We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, March 9, 2026 at 11am PT / 2pm ET for a conversation on "Grief is a Community Action."
Led by Alexis Telfair-Garcia & Brittany Szalkiewics, of Austin Pets Alive!, this conversation addresses the critical need for communal support to help staff, volunteers, and the wider community navigate the profound sorrow of the loss of a shelter animal. We will explore the framework for a robust community action plan focusing on three core pillars: structured support groups, heartfelt remembrance celebrations, and practicing empathy to foster collective support.
With a focus on community and a compassionate approach to animal loss, together we strengthen the social fabric, ensuring no individual grieves in isolation. We will discuss how to model transforming disenfranchised grief into a recognized and supported community experience. This model elevates the well-being of the APA! community, proving that grief, when shared, can be a powerful force for connection and healing.
This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, return to home & intake prevention staff, veterinary professionals, and behavior staff & volunteers - but all are welcome!
🔑 Key Takeaways:
Don't forget! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form.
Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom.
🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread.
Looking forward to being in community with you!
#EducationandTraining
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Sheila Kouhkan
Senior Education Specialist
Maddie's Fund
CA
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