Animal Welfare Professionals

Hi! As we continue to develop content at Maddie's Fund, we're curious as to how YOU prefer to consume information. Is it through:

• Watching video (webcasts, live or on-demand)
• Reading (blog posts, emails, articles)
• Interactive calls or meetings (live zoom calls, online instructor led courses, forum posts)
• In person conferences/events
• Online self-paced courses 
• Something else? 

Does it depend on the topic or how much time you have? We'd love your thoughts!

#EducationandTraining

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Brittany Ransonet
Marketing Communications Project Manager
Maddie's Fund
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I personally prefer to watch videos and take courses that are online and self paced.  That way I do not feel rushed and as with almost everyone here, we are being pulled in multiple directions so being able to come back to a video or self paced online course is helpful for me.  I also like the fact that I can go back and get information again.  Thank you.

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Chun Mezger
Animal Services Officer
North Richland Hills Animal Adoption & Rescue
TX
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Hi

Since there's so much going on during the day and I never know if I'll be able to join a meeting , watching video or  online self-paced courses are the preferred option for me

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Tammy Fabian
Executive Director
Friends For Life Animal Rescue
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Hi Brittany,

I take advantage of all options but a self-paced course is great when I have too much to do during the day. Each option offers different resources. Thank you for finding so many ways to get the information out there. 

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Julielani Chang
The Life of Kai: Compassion Connections Inc.
Davis CA
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I personally prefer to read over watching videos, but I like the idea of online self-paced courses as well. With the day to day responsibilities at our sanctuary and also running a profit biz my days are very full. Most times I am not available when the zoom meetings are planned. 

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Lisa Burn
Co-founder/VP
Farmhouse Animal & Nature Sanctuary
Myakka City, FL
https://farmhousesanctuary.org
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Personally I like podcasts or webinars or online self paced ones. Live are fine as long as they can be watched at a later time.

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Sandra Hill
Operation CatSnip of Kentucky, Inc
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I like to mix it up! I love large annual events with inspirational and educational keynote speakers that also offer great networking with peer opportunities. I love video meetings such as Maddie's Weekly where I can see people and hear from a leader in the field, but where I have flexibility to step away for a second if needed. I also LOVE the opportunity to raise money for my organization while I learn! Talk about WIN/WIN! I'm an avid reader and devour print/online information sources. Of course, I love learning from people in the field here in Kansas, animal owners, humans in  need to help their animals!  I just want to learn to do more and do BETTER!

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Cindy Roragen
CEO
BixRo Horse Haven
Girard, KS
https://BixRoHorseHaven.org
https://facebook.com/bixrohorsehaven
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I prefer to have a combination- videos and self paced courses are great as I can do them as I have time. In person conferences are amazing because it gives us a chance to network with other organizations and ask questions in real time! 

Keep up the great work! I love your organization and all the information you put out!

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August Hutchins (They/Them)
Foster Coordinator
Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center
Tampa, Florida
813-272-1157
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These responses are very helpful! Thanks everyone. Keep 'em coming. 

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Brittany Ransonet
Marketing Communications Project Manager
Maddie's Fund
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Self-paced courses are easiest with my schedule. I also like the suggestion of Podcasts. I spend a ton of time in my car so listening makes it easy for me to consume.

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Christie Ibarra
N/a
N/a
TX
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Videos, reading, and online self-paced are the easiest with the time restraints I have for running the shelter. I would love to make one of the interactive meetings, but every time it seems something comes up. And it's never quiet around here! I feel like I would be a noisy distraction to the interaction taking place. 

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Dee Cummins
Dog Warden/Operations Manager
Meigs County Rescue & Adoption Center
OH
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Podcasts! We need more of them!

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Sara Post
Operations Director
Feline Rescue
Saint Paul, MN
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The preference is online/self paced due to a hectic schedule. In person training is second because that'll be scheduled....

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Andrea Doolittle
President
Second Chances Equine Rescue
GA
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I personally prefer to watch videos and reading blogs and post.  Online self-paced courses are always a good choice.   With a busy schedule it is easy to start and stop when needed.  If I need to reference something I can go back and read/watch again as necessary.

Thank You,

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Kathy Wilhite
Grant Writer
Spay Neuter Jackson County
AL
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I prefer to consume information through:

• Watching video (webcasts, live or on-demand)
• Online self-paced courses 

And yes, It depends. on how much time I have!

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Umi Rafi
Outreach/Fundraising Team member
KindHeartCoalition.org

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Umi Rafi
Outreach Team Member
Kind Heard Coalition
CA
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What they said! If I'm able to, attending a session where people are asking questions and sharing information is great. But despite my good intentions, when the time comes for one, I'm often pulled away for something else. I do like the self-paced courses, and am always glad when I can register for something but then view it later if needed. 

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Eudora Watson
Volunteer
Potsdam Humane Society Shelter
New York
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I love being able to do online, self-paced classes. I work full time in a school setting, but have more time in the summer. I've been really enjoying the ASPCA free classes as well as the Fear Free trainings I can do on my own time.

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Lauren Goveia
Cat Operations Manager/Volunteer
Grafelman Farms Rescue
IL
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Definitely prefer online self paced webinat videos!

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Michelle Van Dusen
Board Member
Outsiders Farm & Sanctuary
GA
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I prefer to learn through the online classes. I'm able to do it at my pace and it doesn't conflict with my job. I think the webinars are very informative.

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Sandra Smith
Not sure
It will be called Half Way Home
TN
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I prefer to use self-paced online courses or watching videos. This gives me the freedom to continue my regular duties while also continuing education.

