History was made on May 11, 2005 when visionaries Nanci Alexander and Heather Veleanu realized a dream they had spent years creating: The first Florida chapter of Humane USA.
Heather spent weeks trying to coordinate a date to introduce the key players and Nanci graciously offered the venue of Sublime as the first meeting place. The surroundings were as dramatic as the birth of this new effort to bring compassion to Florida .
Present were: Nanci Alexander, Heather Veleanu, Diane Watchinski, Howard & Carole Baskin, Steven Sponder, Michelle Harris, Jim Dunn, Sandra Wolkov and Pam
Huizenga (not present).
Heather introduced all of us and then set about introducing the Steering Committee's overall agenda:
CONTRIBUTE TO PRO-ANIMAL CANDIDATES
TAKE PART IN CRUCIAL ELECTIONS
SUPPORT PRO-ANIMAL LEGISLATION
CONTRIBUTE TO PRO-ANIMAL CANDIDATES
Fundraising
Steering Committee member agree to raise $1,000.00 a year
Annual Fundraiser(s)
Advisory Board
Identify Pro-Animal Legislators
Humane USA Questionnaire
Legislators personally familiar with
Humane USA Scorecard
TAKE PART IN CRUCIAL ELECTIONS
Create an Identifiable Block of Pro-Animal Voters
Direct mail
Tabling events
Individual organizations letting their members know about the PAC
Support Campaign Efforts
Fundraisers for specific candidates
Mobilize volunteers
SUPPORT PRO-ANIMAL LEGISLATION
Take an official stand on all animal related legislation
Humane USA lobbying day
Everyone agreed with the mission and focus of the group and began planning the first steps of fundraising:
Heather advised that HSUS will supply their mailing list of approximately 600,000 FL supporters at a fee or free to initiate contact with other like minded people in our area.
All agreed that fare is to be vegetarian or vegan at these events so that our message is consistent.
In the late fall of 2005 the Ft. Lauderdale group will plan a high ticket house party at Pam's and will solicit silent auction items and arrange for the society pages to cover the event. Steven will try to secure the use of the house. Big Cat Rescue may have some silent auction items to donate and will donate a Big Cat Expedition Package and other tour packages. Diane will be in charge of the event planning and media exposure.
In Jan. or Feb. of 2006 Big Cat Rescue will host an event in Tampa at the refuge to reach members on the other coast. This will probably be a high ticket party including drumming circles, folklore story telling, Elvis impersonator, music, perhaps some sort of water activity on the 18 acre lake and an introduction to the 150 big cats in residence.
Bob Dunn suggested a dog wash and others agreed an animal inclusive event would be a great idea, but can be difficult to coordinate.
Michelle asked about grants, but the general consensus is that those are typically only available to 501 c 3 charities.
Most of us are not clear on what limitations our own charities have in raising funds for a PAC and Heather advised that we consult with JJ at HSUS and legal counsel because it is a grey area for the IRS and one that we have to be sensitive to. Some things we clearly can do is include links to Humane USA on our web sites, sell our mailing lists to the PAC and write informational stories to our members about our personal involvement.
Generally, non profits cannot attempt to effect an election, but we can spend up to 5% on promoting better legislation for the animals.
The meeting adjourned with all feeling hopeful for the future. No plans have been made yet for our next meeting, or follow up steps other than to keep in touch via email.
August 17, 2005 Minutes
Present were: Present were: Heather Veleanu, Carole Baskin (by phone), Michelle Harris, Jim Dunn (by phone) and Sandra Wolkov.
Heather led the meeting.
Tasks were assigned as follows:
Michelle will identify candidates.
Heather, Sandra and Diane will work on the fundraiser.
Jim will be in charge of recruiting, training and managing volunteers.
Carole will handle fundraising and awareness on the suncoast.
Annual Fundraiser(s)