Vix, JB and I were meant to spend the last few days of our yearly catchup brainstorming our plans for 2009. However, we’ve been so excited by the gathering momentum of rescue in Australia, mostly we shared stories about the very cool people we’ve had the pleasure of meeting and talking to recently.
One thing we did discuss however, was the missed opportunity a lack of encouragement and support for the next generation of rescuer presents. Rather than someone to be regulated, stifled – and often actively disparaged – fresh rescue industry recruits present a huge resource for good and can easily be directed to best practice animal rescue given the right resources. The added bonus is, that without the baggage and ‘bad old habits’ of distrusting the public and treating potential adopters with hostility, the new blood are brimming with energy, new ideas and are able to engage their communities to generate pet homes, help and financial support.
However, not all of these new recruits are caring for animals directly. When planning No Kill communities, it’s vital recognise the value in taking on speciality volunteers in administration, fund-raising, finance, PR and management. Plus, it’s a great ways to get pet lovers from outside the rescue industry involved.
The groups who will thrive in the future will recognise the value of their communities and look to bring together people of all ages and skills for the benefit of animals. They’ll work to allow people to use and develop their strengths. They’ll work to bring out the best in people, keep challenging conventional thinking and offer a welcoming, adopter-friendly environment. But most importantly, they’ll recognise the key to saving the lives of pets is just as dependent on good communication skills, negotiation and teamwork as it is on the physical act of busting pets out of the pound.
We simply cannot rescue effectively, working in isolation. Volunteer involvement and cherishing new rescuers for the amazing resource that they are is vital to creating a No Kill community.
