Landmark Environmental Policies

Environmental NGOs have made remarkable strides in the past few decades, drawing attention to the planet’s most pressing issues.

Case in Point: The Rainforest Action Network (RAN). Since its inception in 1985, RAN has not only raised awareness about deforestation but has also directly engaged with major corporations to alter their practices. Through a combination of public pressure, shareholder activism, and negotiations, they’ve pushed companies like Home Depot away from unsustainable wood sources. Beyond the corporate realm, their advocacy efforts have influenced public opinion, leading to more robust environmental regulations in several countries.

Global Health Initiatives

In the realm of public health, NGOs serve both as awareness builders and direct service providers, especially where government infrastructure may fall short.

Case in Point: The Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Polio, once a global threat, has seen a dramatic decline due to coordinated efforts. Organizations such as the World Health Organization, Rotary International, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have come together in an unparalleled global partnership. These groups mobilized funds, implemented vast vaccination drives, and created community awareness programs to root out the last vestiges of this disease. The collaborative efforts have saved millions from disability.

Human Rights and Advocacy

Human rights NGOs operate in some of the most challenging environments, spotlighting abuses and advocating for international interventions.

Case in Point: Amnesty International and the South African apartheid. During the most tumultuous periods of apartheid, Amnesty International’s tireless campaigns ensured that the plight of South Africans remained in global headlines. They extensively documented human rights violations, supported victims and their families, and lobbied powerful governments to impose sanctions. Their collaborative approach, working alongside grassroots movements within South Africa, amplified local voices on a global stage.

Advancing Education and Literacy

In the sphere of education, NGOs play a dual role: policy advocacy at the highest levels and ground-level implementation, especially in challenging terrains.

Case in Point: The Malala Fund. After the tragic attack on Malala Yousafzai for advocating girls’ education, the subsequent global outrage led to the establishment of the Malala Fund. The organization’s dual approach involves advocating for policy changes to ensure girls’ education and funding on-ground projects in regions like Pakistan, Nigeria, and Brazil. Their targeted initiatives, such as promoting STEM for girls and supporting local education activists, have created ripples of change in conservative societies.

Disaster Response and Management

In disaster-stricken regions, NGOs often arrive before international governmental agencies, providing immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation.

Case in Point: The 2010 Haiti earthquake aftermath. With infrastructure shattered and the local government overwhelmed, NGOs like Direct Relief stepped in. Their immediate response involved air-dropping medical supplies and setting up mobile clinics. In the long run, they worked on rebuilding healthcare infrastructure and training local healthcare workers, ensuring a sustainable recovery.

Combating Global Hunger and Malnutrition

Food security is a pressing concern, with millions across the world still lacking access to basic nutrition. NGOs in this sector address both immediate crises and systemic issues leading to chronic hunger.

Case in Point: Action Against Hunger. Operating in almost 50 countries, this NGO has been at the forefront of combating hunger since 1979. Their multi-pronged approach involves providing emergency relief during famines and food crises, while also working on sustainable solutions like setting up water and sanitation systems, promoting agro-based livelihoods, and implementing nutrition programs. They not only distribute food but also focus on enhancing community resilience against future food security threats.

Protecting Vulnerable Populations in Conflict Zones

In regions torn apart by war, the civilian population suffers the most. NGOs operating in these high-risk areas ensure that the vulnerable get protection, humanitarian assistance, and a voice.

Case in Point: Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders). MSF provides medical care in some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones. From setting up hospitals amidst active war zones to running mobile clinics for refugees on the move, MSF’s dedicated medical professionals risk their lives to save others. Beyond immediate medical assistance, they also highlight atrocities and lobby for international action, ensuring that the world’s attention remains fixed on those who often feel forgotten.

Expanding Horizons

The above instances are but a glimpse into the vast array of issues that NGOs tackle daily. Through innovation, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of justice and equity, these organizations rewrite narratives and reshape the future for millions around the globe. As challenges evolve, so do the strategies and initiatives of these NGOs, ensuring that they remain relevant and impactful in their missions.

