By: Carol Bryant
Who amongst us wants to help animals in their area? Have you ever felt overwhelmed and like you want to help but have no idea where to start? We've all been there and struggle with this.
BlogPaws loves giving back as much as we love our bloggers, community, and network. Be the Change For Pets: How to Advocate For Animals In Your Area is one of our nearly 40 educational sessions taking place in Salt Lake City, Utah, in a few short weeks. Fellow pet blogger, Jamie Lynn Smith, is one of the speakers from which attendees can learn animal advocacy skills.
Jamie: I would like for people to start a movement in their communities; to rise up and do something about an animal welfare issue, whether it's puppy mills, hoarding, animal cruelty, or another type of issue -- let's all come together in our communities and push for key legislation (federal and state levels) to protect animals.
If more of us band together and start talking to legislators and key decision-makers about animal welfare, the more the word is spread.
This session will teach you HOW TO MAKE A MOVEMENT in your area - how to start from the ground up if you want to advocate. It was MY original outline and MY orignal title that the team chose for presentation... I put forth a ten-step plan on just that.
BlogPaws: This is a topic pet people will be eager to attend indeed. Have you been to every BlogPaws to date (this will be the fourth)?
Jamie: Yes, every one!
BlogPaws: *tail wags and paw claps* Excellent! What furkids share your life?
Jamie: They are: Benson, Golden Retriever - 12; Sasha, Half-Persian/Half Heinz 57 cat - 11, Rescued in Colo at 6 months old; Maxwell, Tabby Cat - 2, Rescued from downtown Cleveland parking garage at 1 yr old; and Tater Tot, Absynnian/Half Heinz 57 cat - 2, rescued from the wild and a previous neglegtful owner at 1 yr old.
BlogPaws: Sounds like a full house! Where can folks learn more about you?
Jamie: On Twitter, Facebook, and my blog, Thoughts Fur Paws.
BlogPaws: We ask all our speakers to share a fun fact. Dish for us.
Jamie: Im terrified to speak in public and am preparing months ahead for this!!!!
BlogPaws: You'll be fabulous, and fellow Blog-Pawers are sure to be inspired to be the change for pets.
Come to Salt Lake City, meet Jamie, and join in the fabulous 3-day event: BlogPaws 2012
Catch up on our BlogPaws Speaker Series in the BlogPaws Community.
What an awesome way to cover what I hope to achieve! Thanks BlogPaws team and Carol! I love you guys:)
Posted by: JL Smith | 05/30/2012 at 02:27 PM
I know personally this is a topic near and dear to so many. It will be incredibly educational for anyone who attends and wants to help animals. Thanks, Jamie Lynn!
Posted by: Carol Bryant | 05/30/2012 at 03:00 PM
I am glad I came across this post! I have a friend on fb who dedicates her life to saving dogs, not matter the expense. She is so passionate about what she does that she inspires me so much. She has helped dogs in all situations, that it's moving. I have just recently created a post dedicated to her on my blog and placed a tip jar, hopefully to get any kind of donations, for dog food, shots and etc. My blog is http://mommaladybug.typepad.com/my-blog/ if anyone would like to take a moment and see. This is a great post you have here!
Posted by: Stephanie | 05/30/2012 at 03:23 PM
Great article! I've been able to help bring positive awareness to pets with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) and wheelchair dogs through my blogging efforts. Nothing is more rewarding then giving other pet parents HOPE when their pet is diagnosed with IVDD and they find out they can live a quality life.
Posted by: Barbara Techel | 05/31/2012 at 09:05 AM