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Take Action

Get Informed
Keeping up with local news or browsing animal-related web sites are easy ways to get informed about the issues. As you get informed, it may be helpful to focus on an issue that most interests you.
Get Involved with Animal Support Organizations
Find animal shelters or other organizations that support animals. If possible, visit an organization and its staff and consider volunteering to better understand the organization. There are many opportunities for volunteer work with animals-- from helping at animal shelters to assisting with programs that connect sick people, prison inmates or the elderly with pets. You may even consider adopting an animal. These experiences will help you better understand animal-related issues and the resources available in your community.
Raise Funds or Donate to Animal Support Organizations
If you are interested in fundraising, consider partnering with local organizations to raise funds for animal programs. Together you can organize bake sales, carwashes, penny drives, holiday gift-wrapping services or other fundraisers. Be creative and remember that any amount you raise or donate will help.

For some animal-support organizations you can support directly, check out the Resources link in this issue area.

Build Community Awareness about Animal-Related Issues
Share what you know about animals with your family, friends and community. Informing people about the state of animals and resources that support them is an important way to build awareness. If you’re interested in building awareness about animal support, consider these strategies:
  • Help organize a panel or workshop on animal support
  • Help animal support organizations with public speaking and distributing pamphlets
  • Develop and distribute a flyer or brochure listing the animal support resources in your community
  • Contact your elected officials to discuss how local, state or national policies impact animal support in your community
Help Organize a Special Event or Project
Partner with local organizations to organize a special event or project that builds community awareness about animal-related issues. There are several national events that could be excellent opportunities for local service, discussion and information sharing. These special events include:

You can also support existing animal support projects and programs. For projects that suit your interests and schedule, click here for a listing of local Hands On Network member organizations and search for one in your community. Many Hands On Network organizations are involved in animal support efforts.

Do Something about Animal Support
~Take Action ideas powered by Do Something, an organization that inspires, supports and celebrates people who see the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done and then take action.

There are several no cost / low cost ways you do something to support animals in your community. Click the Do Something Web links below to find out how you can take action by:

Explore Careers in Animal Support
There are numerous careers that impact animals. They include: veterinarians, zoo workers, animal rights lobbyists and advocates, farmers, pet sitters, groomers, marine biologists, horse breeders, cruelty investigators and animal trainers.

Engage Elected Officials
Once you know what’s going on in your community, contact your elected officials to share what you’ve learned and how you feel about animal-related issues. Elected officials often adopt issues after learning more about them, so by talking with them about an issue, you could be the one to inspire some action!

Project Vote Smart’s web site allows you to find elected officials who serve your local community. To find elected officials in your community, click here. When the Project Vote Smart homepage displays, enter your 9-digit zip code (XXXXX-XXXX) in the search box. After you click go, a listing of your local elected officials will display.
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