About Our Volunteer Program 

Farmshire has developed an active volunteer community since becoming a non-profit organization in 2018. We have had over 200 volunteers commit their time over the years to invest in our mission. Given we are a fully volunteer-based organization, our volunteers help keep the farm running on a daily basis. We try to develop opportunities to fit various needs and are open to new ways that each individual can contribute their talent and skills. Please read each opportunity and expectation below to figure out which area of our organization would best fit you and your needs. If you have a specific need or experience you are hoping to gain, please let us know what you are looking for!  

*Please notify Volunteer Coordinator Anna of any preexisting conditions or disabilities that would impact your volunteer duties/assignments or that we need to be aware of, or if you are doing court-ordered community service.*

Opportunities

• Caregiving Shift  ** requires the most responsibility and commitment**  
  • a weekly commitment to a scheduled day for a morning or evening shift. (Starting times do fluctuate with the seasons and available sunlight) 
    • Morning shift: start time between 8-10am; lasts ~1-2 hours 
    • Evening shift: start time between 5-7pm; lasts ~1 hour
  • Tasks include but are not limited to feeding, watering, cleaning, and socializing. 
  • You will receive training for as many shifts as it takes for both you and your trainer to be comfortable with you doing it alone. 
    • Training is scheduled with our director (Sarah) or Volunteer Manager (Anna), or another experienced volunteer. 
  • Must be 18 years or older. 

**While a caregiving shift requires commitment and dedication, it is also extremely rewarding. Experiencing one-on-one time with all of our residents will allow you to learn extensively about their care, develop close personal relationships with each individual, and become a vital part of the community of people who keep the farm running.**

• Sunday Volunteer Day  **No training or commitment required but must be scheduled ** 
  • Tasks include deep cleaning, watering, sorting produce, socializing, and various farm projects. 
  • Open to individuals or groups. 
  • Must be 18 or older to be in with the animals; ages 15-18 are allowed to do work outside of animal enclosures and must be accompanied by a guardian at all times. 

• Administrative Volunteer 
  • Remote or on-site volunteer that helps with a variety of administrative tasks, including emails, social media, data entry, fundraising, and public relations. 

• Produce Pickup 
  • Requires pickup up food donation from Whole Foods on Merrimon Avenue in Asheville and bringing it to the sanctuary. 
  • Pickup is usually at 9:30-10am on Sunday. 

• Artist Community 
  • Seeking anyone who can contribute their artistry to enhance our mission – painters, musicians, writers, healers, etc. 

Expectations

Given that the lives of our animals and the functionality of our organization depend on each and every volunteer of Farmshire, we ask that each volunteer be mindful of the following… 

• Caregiving Shift
  • Reliability is key. If you need the shift off, let Sarah know with as much notice as possible. 
  • Read the log book (located on the feed table) upon arrival to stay up to date with relative information and log anything noteworthy before you leave. 
  • Familiarize yourself with being able to identify each animal by name and know their personalities by reading our Animal Bio Book (located in the file holder above the feed table). 
  • Out of respect for the animals and the work that Farmshire does, all volunteers are expected to maintain a plant-based (aka vegan) diet while on sanctuary grounds.
  • Ultimately, treat our animals with the love and respect they deserve. 

• Personal Safety 
  • Read and understand all on-site and safety information listed in the following section. 

On-Site Information and Safety 

• Upon arrival, pull through the red gate and close it behind you. 
• Please park on the left side of the driveway in front of the barn and make sure not to block the driveway. 
• Wear close-toed shoes for your safety (mud boots are recommended). 
• Do not bring food in with the big pigs. 
• Always have your cell phone on you and have safety numbers (written in red on white board located upstairs) stored in your phone for emergencies. 
• Smoking anywhere in or near the barn is prohibited for fire concerns. 
• Familiarize yourself with the locations of the fire extinguisher and first aid kit. 
• Cameras are located in the driveway and in each animal enclosure to monitor the safety of the animals. 
• All volunteers must sign a liability waiver before volunteering. Familiarize yourself with this handbook then please return the last page to the black file holder above the feed table. 
• If you do not want to be photographed, recorded, or featured on our social media or website, please let us know by marking it on your waiver. Also, let us know of any specific stipulations or ways we can respect your privacy. 
• If you are wanting to bring a guest or pet, please let Sarah know in advance and make sure human guests sign a waiver. 
• If there is an incident please let Sarah know and fill out an incident report (located in folder over feed table). An Incident is anything that caused or had the potential to cause harm to any volunteer, visitor, or animal on the property including but not limited to the following:
  • Bodily Injury 
  • Animals escaping or attempting to escape their enclosure
  • Equipment damage
  • Unknown or unannounced visitors on property

Team Communication

Communication is a vital part of ensuring the farm is ran smoothly and safely for the volunteers and the animals. In order for vital information to get communicated efficiently we have the following processes:

• Log any important information in the log book after shift
• Any concerns regarding scheduling, animal health, or safety contact Sarah
• Any concerns regarding the volunteer program or animal care shift specifics contact Anna
• Any concerns regarding infrastructure, maintenance or safety contact David

Respectful Behavior

Please be respectful and courteous in your interactions with the public and fellow volunteers. Disrespectful behavior, sexual harassment, threats,  or discrimination will not be tolerated. If you feel victim to any of these things please let Sarah and/or any board member know. 

Volunteer Program Outlook 

The Volunteer Program at Farmshire is a source of many possibilities. With the ability to offer individuals an opportunity to not only learn about the animals oppressed to the agriculture industry, but to witness the love and resilience these amazing creatures have, the volunteers of Farmshire are capable of gaining a unique experience in the comfort of a relaxed setting, free from overbearing rules and regulations. All we ask is that you keep yourself safe, keep our animals safe, and enjoy the journey.