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Hannah Cave
Animal Control Officer
Johnson County
IN
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I'm just getting my feet wet in this sector and I'm overwhelmed (pleasantly) by how much is going on and the amount of help and information that is out there. That said, videos are easiest for me as I try to catch up on what's happening, but I will also want written material that I can hopefully pull from for future blog posts on my website.

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Barrett Baker
Founder
Dark Dog Posse LLC
VA
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Seeing as working in rescue isn't a typical 9-5 scheduled job, I much prefer online self paced courses/videos. I also find it helpful when I am able to go back and reread as needed at my own pace. 

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Rickie Tice

Founder/President

Samsons Sanctuary Rescue 

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rickie tice
founder
Samsons Sanctuary rescue
CA
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I am not a fan of videos, webinars, zoom calls, or self-paced courses. I just don't have the patience to sit through them--I want to get to the heart of the info without a lot of preamble or chitchat, and the pace often seems agonizingly slow. Even more, I always want printable information so I can save it and refer back to it. So in a webinar, for example (unless there are handouts), I'm following along taking screenshots and pasting them into a document that I can clean up and save to print later. It especially irritates me when there are slides/powerpoints etc. and the presenter simply reads every single point on the slide, as though the attendees can't read it for themselves, and much faster. IDK if it's my age, my past career as college professor and researcher, or my busy-ness, but unless there is some really compelling visual message, I want to read content and not watch it.

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Pamela Adelmann
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This is me, too!

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Christie Keith
Maddie's Million Pet Challenge
Davisburg, Michigan
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-09-2024 05:43 AM
From: Pamela Adelmann
Subject: How do you prefer to consume educational information related to work?

I am not a fan of videos, webinars, zoom calls, or self-paced courses. I just don't have the patience to sit through them--I want to get to the heart of the info without a lot of preamble or chitchat, and the pace often seems agonizingly slow. Even more, I always want printable information so I can save it and refer back to it. So in a webinar, for example (unless there are handouts), I'm following along taking screenshots and pasting them into a document that I can clean up and save to print later. It especially irritates me when there are slides/powerpoints etc. and the presenter simply reads every single point on the slide, as though the attendees can't read it for themselves, and much faster. IDK if it's my age, my past career as college professor and researcher, or my busy-ness, but unless there is some really compelling visual message, I want to read content and not watch it.

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Pamela Adelmann
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I prefer self-paced, it is easier to do, being a Cattery Manager, has its slow days and super busy days, there has been many of on demand meetings or webinars that I have missed, and then I am watching the recordings. (If I remember). and they help to know which ones for my staff to watch that will benefit our care here at the shelter. 

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Debi Borecki
Cattery Manager
pearl River County Spca
Picayune MS
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Time is always a factor.  Self-paced courses and videos that can be absorbed at any time enables me to fit them in my schedule with no disruption to my schedule.

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Diane McClure
Volunteer
Wild Whisker Inn
NY
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I prefer a video. It's easier to focus and rewind when some really good information is provided. Personally, I am more likely to finish watching a video (and learn from it) than through zoom meetings or by reading. Thanks for asking for feedback. 

Patricia Gonzalez

Volunteer/foster

Faith and Hope Foundation, Corpus Christi, TX

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Patricia Gonzalez
volunteer
Faith and Hope Foundation
TX
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Between my full-time "pay the bills job" and special medical needs fosters, scheduling and committing is challenging.  Here's how I'd rank my preferences:

• Reading (blog posts, emails, articles)
• Online self-paced courses
• Something else?  (Hard copy books, at-home study materials)
• Watching video (webcasts, live or on-demand)
• In person conferences/events
• Interactive calls or meetings (live zoom calls, online instructor led courses, forum posts)

My first preference is reading blogs, emails, and articles.  I can print them out, highlight them, write in the columns, share content with fellow fosters, etc.  My last preference would be web-based/virtual and interactive online learning.  That stuff just never seems to work.  There's always a problem with video, volume, seeing the screen, or something...and so much time is wasted answering the questions that the topic is either cut short or I lose interest very fast and usually tune out or turn it off.  Web-based programs don't fit around my schedule since my time to sit down and do stuff is on the weekends or after 7 PM most weekdays.

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Monica Bennion
Clowder 9 Ranch
Buhl, ID
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Time and attention issues make live events difficult for me, so I prefer reading my information and printing for future reference if possible and then online self-paced courses which can be a big help for me. 

Thank you Maddie's Fund for the great info you provide!

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Jo Cooper
board member and volunteer
Street Dog Project
OR
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Sanctuary related goings-on might not always allow me to join the zoom discussion live or in person events, so I look forward to being able to watch the videos or participate in self paced courses, blogs,articles,etc. 

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Lori Pinzer
founder and director
Briarwood Farm Sanctuary
NY
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I prefer reading (blog posts, emails, articles) and watch videos. I am often working when live Interactive calls or meetings are scheduled, so I generally have to catch it after the fact.

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Fenella Tigner
fundraisiner
North Bergen Purr
WV
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Watching videos on-demand (not live), doing on-line self-paced courses, and reading blog posts or articles (not so much emails) are my favorite methods of consuming educational information.  The other options are wonderful in theory, but they are hard to fit into a busy schedule.  At this time, we feel a sense of urgency with our work and don't often have time for in-person events, live meetings or calls.

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Anne Fessler
Financial Manager
Underhound Railroad
NC
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