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Community Conversations Reflections - What have you learned this year?

  • 1.  Community Conversations Reflections - What have you learned this year?

    Posted 12-21-2023 03:48 PM

    This year, we have hosted 37 Weekly Community Conversations calls with inspiring leaders in animal well-being who have shared their insights, experiences and their community wisdom that can help guide us in our work. As we take a two week break, we invite you to reflect on the strides you've made this year. 

    Taking a look back at the year of programming from Community Conversations, we want to hear from you! If you've attended any of our calls or watched the replays: What have you learned this year during one of our sessions? 

    It could be a program you heard about that you implemented, a new partnership you created or an idea that has stuck with you throughout the year. In case you need a refresher, here were some of our most viewed community conversations or you can take a look back at all the recordings and discussion threads here: forum.maddiesfund.org/communityconversations

     

    2023's Most Viewed Community Conversations:

    1. Intentional Leadership: Leading with Radical Acceptance, Curiosity, and Compassion to Engage and Retain Employees featuring @José Ocaño (he/him/el), Founder of Hatching, LLC 

    2. The Future of Animal Welfare: Positive Disruption Will Save More Lives featuring @Sheila Kouhkan, Chief Engagement Officer for Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE) 

    3. Providing Free Veterinary Care to Pets of the Unhoused featuring Dr. @Kwane Stewart, Project Street Vet, Co-Founder, Veterinarian 



    Start Off The New Year Right

    What better way to expand your New Year celebration to your organization's people, than to create a place where staff can reflect, celebrate past achievements and cultivate a collaborative spirit for the future. Encourage each team member to contribute insights, build a stronger, more inclusive foundation where diverse perspectives shape shared missions. As one year comes to a close and a new one begins, we invite you to watch (or re-watch) this recording of, "Year-End Reflections and Setting Intentions" with Dr. Jyothi Robertson and complete the guided handout as you prepare for the new year.


    #CommunityPartnerships*
    #Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice
    #EducationandTraining
    #OrganizationalManagement
    #PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)

    ------------------------------
    Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
    Maddie's Fund
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Community Conversations Reflections - What have you learned this year?

    Posted 12-22-2023 07:58 AM

    While I've taken so much information from these weekly events, the ones that have focused on self-care have really struck home.  Working in animal care, especially in the world of spay/neuter & TNR, can be incredibly stressful.  One woman I know said that "working to TNR feral/community cats is like trying to drain the ocean with a teaspoon."  It is so easy to become jaded, angry, and just plain frustrated, and of course those negative emotions are, well, negative! That way of thinking is unsustainable, and leads to burnout and ultimately leaving the work behind.  Taking a step back through meditation can really help get one re-centered on the overall picture. Learning to control what you can control, acknowledge the reality of the struggle, but come back to the mission refreshed and revitalized. Thank you!



    ------------------------------
    Erin Hooks
    NC
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  • 3.  RE: Community Conversations Reflections - What have you learned this year?

    Posted 12-30-2023 07:13 AM

    Yes I totally agree.  After 15 years of TNR and 23 years of foster I almost threw in the towel this month. I finally joined yoga last year to see if I could get centered and focus more on what I can control and what I can't. It has really helped, it was a lifeline for me and allowed me to focus more on fundraising to help more cats. A wise person once told me "You can't eat an elephant in one bite, but you can one bite at a time". What we are up against in TNR is most times unsurmountable because the ignorance of people procreates almost as fast as cats. Somehow we have to learn to take care of ourselves so we can continue to do that which we have been commissioned to do. Thank you and all that do this work it is never going to be easy but we have each other!



    ------------------------------
    Sandra Hill
    Operation CatSnip of Kentucky, Inc
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Community Conversations Reflections - What have you learned this year?

    Posted 12-23-2023 09:02 AM

    Everything and not enough - As the director of a small 501c3 shelter with no government support, I have struggled this year, and we (the organization) have struggled this year.  I found Maddie's this year and feel like I have found the fountain of youth!  I completed a few classes this year - my favorites are marketing, humane education, and Year-end Reflections!  We have a marketing plan for 2024!  We have developed a plan for implementing community education.   And, I have taken time to reflect on where our organization started, where we are, and where we are going.  I also have taken a step back to work on envisioning how I am going to move through 2024 with grace and health. 

