 years of age, committed, good at communicating with people and public speaking then this could be the right voluntary job for you. You will be responsible for organising your talks and sending feedback to WDCS, as well as conducting the talk itself. WDCS will help you every step of the way! We look forward to hearing from - help spread the word country wide! WDCS couldn't do this without your help!!
For further information on how you can volunteer for whales and dolphins contact Bridget Davies-Robertson on 01249 449500 or info@wdcs.org.