Conclusion

Public organizations’ pivotal influence on policy and societal change has been evident throughout modern history. Their ability to adapt, focus on grassroots requirements, and shape global discourse ensures that they remain at the heart of driving positive societal transformation.

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In the modern digital age, access to online casinos and gambling sites is just a few clicks away. For many, these platforms offer entertainment and the allure of quick financial gains. However, the risks associated with gambling, especially among the youth, are often overlooked. Problematic gambling habits can lead to financial ruin, mental health issues, and strained relationships.

The Role of NGOs in Awareness

Several non-profit organizations have taken up the mantle to address the lack of awareness about the potential pitfalls of gambling. By conducting workshops, seminars, and online campaigns, these NGOs aim to equip young individuals with the knowledge and tools to recognize and combat gambling addiction. One might wonder about the relevance of platforms like PayPal in this narrative. It’s simple. As this article points out, PayPal’s meteoric rise in online casinos showcases the increasing ease with which transactions take place in the virtual gambling world. While this convenience is commendable, it also implies that young individuals can seamlessly transition into the world of gambling without fully comprehending the associated risks.

Real-Life Stories and Campaigns

Real-life stories form the backbone of these awareness campaigns. Narratives of individuals who have grappled with gambling addictions and managed to turn their lives around are both cautionary tales and beacons of hope. NGOs often collaborate with such individuals, leveraging their experiences to create impactful content that resonates with the youth.

Future Steps and Community Collaboration

While significant strides have been made, there’s still a long road ahead. Continuous efforts are needed to ensure that new online platforms don’t catch the youth off guard. Collaborations between NGOs, educational institutions, and even online payment platforms like PayPal can lead to the creation of more secure online environments and further awareness initiatives.

The Impact of Technology: A Double-Edged Sword

While technology has facilitated seamless online gaming experiences, it has also provided platforms to educate and prevent. Digital platforms enable rapid sharing of information, making it possible for awareness campaigns to reach global audiences in mere moments. This instantaneous nature of digital communication allows NGOs and community organizations to respond promptly to emerging trends or concerns in the gambling world. Moreover, tools like AI can analyze patterns and detect early signs of problematic gambling behavior, prompting timely interventions. However, alongside these benefits, technology also introduces challenges. Advanced graphics, immersive experiences, and easy payment methods, such as PayPal, can inadvertently attract younger audiences, underscoring the importance of robust age-verification methods.

Engaging the Youth: Peer-to-Peer Programs

One of the most effective strategies in tackling gambling issues among youth is peer education. By training young individuals who have a deep understanding of the digital landscape, NGOs can create relatable ambassadors for their cause. These peer educators, equipped with personal stories and relevant data, can connect with their age group more intimately, breaking down barriers and debunking myths surrounding gambling. Additionally, having peer-led workshops and discussions can facilitate an open dialogue, where young individuals can share their experiences, concerns, and questions in a non-judgmental environment. This approach not only educates but also fosters a community spirit, emphasizing collective responsibility in addressing and preventing gambling problems.

Proactive Measures: Collaborations with Online Platforms

Instead of only addressing the problem post-factum, a proactive approach can yield better results. NGOs and community organizations can collaborate with online gaming platforms and payment systems, such as PayPal, to introduce preventive measures. These can range from setting up automatic limits on transactions, introducing cooling-off periods, or even integrating awareness content directly within gaming interfaces. By collaborating with these platforms, NGOs can ensure that while users enjoy their online experiences, they also remain constantly informed about potential risks. Through partnerships, both the gaming platforms and community organizations can work towards a shared goal of responsible and informed online gaming. Together, with continuous efforts and collaborations across sectors, it’s possible to strike a balance where the youth can enjoy the digital experiences the modern world offers while being equipped with the knowledge to navigate potential pitfalls.