    Are we still struggling - yes, to many dogs,  no transport options, not enough adopters (we even changed our policies),  insufficient help, and a lack of funding.  But we have learned we are not alone.  There is always a new way to approach a topic.   We have a community; we need to educate people about the issues and how they can help. 

    So here to - A productive and peaceful 2024
    Thank you, Maddies, for allowing me to be part of your community!



    ------------------------------
    Connie Ash
    Director
    Mended Paws Sanctuary
    AR
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: Community Conversations Reflections - What have you learned this year?

    Posted 12-28-2023 01:38 PM

    I am so grateful to have discovered Maddie's!  I am newer to the Animal Welfare community and I have learned that I have so much to learn lol.  For the Community Conversations I have attended so far,  those discussing the toll being in Animal Welfare can take on a person were eye-opening for me.  

    As a Board Member/Volunteer, I do spend time in our shelter and interact with staff frequently but I now have deeper insight into how emotionally difficult this work can be.  I have more compassion for our staff and regular volunteers, knowing I am not currently equipped emotionally to do the daily work they do.  

    For 2024, I look forward to taking the Maddie's Grant course and hope to get a grant program restarted for our shelter which has been lacking since Covid due to staff and board changes.  

    Thank you again for all you do, Happy New Year!



    ------------------------------
    Jenna Ricci
    Volunteer
    Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue
    CO
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: Community Conversations Reflections - What have you learned this year?

    Posted 12-29-2023 06:17 AM

    It's already been said - I know I don't know! But THIS community provides resources to help us continue moving forward. This has been an incredibly tough and frustrating year - no animal control assistance, increasing expectations of the public for our organization to do more without resources, lead volunteers are exhausted and the list goes on. 

    My key take-away...compassion makes the difference.   

    Happy New Year to all! 



    ------------------------------
    Susan Austin
    HUMANE SOCIETY FOR BOONE COUNTY
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: Community Conversations Reflections - What have you learned this year?

    Posted 12-29-2023 07:49 AM

    Attending the Maddie's Fund webinars has been a transformative experience, aligning me with a community of passionate individuals all dedicated to creating a brighter and happier future for animals in-need. 

    Through these sessions and educational information, I've had the opportunity to view different perspectives, learn new approaches, such as Sploot Long Stay Pet Initiative, and utilizing Dr. Jyothi Robertson's discussion on Year-End Reflections and Setting Intentions. Looking back on what has been, really gives us insights into what can be done differently and where we can improve. 

    All of the resources have been very helpful to build a better tomorrow for shelter pets. 

    Thank you,

    Marianne
    ------------------------------
    Marianne Pestana
    Development Manager
    Paws Humane, Inc.
    Columbus GA
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: Community Conversations Reflections - What have you learned this year?

    Posted 12-29-2023 08:31 AM

    I have to ponder where to begin since this year has taught me much more than any year in animal welfare. I've realized that the animal welfare world is a living, breathing thing, constantly shifting, changing, and getting smarter.

    I am the Event Manager at our local non-profit animal shelter. When I started here seven years ago, I was just a nineteen-year-old cleaning kennels. Over the years, I've learned all of our shelter departments until I ended up running events, and although I've learned a lot, this year is the most notable. One of the best things I've learned from Maddie's Fund is breaking down barriers to adoption. Many barriers had initially been put up in fear of the animal not going to the best home or an animal returning. When everyone was shifting to a no-kill shelter, it was initially done with the best intentions. But after participating in Empty the Shelters and witnessing the majority of shelters state they are still at max capacity following the adoption event, I realized things need to change if we want our animals to have a fighting chance. We have to break down the rules and regulations of adoptions and build a relationship with potential adopters instead of finding reasons to say no because we are scared to let go. But sometimes, it's okay to take the leap of faith into something new, and even if it is hard for us to switch gears into new territory, the animals benefit, and at the end of the day, that is the biggest goal.  



    ------------------------------
    Haleigh Strasdin
    Cat Trainer and Event Coordinator
    The Humane Society of Macomb
    MI
    ------------------------------



  • 9.  RE: Community Conversations Reflections - What have you learned this year?

    Posted 12-29-2023 08:37 AM

    I think the most important thing that I learned this year from these conversations was the sense of community and just how many people are working hard to help animals every day. It's easy to feel like you're alone in this fight, or like there's no help or resources out there. Conversations like these Maddie's forum meetings help me remember the greater mission and how much help and opportunity exists in the world of animal welfare. I look forward to making great strides with everyone in 2024!

