VSDC's HenPals Volunteer Event

Join fellow VSDCers for a volunteer event with HenPals Network in Boyds, MD, helping them prepare their farm space for more hens!

HenPals Network is a nonprofit dedicated to giving ex-commercial hens a new beginning. HenPals rehomes commercial laying hens from large-scale farms into adoptive homes, providing an alternative to slaughter and helping these hens live out their lives in loving backyard homes. Since launching five months ago, HenPals has rehomed more than 1,200 hens across Maryland.

Every year, millions of laying hens in the U.S. reach the end of their commercial farming cycle at around 18 months old. HenPals is focused on changing that cycle, one hen and one adoptive home at a time.

During this volunteer day, we’ll be preparing additional areas of the barn so that HenPals can safely accommodate more hens. Projects will include clearing out barn spaces, cleaning existing chicken areas, and some light refurbishment and DIY work. This will be a hands-on, physical volunteer day. Due to the nature of the work, we ask that all volunteers be age 14 or older.

You’ll also have a chance to meet a few of the hens currently at the farm and learn more about HenPals Network, our rehoming program, and what life can look like for hens after leaving commercial egg production.

### What to bring

Please wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. Some tasks may involve lifting, moving materials, mucking, sweeping, or other physical work.
A few other things that may be helpful:

• A water bottle
• Work gloves, if you have a pair you like to use
• A hat and sunscreen if we’ll be working outside
• Clothing appropriate for the weather

### A few things to know

This is a working farm environment, so please be prepared for dust, dirt, feathers, and the occasional chicken underfoot! We’ll provide guidance on the tasks and help make sure everyone knows what they’re doing.
Please post your photos from the day and tag HenPals Network and VSDC!

VSDC: More Than A Meetup
We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that VSDC is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits?

With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle.

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Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?
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Only Vegan Food, Please
While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources.

Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct
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VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.