Conclusion

As we stand at the intersection of technological advancement and societal awareness, it becomes imperative to draw from the strengths of both domains to foster a safer environment for the younger generation. The allure of online gaming, facilitated by seamless platforms like PayPal, is undeniable. Yet, it is our collective responsibility, spanning across NGOs, online platforms, and the community at large, to ensure that this allure doesn’t overshadow the potential risks. By blending proactive measures, educational campaigns, and modern technology, we can create a harmonious digital space. A space where entertainment doesn’t come at the cost of well-being, and where awareness ensures that the thrill of the game never morphs into a life-altering challenge. The future of online gaming lies not just in its innovation but also in its informed participation, and that’s a future worth striving for.

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First and foremost, remember that your personal statement is just that: personal. This is your opportunity to share your story, your voice, and your unique perspective. So don’t be afraid to be yourself, check thevillafp to help!

Next, focus on making your personal statement engaging and interesting to read. After all, you want your readers to remember you.

Finally, be sure to proofread your personal statement carefully before submitting it. Typos and grammatical errors can make you look careless and can take away from the overall impact of your statement.

By following these tips, you can write a civic organization personal statement that is sure to stand out.

Learn what a personal statement is and why it’s important for your civic organization

A personal statement is a short, reflective essay that should be part of any civic organization’s application process. It’s your chance to tell your story and give the organization a sense of who you are as a person, not just a resume or list of accomplishments.

Why is a personal statement important? Because it allows you to show the organization your personality, values, and motivation for wanting to join their team. It’s an opportunity to stand out from the crowd and make a real connection with the people who will be making the decisions about your membership.

Your personal statement should be honest and authentic, and give the reader a sense of who you are as a person. Keep it positive and focus on why you want to join the organization and what you can bring to the table. Most importantly, make sure it reflects your unique voice. The personal statement is your chance to shine, so make the most of it!

Understand what should be included in a personal statement

When considering what to include in a personal statement, it is important to first understand the purpose of the statement. A personal statement is typically a narrative essay that tells a story about yourself. The story should be one that gives the reader an idea of who you are as a person, your accomplishments, and what you hope to achieve in the future.

While there is no one right way to structure a personal statement, there are some key elements that should be included. First, you will want to introduce yourself and give some background information. Next, you will want to discuss your goals and how you plan to achieve them. Finally, you will want to conclude your statement by summarizing your story and explaining why you are the best candidate for the opportunity.

When writing your personal statement, be sure to be honest and tell a story that is memorable and unique to you. This is your opportunity to stand out from the rest of the applicants, so make it count!

Find out how to make your civic organization’s personal statement stand out

Making your civic organization’s personal statement stand out can be difficult. You want to make sure that you highlight the most important aspects of your organization, without coming across as boastful or self-promoting. Here are a few tips to help you make your statement shine:

1. Keep it focused. Your personal statement should be concise and to the point. Don’t try to cover too much ground – focus on a few key points that you really want to emphasize.

2. Highlight what makes you unique. What sets your civic organization apart from others? Why should people care about your work? Be sure to communicate this in your statement.

3. Use strong language. Avoid generalities and vague phrases – use language that is specific and impactful.

4. Tell a story. A personal story can be a great way to connect with your audience and make your statement more memorable.

5. Keep it positive. Focus on the positive impact that your civic organization has, and avoid negative or controversial topics.

By following these tips, you can make sure that your civic organization’s personal statement stands out from the rest.

Get tips on writing an effective and compelling personal statement

Your personal statement is your opportunity to sell yourself to your potential university or college. It’s your chance to show who you are and what makes you stand out from the crowd.

Here are some tips on how to write an effective and compelling personal statement:

1. Start early

Don’t leave your personal statement to the last minute. Start brainstorming and writing as early as possible. This will give you plenty of time to edit and revise your essay.

2. Be honest

Admissions committees can spot a dishonest essay a mile away. Be genuine in your writing and tell your unique story.

3. Be specific

Vague statements won’t impress the admissions committee. Be specific about your experiences and what you learned from them.