    Austin Pets Alive! Training and Education Center



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    Lindsay O'Gan
    Instructional Design Manager
    APA
    TX
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  • 10.  RE: Community Conversations Reflections - What have you learned this year?

    Posted 12-29-2023 08:38 AM

    I've learned something important, either philosophically or actionable, from each call. Reflecting on this specific topic question, the one point that haunts me is (from event focusing on respiratory disease in shelters) the staggering number of animals living their lives in shelters. Of course I knew the inhumane "throw away" animal crisis, but I had no idea if the scope. I launched a horse rescue because of the same cruel mentality of many horse owners (like small animal) but the shelter burden has compelled me to integrate small animal support into my organization. 



    ------------------------------
    cindy roragen
    ceo
    bixro horse haven
    KS
    ------------------------------



  • 11.  RE: Community Conversations Reflections - What have you learned this year?

    Posted 12-29-2023 09:04 AM

    I learned that I wish I had made more of the calls! When I was able to attend, I was always heartened by the sense of community. None of us are in this alone! Definitely learned leadership skills and reminders to think outside of the box. Take what you can and make it work for you! Thank you for hosting the calls and looking forward to learning and growing more in 2024!



    ------------------------------
    Stacie Voss
    Farmington Regional Animal Shelter
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  • 12.  RE: Community Conversations Reflections - What have you learned this year?

    Posted 12-29-2023 03:16 PM

    One of the most valuable conversations for me was the Mind-Body Connections conversation. It offered a supportive reminder of so many things I knew and at one time practiced, but have neglected in the sweep of day-to-day dealing with everything there is to deal with. It also offered new ways of framing my thoughts in a healthier way. 

    On a whole other level, the conversations taught me that I should take better notes and keep them on one place so that I can return to re-watch sections and not have to puzzle over "where did I see that? I also learned that even though I think I see all the announcements, I missed one -  on rural shelters! How'd that happen? So, that one is next on my 'to watch' list.



    ------------------------------
    Eudora Watson
    Volunteer
    Potsdam Humane Society Shelter
    New York
    ------------------------------



  • 13.  RE: Community Conversations Reflections - What have you learned this year?

    Posted 12-29-2023 05:24 PM

    Hi Eudora,
    You mention taking better notes; I have created a spreadsheet - I copy and past content I want to refer to later into the spreadsheet.  This keeps my resources in one place and easy to find. 
    Connie 



    ------------------------------
    Connie Ash
    Director
    Mended Paws Sanctuary
    AR
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 14.  RE: Community Conversations Reflections - What have you learned this year?

    Posted 12-30-2023 02:20 PM

    Thanks, Connie. 

    Great Suggestion! Thanks.

    Eudora



    ------------------------------
    Eudora Watson
    Volunteer
    Potsdam Humane Society Shelter
    New York
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 15.  RE: Community Conversations Reflections - What have you learned this year?

    Posted 12-29-2023 06:23 PM

    I have recently taken on the role of CEO at Michigan Pet Alliance (MPA). MPA is a nonprofit professional trade association representing Michigan's animal welfare organizations and pet advocates. As a new leader responsible for fund development and marketing of our organization, I am excited to join Maddie's Fund webinars to soak up as much knowledge as possible. Here's to a successful 2024!



    ------------------------------
    Sarah Devaney
    CEO
    Michigan Pet Alliance
    MI
    ------------------------------



  • 16.  RE: Community Conversations Reflections - What have you learned this year?

    Posted 01-03-2024 01:10 PM

    Thank you for everyone's responses. Reading through these comments actually brings tears of joy to my eyes, knowing the Community Conversations call is such a valued space.  We really appreciate everyone's participation, and for all that is being done for people and animals!

    One call that really stood out for me was @Lawrence Minnis' talk on shifting from a retail to realtor model and mindset for adopting out animals.  With that concept, I see an advantage this field has over the for-profits, in that the incentive is to match people with the pet that is right for them, and not simply to make money. I hope we can continue to remind our community members of this fact by also providing the support and resources they might need to succeed when adopting their animals.  

    Happy 2024 - onward and upward! We'd love to continue to hear reflections as they come up!



