2023 Open Arms Challenge

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  • 1.  Removing Roadblocks Pledge

    Posted 03-13-2023 10:23 AM

    We are getting ready for the 2023 Open Arms Challenge!  We intend to have our entire staff sign off on the Removing Roadblocks Pledge, but we want to be sure that we understand each point entirely.  One point is:

    Not Undermine our own efforts by saving animals who don't need to be saved.

    Exactly what does this mean?  We want to be sure that we understand everything we are signing off on!

    Thank you!

    Carol Jessee

    Director of Development

    Angels of Assisi



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    Carol Jessee
    Angels of Assisi
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  • 2.  RE: Removing Roadblocks Pledge

    Posted 03-13-2023 11:57 AM

    I really like the way you've framed this - "not to undermine our own efforts"!  You're making it easier for your team!



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    Amber Eby
    Grants Specialist
    Maddie's Fund
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  • 3.  RE: Removing Roadblocks Pledge

    Posted 03-13-2023 12:35 PM

    Thanks, but I really didn't make this up. This is actual wording from the Roadblock Pledge! I'm trying to get an understanding of what this really means. Thank you so much.



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    Carol Jessee
    Angels of Assisi
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  • 4.  RE: Removing Roadblocks Pledge

    Posted 03-13-2023 12:43 PM

    @Amber Eby It looks like Carol is referencing this "Roadblock-free Pledge" that Best Friends has shared as part of our resources for the challenge. Does anyone have any suggestions on what that bullet in the pledge really means? 

    Roadblock-free Pledge

    Fewer pets in shelters. More resources for people with pets. More animal-friendly communities. Healthier, happier animals with safe places to call home.

    These are our shared goals.

    Now more than ever, being a part of the sheltering and rescue community means actively looking for ways to keep pets in the places they call home and inviting more of our neighbors to help us save lives. To do that, we need to turn on more lights and open our doors wider.

    In order to increase lifesaving in our community, we pledge to:

    · Take collective responsibility for lifesaving in our communities
    · Create collaborative relationships among our rescue groups, shelters and agencies
    · Not undermine our own efforts by saving animals who don't need to be saved
    · Remove barriers to connecting pets with people who want to love them
    · Provide resources and support that keep pets safe and at home
    · Believe that when one of us does better, we all do better

    Please take the pledge to be roadblock free.
    Thanks in advance!


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    Charlotte Otero
    Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
    she/her
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  • 5.  RE: Removing Roadblocks Pledge

    Posted 03-13-2023 04:38 PM

    Hey! I'm so sorry Carol and Charlotte! I read Carol's post a little too quickly. 

    I take this to mean that by being open and inclusive, we can truly be more open minded and realize that some pets who we might think need saving (ie - outdoor cats who are thriving, dogs who live outside but are loved and taken care of, other pets from people who don't provide the same type of care that the organization may recommend but with a little help could be able to, pets belonging to our unhoused neighbors, etc.) are actually doing fine.  Instead of separating those pets from their homes and loved ones, we can focus on pets who really do need our help (former indoor cats hanging out with colonies, lost animals, pets whose people have passed away, etc) and spare ourselves the time and effort on trying to help an animal who is actually OK where they are.   Why create more problems when these animals are OK?

    Does that make more sense? And anyone else reading this, please let me know what you think.

    Thanks!

    Amber 



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    Amber Eby
    Grants Specialist
    Maddie's Fund
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