4. Keep it concise

Your personal statement should be no more than two pages long. Admissions committees have to read a lot of essays, so make sure yours is concise and to the point.

5. Edit and proofread

Once you’ve written your essay, edit it for grammar and spelling mistakes. Then, ask a friend or family member to read it and give you feedback. Finally, proofread your essay one last time before you submit it.

By following these tips, you can write an effective and compelling personal statement that will help you stand out from the rest of the applicants.

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In conclusion, there are many benefits of working with a community organization when you’re writing an academic essay. Whether you need guidance in terms of structure and style or want some tips on how to manage your time effectively while also meeting all the marking criteria, there is sure to be an expert who can help you. So why not get started today and see how much of a difference it can make to your academic success!

How To Get The Most Out Of Community Organizations When Writing Your Essay

1. Research different community organizations to find one that offers writing support and guidance specifically for academic essays.

2. Set aside time each week to work with your chosen organization, whether this involves meeting with an expert one-on-one or joining a group workshop.

3. Take advantage of any resources that are available, such as writing templates, study guides, and sample essays.

4. Talk to other students who have worked with a community organization to get their insights and recommendations on what has been helpful for them.

5. Stay organized throughout the writing process by setting goals, creating timelines and tracking your progress. This will help you to stay motivated and make the most of your time with the organization.

How To Get Help Writing Your Essay From A Community Organization

1. Start by doing some research online to find community organizations that offer writing support. Look for organizations with experts who have experience working specifically with students who are writing academic essays.

2. Consider signing up for a workshop or meeting one-on-one with an expert from one of these organizations. Many offer free consultations or discounted rates for students, so be sure to explore your options and find the one that is right for you.

3. Make the most of any resources or tools that are available through the organization, such as writing templates, study guides, or sample essays. These can help you to get started with your own work and ensure that you are on the right track as you progress.

4. Talk to other students who have worked with a community organization in the past and get their insights on what has been helpful for them. Ask about the quality of support they received, how easy it was to schedule meetings or workshops, and whether there were any other aspects that they found helpful.

5. To get the most out of your time with a community organization, be sure to stay organized and focused on your work throughout the entire process. Set realistic goals for yourself, create timelines for when you need to complete different stages of the essay, and track your progress so that you can see how far you’ve come. This will help you to stay motivated and make the most of your experience.

What Are Some Benefits Of Working With A Community Organization When Writing An Essay?

• One benefit of working with a community organization is that it allows you to get guidance from experts who have a deep understanding of how academic essays should be written. They can offer feedback on structure, style, and content, as well as tips on how to manage your time effectively and meet all the marking criteria.
• Another benefit of working with a community organization is that it gives you access to resources such as writing templates, study guides, and sample essays. These can help you to get started with your own work and ensure that you are on the right track as you progress.
• Working with a community organization can also help you to stay organized and focused throughout the writing process. This means that you can make the most of your time with an expert and meet any deadlines or goals that you’ve set for yourself, all while improving your skills as a writer in general.
• Another benefit of working with a community organization is that it provides you with a supportive and encouraging environment in which to work. This can be especially helpful if you are struggling with your essay or experiencing writer’s block, as you will have someone on hand to offer guidance and support when needed.

Finally, working with a community organization can also help you to develop your professional skills as a writer. This is because many organizations offer workshops, consultations, or other opportunities for students to network and build relationships with others who have experience working in this field. These connections could be helpful for future job opportunities or educational pursuits.

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There are many different types of community organizations that people can get involved with depending on their interests and skills. For example, if you are interested in organizing events or helping out at fundraising activities, you might consider joining your local chapter of a service organization such as the Rotary Club or Lions Club. On the other hand, if you enjoy working with children or the elderly, you might consider volunteering at a daycare center or senior citizens’ residence.

No matter what your interests are, getting involved in a community organization is a great way to meet new people and give back to your community. Whether you have an hour to spare each week or more time to devote to helping others, there is always something that you can do to make a difference in your community!

