Advocacy and Outreach
Animals depend on our voices to speak out for them. There are many ways to get involved and every action you take makes a difference for an animal in need.
Actions everyone can take to help animals
Educate yourself about local and national legislation. Be informed and let your voice be heard. Write a letter to the editor, send an email or call your Representative to express your support or concerns. These are all powerful tools for change.As a constituent, you are among the people that legislators are most likely to listen to. Your voice matters in gaining stronger protections for animals. Expressing your views on pending legislation will make a difference and can help move bills through the legislative process.
Join Us at Humane Lobby Day on February 12th, Olympia, Wa.
More information here...Contact your Legislators
Letters to Legislators:
Think of a letter to a politician as a vote, the more attention received about an issue the more likely they are to consider your position. The concerns of their constituency translate to future votes and remaining in office.Tips to Writing a Persuasive Letter to Your Legislator
Be knowledgeable about the issue and clear about your concerns. An effective letter has facts that support the issue and veers away from sentiment. Follow a simple format and be concise.
Suggested format for letter writing:
Paragraph #1:
Introduce yourself in just a few short sentences and address the issue. Let them know you are a constituent and the issue affects your community.Note: Proper form of address for policy makers:
- Members of congress: The Honorable “ First and Lat Name”
- Members of Senate: Dear Senator “ Last Name”
- Member of House of representatives: Dear Congressman/ woman “ Last Name”
Paragraph #2:
Develop your position on the issue. Specifically address one issue at a time, while being firm in your position.- “The suggested bill is not a valid response to the problem, however, there are other non-lethal methods to address the issue of overpopulation of wild life...”
Paragraph #3:
Conclude your position on the issue and ask the legislator to support it.- “ I hope you will agree that there are alternatives to the current bill and you will consider supporting a more humane solution to the issue.”
Paragraph #4:
In conclusion, thank them for their time and make sure to ask for a personal response.
Consider each letter a chance to improve your communications skills. Letter writing parties are a great way to increase activism and can help to support others to voice their position on the issue.
Remember, you’re legislator represents you. A personal letter or email tells the elected official you are passionate about the issue and concerned enough to act upon it.
Better yet, consider joining a local group for a Humane Lobby Day and arrange a meeting with your representative. Attend the February 21st, 2012 Humane Lobby Day arranged by The Humane Society of the United States. It’s a great opportunity to learn how to approach elected officials.
Learn more here...
Save the life of an animal by adoption.
Adopt your next best friend from a shelter. Shelter animals need your help. Consider adopting from your local rescue or shelter. The number of animals that need our help continues to grow. A place to start to improve their lives is building a compassionate community.Adopt an Animal-Free Diet
Adopt daily practices that will help to protect animals. Transition your diet to one which respects animals and the environmentThe compasssionate diet: vegetarianism and veganism
Organizations making a difference
Learn more about organizations making a difference in the lives of animals. Support their great work by becoming involved as a volunteer or a donor.More information here...