    ------------------------------
    Irene Chansawang
    Senior Grants Specialist
    Maddie's Fund
    ------------------------------



  • 17.  RE: Community Conversations Reflections - What have you learned this year?

    Posted 01-06-2024 06:26 AM

    Irene,

    Your mention of the Sept presentation by Lawrence Minnis prompted me to revisit it. Having once had my real estate license and worked in retail, his analogy rang true. Also, the data gathering piece. We've recently upped our game with record keeping, but he points to specific ways we cold try to improve our data collection. 



    ------------------------------
    Eudora Watson
    Volunteer
    Potsdam Humane Society Shelter
    New York
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 18.  RE: Community Conversations Reflections - What have you learned this year?

    Posted 01-08-2024 10:29 AM

    Hi Eudora!

    Thanks for sharing your perspective and for the reminder about the data collection component of his talk. Glad to hear that the information could be useful to your organization! 



    ------------------------------
    Irene Chansawang
    Senior Grants Specialist
    Maddie's Fund
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 19.  RE: Community Conversations Reflections - What have you learned this year?

    Posted 01-05-2024 04:31 AM

    My work centers around helping struggling shelters all over the country. What I have continued to learn and be fascinated by is that those struggles are exact and precise common denominators but each organization feels they are facing unique challenges (lesson number one).  Lesson number two is that when you unpack why those challenges exist, it is consistently based on the fear of a negative consequence if the (read: broken) system is changed. The spoiler alert is that Plan A is not working! Taking the time to understand why a shelter is stuck, having lengthy conversations with a variety of leaders, staff and other stakeholders has led to what I consider miraculous transformations that were not even on my dream list 30 years ago. Things like, "We just started asking people if we could help them with alternatives to intake and 50/80/etc % said yes!". "We started doing population management rounds and went from 3X capacity to under capacity in 2 weeks!", "We made some minor changes removing barriers to outcome and tripled the number of adoptions the first month!" and my personal fave, " We have NO cats in the shelter because we helped them in other ways or they were placed quickly".  So in 2023, I never left a struggling shelter without seeing many opportunities. Every one had reasons they were stuck and therefore overcapacity. We are deeply entrenched in our beliefs and habits and often can't see another pathway. Not seeing the forest through the trees is a real thing! Walking alongside these shelters and helping them see from a different perspective has been both humbling and encouraging. So I consider myself simply a messenger to say-there is a better way and let me tell you about a shelter, just like yours, who made miracles happen and now you know that it's possible for your shelter too.



    ------------------------------
    Sara Pizano
    ------------------------------



  • 20.  RE: Community Conversations Reflections - What have you learned this year?

    Posted 01-05-2024 03:33 PM

    I agree with @Irene Chansawang in that seeing the impact of these calls is so heartwarming. Thank you all for sharing. 

    These calls have brought so much of the animal well-being community together, in ways that I have not seen in my tenure of being in this space. The shared knowledge that is presented on the weekly calls, has helped my team in a few ways. First calls such as those by Jose Ocano and Dr. Jyothi Robertson that really focused on the self-care aspect of this work were phenomenal. They helped me ground myself in times where I have felt the pressure of the field. Additionally, the calls like Lawrence Minnis which focused on the human-animal bond shed some perspective into the tie of behavior into the selection process of animals. It helped for me to better coach my team in communicating with potential adopters, in knowing what may be influencing their decision related to a pets behavior. This has helped in making better matches with the adopters. 

    While the talk with Dianne Prado doesn't fall directly into my realm with behavior work, the knowledge of housing equity and the role it plays in this field was great to see. As a child, we faced many of the challenges that were noted and it often felt like pet ownership wasn't accessible for me as a child. To know that the industry is supporting pet owners in keeping their families and their pets together is such a fresh breath of air. The same goes for organizations like Betsy BnB, which I was able to share with another organization that is looking to do something similar in their areas. So much connection has happened because of these calls and I'm so excited to see what 2024 has in store!



    ------------------------------
    Shonyae Johnson - CPDT-KA
    Program + Operations Management
    Behavior Manager
    Operation Kindness
    ------------------------------



  • 21.  RE: Community Conversations Reflections - What have you learned this year?