Any community organization needs to have a clear vision and mission, along with practical and achievable goals. If you plan on starting your own community organization, it’s important to think carefully about what you hope to achieve and how you will meet the needs of your target audience. Once this is done, it’s time to get organized by setting up mechanisms for communication within the group, managing finances, and developing strategies for recruitment, outreach activities, fundraising efforts and more. Finally, it’s also important to recognize that running a successful community organization requires a significant investment of time and energy; however, the sense of satisfaction that comes from making a real difference in people’s lives can be well worth the effort!

If you are looking for an opportunity to get involved in your community and make a difference, there are many different types of community organizations that you can join. Consider volunteering with a local charity or service club, working with children at a daycare center or elderly at a senior citizens’ residence, or joining forces with like-minded individuals to start something new! No matter what your interests and skills are, there is sure to be an organization out there that’s right for you. So why not go out there and get started today? You never know just how much of an impact you can have on the lives of others!

There are many different benefits associated with getting involved in a community organization, from the sense of satisfaction that comes from helping others to the opportunity to meet new people and build your network. Perhaps most importantly, however, is the fact that community organizations provide a great way for individuals to give back to their local communities by doing something meaningful and worthwhile. Whether you have an hour each week or more time to devote, there is always something that you can do in order to make a difference in the lives of others. So why not get started today? Your community will truly thank you for it!

There are many community organizations, through which people can make a huge difference in the communities and improve the living conditions of fellow members. These organizations play an important role since they promote social interaction among different sections of society such as youth groups, senior citizens’ clubs, etc. There are several options for interested individuals to get involved with these organizations based on their interests and skills. For example, if someone is interested in organizing events or helping out at fundraising activities then he/she can join his/her local chapter of Rotary Club or Lions Club. On the other hand, those who prefer working with children or elderly can volunteer at daycare centers or senior citizens’ residences respectively.

Communities can be defined in many ways, including local, national or international levels so you should think about whether your examples are relevant at all of these levels. You may wish to give different examples depending on which level of community you’re referring to. For example, if you mention helping people affected by natural dis

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How ASPCA Has Started?

In 1866, Henry Bergh founded the organization after he was troubled seeing animals being mistreated by humans. The organization came up with an ambulance for injured horses in the same year, two years before the invention of the human ambulance in New York City.

On April 10, 1866, Bergh’s passion for seeing the decline of animal cruelty presented the Charter to the New York Legislature, which was passed nine days later. This was a significant milestone because the ASPCA could now investigate any animal cruelty and make arrests where possible.

Henry continued fighting for the rights of animals, and in eight years, he came up with a canvas sling in a bid to rescue horses. The sling was, however, used during Europe’s  World War 1 on the battlefields.

Apart from these milestones, other significant developments in the years came up due to the ASPCA. These are explained here below.

The Animal Rescue

This happened from 1894-1994 when the ASPCA came up with municipal animal shelters, which took care of the unadopted animals. The organization was honored after signing a contract with the New York City Department of Health in 1977. 

It is at this point that ASPCA was able to receive municipal funding. However, the organization did not renew the contract in 1995 but instead transferred to the Centre for Animal Care and Control. The transfer resulted from the effects of the city budget appropriations, where ASPCA relied so much on government donations rather than private donations, which did not yield much.

ASPCA took a riskier step in 1996 by acquiring the Animal Poison Control Centre from the University of Illinois. And in 2013, it signed a $25 commitment risk management contract to support vulnerable animals. This was done through campaigns around South Los Angeles metropolitan areas.

The 2000’s Milestone Effect

With all the efforts that ASPCA has made to stop animal cruelty, it has now become evident that the organization is part and parcel of animal protection against any disasters, including dog fighting raids, natural catastrophes, and intervention during any cruelty experiences.

Unfortunately,  there were Hurricane Katrina and Rita in 2005. But ASPCA deployed staff to relocate to those areas to help in the rescue process. In the rescue mission, ASPCA  granted more than $13 million to shelters and organizations in the region to help with the resettlement.

