NOTES+from+11.1.2011

**NOTES FROM NOVEMBER 1st MEETING** Again, we were visited by Kathy and Beth who led us in a couple of activities to get us to learn each other's names and to start working together. We then got to meet an adorable kitten and get some animal time! When we got back to the room and go down to business we had some discussion about current animal topics. We talked about the exotic animal situation that occurred in Ohio and how insufficient standards and lack of legislation had a lot to do with the outcome of most of those animals being killed. We also talked a bit about distemper and you all got a report about what is going on with the dogs here at WHS. I am happy to report that we now have SEVERAL dogs available for adoption and more on the way! Check out our website to see the adorable pooches that are looking for homes. Then we reviewed what we came up with last month about what a kind community for animals would look like: We discussed that realistically we cannot as a group make all of these things happen for animals in the time that we have together, but if we focus our energy on one issue, we can make an impact. We looked at the list we created and heard from some people about what issues they felt strongly about and wanted to make an impact on. Some of the things that came up were: Introduced the wikisite for the Young Advocates. Be sure to visit often to keep involved in the conversation!! From here we are going to discuss these ideas on this wiki site and discuss the opportunities to focus on each issue. If an issue seems to be getting the most attention we will very likely focus on it as our main issue for the year. We will finalize our "focus issue" at the next meeting. **TO DO:**  USE THIS SITE! Bring up ideas and discussions to help us all narrow down our focus issue. Remember, at next meeting wiki users will receive prizes for the following: Thank you all again for your enthusiasm and commitment to animals in our community! I am looking forward to our next meeting on Tuesday, December 6th at 4p.m.!
 * People would have knowledge about and respect for eco-systems[[image:youngadvocatesclub/45.jpg width="311" height="313" align="right"]]
 * There would be responsible breeding of companion animals
 * No more abuse/neglect
 * Animals would be free to live their lives without fear
 * There will be homes for all domestic animals
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 20.8px;">There would be an abundance of resources for all.
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 20.8px;">Promoting the Safe Haven Program that is starting at WHS to provide foster homes for animals of people who are leaving a domestic violence situation and entering a shelter themselves (Click here for more information on this program ).
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 20.8px;">Spreading awareness of the need to vaccinate our animals in the wake of the distemper outbreak
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 20.8px;">Connecting with kids in schools to provide them with information about animals and treating them with respect and kindness
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 20.8px;">Dealing with overpopulation and promoting responsible breeding
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 20.8px;">Stopping animal cruelty - April is "Stop Animal Cruelty Month"
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 20.8px;">Stopping dog fighting
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 20.8px;">Promoting awareness of wildlife habitats
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 20.8px;">First Post (after each meeting)
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 20.8px;">Most Posts
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 20.8px;">Most Influential Posts (meaning the post that gets the most feedback)