How can we organize? Brainstorming session!!

[Therese]

On another thread Cindy brought up a question about organizing. I know there are some ways that people are organizing, but that doesn't mean we can't come up with our own ideas. Let's brainstorm. Even if you have what you feel is just the start of an idea let us know...maybe we can build on it and make something that'll actually work!

[Cindy Nevarez]

On another thread Cindy brought up a question about organizing. I know there are some ways that people are organizing, but that doesn't mean we can't come up with our own ideas. Let's brainstorm. Even if you have what you feel is just the start of an idea let us know...maybe we can build on it and make something that'll actually work!

One of the ideas I had about this is not exactly original; the way that the others I mentioned in the other thread gained momentum in their causes was to gain sympathy from influential people. Those influential people attracted attention from everyone, everywhere they went, all the time. This is how the media gets interested in modern day causes. They are not interested in the cause....only in the people who are interested in the cause...right?

Getting Senators, and famous doctors involved in this is a good start, because those influential people are going to need to be convinced of the importance of this debacle by these educated types who won't come off sounding hysterical, or overly emotional, but will assertively and calmly explain the real dangers behind this catastrophe.

Getting these two kinds of people together on this issue is I think the ticket here. One is attracting attention...the other is saying all the right things and convincing more and more people as they go along to be concerned enough to also get invloved.

[CCnDuke]

I am no good at statistics, accounting or politics but could this have something to do with the mess we are in now?
Those that have the knack of sorting out US Government BS/words with no meaning, GOOGLE some of these:

The Hong Kong Declaration
IATP
Doha(sp)

To be continued....

[Mary K]

1) College students are energetic, passionate and they are our future. They were also one of the biggest influences during the 60's protests. And they have huge networking capabilities. Post flyers at local colleges.
Some of us could volunteer to speak at local grade schools, high schools and colleges. There are always openings for that. And what child/young person doesn't love animals?
2) We could start organizing by State, here. Each person could sign up under their city/state and could then know their local contacts. We could brainstorm state by state, to start.
3) Another great place for advertising anything like this is Veterinary offices. Most of the ones I know have bulletin boards for posts.

Now, what are we going to teach, organize and advertise? Think think!!

[willyagogo]

Mary.....

I agree about students....in fact I hit the Universities when handing info out...and they seemed more responsive thatn others I encountered...plus they are great for getting things organized when the word gets out.....they love having causes to defend...at least that's been my experience thus far.

The Vet offices have been great too!!! My Vet and the whole staff there signed the petition...and asked me to leave more empty petition sheets behind to help get MORE signatures from others who come to the office!!!

All great points Mary!!!!..........The Public really needs to be INFORMED as the old saying goes.."Information..is power!"......

[Mary K]

Another brain storm-how about we collect enough funds to make an ad for radio and TV, complete with our website?

"Do you know what is in your dog/cat food? Find out here________"

or "Are you killing your pet with love? Log-on to make a change"

Picture: a pet cemetery with thousands of tombstones

(You get the idea.)

[Cindy Nevarez]

I like this idea.

[willyagogo]

Great ideas!!......

It could be like a "public service" announcement so to speak.....

Maybe someone....for instance a Celebrity (who loves animal rights causes!...hey! any publicity is good publicity right?).....would take part as well as help fund the ad!!!

There certainly isn't a shortage of Celebrities who are animal lovers!.....Maybe someone here has some kinda' connection with someone....hey! It's a small world right?.....

[Cindy Nevarez]

Ok...I was just talking to my college-aged daughter about this.

She's telling me about internet-related, college student-related exposure;

Internet:
               -Make a YouTube video, and put it out.
               -Use Facebook & Myspace, which are social networking websites for this website.
              
Universities:
               -Seek out the largest, most sought after university in your state. Find out if they have a
                student group(s) who would be interested in getting involved in this, and ultimately
                endorsing the cause.
                For example here in Arizona, we recently had Al Gore come and speak
                at the ASU campus in Tempe, AZ. ASU has a HUGE environmental group, which were
                instrumental in getting him there.  

[willyagogo]

Cindy....that's excellent!!!

Like I said.......when students have a cause....they really are super at organizing things!

I have an 18yr old son.....him and his friends are on the internet ALL the time!!!! He has actually been very helpful to me when going to the Universities and passing out flyers and things.....He will actually be with me at the Forum on the 18th!!!

Your daughter has some great ideas that I (as an older broad!) wouldn't even think of!!!....Give her a "high five" for me!!!.....

[Cindy Nevarez]

Just gave her the hi-5 

Do you have a particularly large university there?

[willyagogo]

There are 3 really decent sized Universities!........The largest one (and it IS large!) is U of T. (Univ of Toronto)....

Also there is Ryerson and also York Universities!.....and oodles of Colleges in addition to the Universities!

Just outside of Toronto is Guelph University.....for those studying to be Vets!!!

Lot's of young folks around that's for sure!!!!!!

[Cindy Nevarez]

My daughter is going to get me the names of the environmental group's leaders from ASU. I'm going to write them to see if they are interested in this issue.

If there are no "Anti-Tainted Imported Food" groups at your universities, then perhaps the environmental groups are the best bet.

I'm sure there isn't one of those groups at ASU 

[willyagogo]

Well Cindy.....

Both groups would be great.....it is afterall. when you think about it, an environmental issue as well!!

To tell you the truth...I read some articles on China's food safety (or lack thereof) and it's so scary! I forget iif it was yesterday or the day before....but I was feeling really pessimistic and down......this thing has just gotten so huge. For me it's become so scary and over-whelming!

When I read things like the ideas from your daughter...and I think about my son...I think to myself, that these are the minds that are going to have to straighten out this warped world.....I feel better.

I feel better cuz young people today are so intelligent...and we need them to participate......I just feel better when I see young people participating, that's all!

...(wipes away tears     )........sorry I went off topic and babbled on! I just get so scared......and powerless....

[Cindy Nevarez]

I know. These days I'm sure people think I'm bi-polar!

Anyway...we have to keep fighting.