 2007  was another great year that we experienced another success where brutal dog fighting was investigated by the team that Michael Vick led. This force persisted until such a time that it achieved its purpose. In 2013,  the achievement was celebrated during the groundbreaking ceremony when ASPCA  partnered with the New York Police Department (NYPD).

In 2014, ASPCA joined the new New York City mayor Bill de Blasio’s campaign in a bid to stop horse-drawn carriages in the area.

ASPCA later acquired the Asheville, NC-based Human Alliance, which later was empowered to become the ASPCA community Veterinary Centre in Liberty City, Miami.

All these significant achievements were done to stop the cruelty animals experienced all along.

The ASPCA has remained an influential company by offering direct protection to animals through adoption and provision of shelter. In Manhattan alone,  an average of 2,000 animals have been adopted. Besides, the organization has lobbied for animal prevention legislation, provided grants, and voluntarily taken on research methods to see how much they can stop animal cruelty.

Innovations Into the Future of Animal Protection

Although ASPCA’s main focus was on ensuring that animals are safe, they have also taken magical steps to ensure that they get a permanent home in every part of the American Cities. This we have seen it being made possible from the joint efforts of the police department in New York. 

An average of 75 people have been arrested per year for misusing animals, which has brought up a positive change now and in the future about taking care of animals.

The post American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) History appeared first on BioDev.

Humanism as a worldview, as understood by the AHA, corresponds to the definition proclaimed in the charter of the International Humanist and Ethical Union, of which it is one of the founding members.

AHA was founded as the successor organization to the Humanist Press Association, which in turn was the successor organization to the Humanist Fellowship founded in 1928.

The official symbol of the AHA is the Happy Human.

Status of the Association

The AHA was established as an educational organization in 1941, gaining legal status in 1943. In the late 1960s, the AHA also gained fiscal status as a religious organization, legally ensuring that humanist clergy could perform religious rites at weddings as chaplains and enjoy the rights reserved to traditional clergy. In 1991, however, the AHA took over the Humanist Society, a religious humanist organization founded back in 1939, and transferred all of its religious programs to it. On January 1, 2003, the HSA finally relinquished its religious status and became an educational organization. Today the AXA is an internationally recognized non-profit public organization.

Mission Statement

The statutory objectives of the Association are to promote the ideas of humanism in society and the development of humanistic philosophy. As a member of the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEC), the AHA fully supports the Amsterdam Declaration of 2002.

Definitions of the philosophy of humanism

Humanism is a democratic, ethical stance on life that affirms that human beings have the right and responsibility to determine the meaning and form of their lives. Humanism calls for a more humane society through an ethic based on human and other natural values, in the spirit of reason and free inquiry, through the use of human capabilities. Humanism is not theistic and does not accept a “supernatural” view of the real world.

According to the American Humanist Association’s own definition, humanism is a progressive attitude of life that, without the aid of belief in the supernatural, affirms our ability and obligation to live an ethical life in order to fulfill ourselves and to seek the greater good of humanity.

Activities of the AHA

AHA was one of the first organizations to initiate the development of many fundamental concepts in the areas of human rights, gender equality, civil liberties, education, science, alternative technologies, humanistic psychology and population growth control. It was within the Association that the concepts that formed the basis of the so-called “Humanist Manifestos” were born.

Currently, the AHA has initiative groups in more than 30 states. The Association publishes The Humanist, a bi-monthly magazine, and a philosophical journal called Essays in the Philosophy of Humanism.

The Association regularly speaks out on fundamental issues of interest to its members, addresses the media and opinion leaders, and informs its members about current issues of concern. The AHA has been involved in the founding and development of a number of humanistic organizations, such as NARAL Pro-Choice America, the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, and others.

