NOTES+from+12.6.11

We had a fantastic discussion about what we wanted to do as a group. We listed a number of ideas and narrowed them down to:
 * GREAT MEETING** on Tuesday, December 6, everybody!!
 * Irresponsible breeding/overpopulation
 * Wildlife conservation/habitat destruction
 * Abuse/neglect
 * Animal testing

We discussed also focusing on dog fighting and how pit bulls are great dogs, but decided to think about other topics because the Young Advocates addressed these issues last year. Another idea that was offered was about keeping your cats indoors. It was thought that this topic would cover both wildlife issues and companion animal issues. WHS is planning on target the 53208 zip code with messages about keeping cats indoors this spring since that zip has a high intake rate at MADACC. It’s a topic that WHS hasn’t done much outreach/community messaging about in recent years and it would be cool if we as the Young Advocates could support WHS in these efforts.

Another topic that was proposed by our Advocacy Manager is the importance of vaccinations. In light of Distemper concerns, this topic is very timely. Perhaps we as Young Advocates could play a role in a spring vaccination clinic.

Then we began to talk about how we are going to tackle these issues - what do we want to do about them! Some ideas that come up were:
 * Make a commercial
 * Develop and distribute fliers
 * Create a powerpoint presentation to the public
 * Go door to door with fliers and information
 * Have an "Animal Appreciation Day"
 * "Keep Your Cat Indoors Day"
 * Write and perform a short play about a topic
 * Create a YouTube video
 * Fundraisers:
 * Donation jars
 * Bake sale
 * Candy sale
 * Popcorn sale
 * Auction/dinner

Also, remember to discuss with your "ride" the proposed additional meetings on the third Tuesday of the month in addition to our current first Tuesday of the month: January 17 February 21 March 20 April 17 May 15