    Posted 01-07-2024 04:57 AM

    I am not sure if it was one of these sessions or another but a great program we started with real estate agents was to contact us if a house being sold had a decent dog house or pen in the yard the current owner wanted to get removed before the sale or someone buying a home wanted removed after purchase.   We would go pick these things up, have them cleaned up and any minor repairs done and then take them to a family that was struggling to get these basic things.      We helped 6 families keep their dogs by providing them with another means to contain their dogs besides being on a tether (which is against our city ordinance).    Another dozen by providing a better form of housing for their animals.



    ------------------------------
    Cyndi Hoffman
    Newnan Police Department
    ------------------------------



  • 22.  RE: Community Conversations Reflections - What have you learned this year?

    Posted 01-08-2024 04:51 AM

    That is a great idea! I am sure those families were so grateful you helped them keep their fur babies at home



    ------------------------------
    Lisa Burn
    Co-founder/VP
    Farmhouse Animal & Nature Sanctuary
    Myakka City, FL
    https://farmhousesanctuary.org
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 23.  RE: Community Conversations Reflections - What have you learned this year?

    Posted 01-08-2024 09:41 AM

    As a Realtor and foster guardian I don't run into that very often. But, I am in small office. You might print up flyers, post on social media and also reach out to property managers. They run into it quite a bit when a tenant moves.  Another area of out reach is people getting rid of excess towels, blankets, comforters, bath mats. 

    Another growing area to outreach is-  1000 of us Realtors and related professional, have a group -Nationwide belong to group called REAL ESTATE PET PROJECT.  We network with rescues (everything from birds, rabbits, dogs, feral colonies, cats) out reach animals, pet food, animals with special needs, pets too long at shelters. Our name and your name goes on any outreach  we do. If you desire I can connect you with a member of Real Estate Pet Project nationwide. 

    Janice Wheeler

    Realtor - Mohamed Realty (Sacramento) Ca- #01162965

    916-849-1059

    Thulani Senior German Shepard Rescue.  



    ------------------------------
    Janice Wheeler
    Foster
    TSGSR
    CA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 24.  RE: Community Conversations Reflections - What have you learned this year?

    Posted 01-09-2024 07:15 AM

    We made out a flyer and went to all the real estate offices in the city and spoke to them about the program we wanted to create.      Every one of them was on board with giving us a call.    Even if what is there is not usable, we are helping them get it off the property.     Even if we can get viable pieces here and there, we can eventually put a pen together.   Or someone that wants the fencing removed from the property, we are taking that and reusing boards to help dog owners to replace and repair their fencing.  

    It is not a lot, but any little thing helps some owners.



    ------------------------------
    Cyndi Hoffman
    Newnan Police Department
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 25.  RE: Community Conversations Reflections - What have you learned this year?

    Posted 01-08-2024 01:35 PM

    Conversations create change! That is what I have enjoyed most about this forum and the weekly conversations. This forum is proof that positive changes can happen and lifesaving can increase through a simple conversation!  Thank you, Maddie's! 



    ------------------------------
    Jennifer Webber
    The Humane Society of Hobart, Inc.
    ------------------------------



  • 26.  RE: Community Conversations Reflections - What have you learned this year?

    Posted 01-10-2024 12:03 AM

    "Many Hands Make Light Work" is what I learned.

    This forum is a community where I've gained valuable insights from like-minded individuals who share a genuine, kind, compassionate, and empathetic love for animals. Sometimes, I find myself wishing for six hands to accomplish all that I desire. However, the wealth of resources in this forum eliminates the need to reinvent the wheel, making two hands more than sufficient. This one-stop hub contains everything necessary to save lives and maintain our sanity.

    The forum is a genie in the bottle, granting connections and opportunities for growth. Earlier this year, I joined the Street Dog Coalition to assist pets of the unhoused. Following the first clinic, I recognized the importance of harnesses and leashes for the pets and their owners. Seeking advice on obtaining donations for these supplies, I posted here, and Emme answered the call. Through our connection, she generously sent a huge box of harnesses and leashes, leaving me surprised and grateful. While being a recipient is gratifying, the joy of giving back is equally fulfilling. Inspired by Charlotte's post about two long-term residents in need of behavioral help, I offered virtual pro-bono training. Free advice - Diane's insights on how three relatively small play yards can greatly aid dogs in decompressing were invaluable. I am deeply thankful for this space that fosters a spirit of sharing and receiving.

        



    ------------------------------
    Julielani Chang
    The Life of Kai: Compassion Connections Inc.
    Davis CA
    ------------------------------



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