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Creation History

Following the establishment of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) in Great Britain in 1824 (with Royal Status in 1840), Henry Berg founded the ASPCA on April 10, 1866 in New York City. It is the oldest and first animal welfare-oriented organization in the United States. The ASPCA was created to put an end to the injustice to animals encountered throughout the United States. On February 8, 1866, Berg made a statement on behalf of the animals at a meeting in Clinton Hall in New York City. Among the issues discussed at this meeting were cockfighting and the horrors of slaughterhouses. After obtaining many signatures from people on his “Declaration of Animal Rights,” Berg was able to obtain an official Charter and start the ASPCA on April 10, 1866.

Medicine for Animals

One of the early goals of the Association was to improve the health and welfare of animals. The first veterinary clinics under the auspices of the ASPCA were established in 1912. Since the establishment of these clinics, the Association has developed new tactics to improve the affairs of these clinics. Since then, the Association has been able to develop a variety of medical procedures and innovations with new inventions in medicine and technology. Among these are the following:

• In 1918, ASPCA veterinarians perfected the use of anesthesia and, as a result, were able to treat a horse with a broken kneecap
• In 1954, ASPCA veterinary clinics added pathology and radiology labs and programs
• in 1961, ASPCA veterinarians performed their first open-heart surgery on a dog.

Resources for animals and their owners

This initiative was created to help individuals take proper and ethical care of animals. Some of the services designed to help individuals are:

• A 24-hour animal poison control hotline
• Free training and advice on how to handle animals
• Dedicated staff ready to provide high quality medical care
• Mobile neutering and spaying teams serving low-income areas of New York City
• Psychological assistance for owners of deceased animals

Rescue of at-risk animals

This program is designed as an initiative to take steps to care for at-risk animals and continue them across the country. Some of the programs designed to help animals at risk:

• ASPCA Mission: Orange Initiative: Inviting key cities across the country (USA) to join the ASPCA with the goal of stopping unnecessarily put down animals that can be put into good hands.
• ASPCA experts creating plans for animals in times of disaster
• A state-of-the-art 8,000-square-foot (743 m²) exhibition of animals that need to be put into good hands in New York City
• ASPCA Meet Your Mate, a search engine for matching animals with good homes (owners).
• Assistance for horses at risk with the help of the ASPCA Horse Foundation.

Actions against animal cruelty

To promote laws against animal cruelty across the country, the ASPCA has organized a campaign that combines various animal welfare efforts with measures to introduce new technologies created specifically to prevent animal crimes. These measures include:

• Creating an ASPCA “Center Against Cruelty” that will work with forensic experts to help investigate and bring crimes against animals to trial
• Conducting educational programs for police officers, investigators, veterinarians, prosecutors and judges on how to respond to animal cruelty, to include assistance in investigating such cases.
• Lobbying for the passage of animal protection bills

Other successes

In addition to animal rescue, the Society has also been involved in emergency preparedness and rescue management. For example, on September 1, 2008, before Hurricane Gustav was landed in the state of Louisiana, about 800 animals were put into a special shelter in the city of Shreveport. ASPCA members worked with members of the American Humane Association to provide 24-hour duty at the shelter.

The ASPCA is primarily concerned with pet-related issues, particularly pet care, horse cruelty issues, and other cases of animal abuse and neglect. The Society’s programs and services include:

• A poisoning and infestation hotline for pet owners and veterinarians
• An animal shelter support program designed to support and promote the best regional shelters
• A corporate partnership program that promotes products and services for animals
• A specific anti-cruelty initiative that includes educational programs and an animal law enforcement agency known as the Humane Law Enforcement Division in the United States. The ASPCA Division of Humane Law Enforcement in New York State is authorized to investigate cruelty to animals and conduct law enforcement. This division is known for the Animal Precinct television program on Animal Planet.

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History

The American Society Against Vivisection was founded in 1883 in Philadelphia by a group of people inspired by the Animal Welfare Act passed in Great Britain not long before. The society’s original purpose was to regulate the use of animals in science and society. A few years later, the society’s primary goal became a total ban on vivisection.

