Join Our Volunteer Committees

+ Development Committee Member

Wags and Walks is a community of dedicated dog lovers working to increase awareness of rescue dogs as wonderful pets and it truly takes a community now more than ever. Even as our team has grown over the last few years, the impact and growth that we’ve been able to achieve has only been possible by the support of our crucial committees including the Development Committee. The 2025 Development Committee (18 month term) will be a crucial one as it works closely with the Development team and the Event Committee as Wags and Walks hosts its first large Block Party in the Fall. In addition to working to secure sponsorships and auction items, the committee will also work to identify corporate growth partners as the organization continues its life saving work in 2025.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Development Committee assumes the primary responsibility for raising non-grant funds to support the organization’s mission through supporting both existing fundraisers and new platforms.
• Promote Wags & Walks by keeping the organization top of mind and sharing its work with other, like-minded dog loving people who may be or become as passionate as you have been. This networking can come in the form of tours and events at the center, hosting private events, or introductions to the organization’s founder.
• Loaning insight into their area of expertise and/or getting directed to the right channels when a project arises (1-2 times a year). (Vendor curation, pr, negotiation, sales and networking, events experience, entertainment/interested in hosting events, leadership, design, etc)
• Evaluate the plans around the Block Party and commit to a development category (i.e. auction items, corporate sponsors, group packages) of your choosing to really lock in on. This includes bringing your ideas and connecting with your network and community to help ensure this first Block Party is a hit.
• Examine the Summer plans for New York to share any recommendations and referrals that might be helpful to the organization’s continued growth.
• Attend 4 committee meetings a year - 2 virtual and 2 in person
• Attend 2 Wags and Walks events per year
• Give or Get in the amount of a minimum of $25K
• The committee will be provided with quarterly updates on accomplishments at Wags and Walks during their meetings. The Development committee will work closely with the organization’s founder, Lesley Brog, who will will be available for one on one meetings as needed.

+ Event Committee Member

Wags and Walks is a community of dedicated dog lovers working to increase awareness of rescue dogs as wonderful pets and it truly takes a village now more than ever. Even as our team has grown over the last few years, the impact and growth that we’ve been able to achieve has only been possible by the support of our community. The organization is thrilled to be looking for passionate volunteers to join the first Event Committee! The 2025 Event Committee (18 month term) will be crucial in executing some of the organization’s new events in 2025 including a Pickleball Tournament, continued expansion in New York, and the large Block Party in the Fall. If you’re passionate about the work that Wags and Walks does and have experience in event planning, execution, promotion, sales or any other space that you feel will be relevant please don’t hesitate to apply. The hope is that this first Block Party builds a foundation for years to come making this first committee even more crucial to laying that foundation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Event Committee works in conjunction with the organization’s Events and Development teams to brainstorm, structure, recruit, and execute both existing and new events for the organization. This committee focuses on larger events (ie Block Party, Auction, Holiday Event, Gala, etc) and while some support and connectivity on “smaller” events is appreciated, that is not the core responsibility of the committee.
• Promote Wags & Walks by keeping the organization top of mind and sharing its work with other, like-minded dog loving people who may be or become as passionate as you have been.
• Loaning insight into your area of expertise and/or getting directed to the right channels when a project arises. (vendor curation, pr, negotiation, sales and networking, events experience, leadership, design, etc)
• Work with the Wags and Walks team and any contractors to prioritize the successful execution of the organization’s first Block Party.
• Utilize your network to bring in resources that can support this exciting new event while also taking committee ownership of one aspect of the Block Party (Food, Kids Activities, VIP area, etc). Outreach is going to be necessary but it’s also so rewarding when you’re doing it for the dogs!
• Evaluate the organization’s previous Holiday Event and work together to make recommendations around ‘25 Holiday Event. Once the concept is confirmed, identify an area that you’re passionate about supporting with to help make the event a success.
• Examine the Summer plans for New York to share any recommendations and referrals that might be helpful to the organization’s continued growth.
• Be available and committed to support throughout the day for all larger events (2-3 per year)
• Identify a smaller scale fun event that the committee would like to put on together at the center. This can lean into a holiday or activity with a goal around community engagement and bringing new people to the adopter center.
• Work the the Wags and Walks team to build out the 2026 Calendar
• Attend a monthly committee meeting alternating between virtual and in person. Please note that additional meetings may be necessary in the lead up to a larger event.