The society’s founders, Caroline Earl White and Mary Frances Lowell, worked with their husbands at the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PSPCA), but felt they could do better, and, in 1869, founded the Women’s Branch of the PSPCA (WBPSPCA), today known as the Pennsylvania Humane Society for Women.

Animal testing first began in the United States in the 1860s and 1870s to the great disappointment of animal rights pioneers. Caroline White traveled to London to meet with Frances Power Cobb, who led the Victoria Street Society and pushed for the passage of the Animal Cruelty Protection Act. Full of ideas after speaking with Cobb, in 1883 Caroline reorganized the WBPSPCA into the American Society Against Vivisection. Two years later, the group made its first attempt at legislative change by proposing a bill to restrict vivisection. The bill was rejected, but many medical professionals sided with AAVS. Since then, AAVS has been actively working to educate the public about animal cruelty and has also worked with the U.S. government to pass animal legislation.

Campaigns

Against vivisection

The subject of AAVS’ greatest concern is the use of vivisection in medical research. Vivisection always means that the experiment is performed on a live animal. As in any experiment, the result is achieved by trial and error, and it is not known until the end of the experiment whether it was useful. The anti-vivisection movement is therefore primarily a moral battle. Scientists believe that such experiments can improve human life and that the result weighs more heavily than the risk of animal life. Anti-vivisectionists argue that most such experiments are useless, much of the work can be done on cell and tissue samples, and vivisection itself is already an obsolete method of research.

Anti-vivisectionists and scientists are seriously at odds over the merits of such experiments. Initially (and still to this day) the protest against vivisection was motivated by compassion for animals, but there is another aspect. This is what Dr. Pietro Croce has called a “new anti-vivisectionism” – a rejection of vivisection based on medical and scientific evidence of the real dangers of animal experimentation in the development of human drugs. According to Croce, “there is no experimental model of the human species. This means that the results of experiments performed on animals that are biologically different from humans may not be suitable for humans.

Against patenting animals

Due to the fact that the animals used for experiments are different from humans, many of them undergo genetic modifications to mimic human pathologies as a result. The authors of such genetically modified animals can take out a government patent on them. To date, about 660 such patents have been granted to create animals with traits of specific human diseases. AAVS is campaigning to stop animal patents and has already secured the revocation of two of them – for rabbits with vision abnormalities to mimic dry eye syndrome and beagles with symptoms of lung infection.

Against animal cloning

AAVS has also recently been concerned about the practice of cloning animals. This is because the success rate of animal cloning ranges from 1% to 4%. According to studies, the most common outcome of cloning mammals is death or mutilation. In addition, if animal cloning is allowed for consumer purposes, there is a reasonable question about the permissibility of allowing human cloning.

Media

The organization’s first publication was Zoöphily, founded in 1892. The magazine reported on news on vivisection and animal welfare, “encouraged readers to support humane education, and reported on the Society’s recent legislative initiatives.” The publication changed its name several times – to “Star Cross” in 1922, “A-V” in 1939, and finally “AV Magazine,” under which the magazine has been published for the past several years. AAVS also produces its own radio programs, among them “Do You Have a Dog?” and places commercials on radio and television.

Education

Since the first days of AAVS, education has been one of its key activities. Not only does it inform the public about vivisection and similar experiments, but also educates children about the humane treatment of animals.

In 1990, AAVS opened its own education department, Animalearn. Its goal is to demonstrate that teaching science in educational institutions can do without the direct use of animals and without procedures such as dissection. Animalearn organizes free seminars for educators, in which they talk about alternative teaching technologies, as well as about the need to include the study of animal rights in curricula. The campaign has created a so-called “science bank” of information about innovative learning technologies that allow teachers and students to learn anatomy, physiology, and psychology “without traumatizing animals, themselves, or the Earth.”

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It is known, in particular, for its campaigns against experiments on animals conducted by the U.S. military and experiments on baby monkeys weaned from their mothers. Author and journalist Deborah Bloom described IDA’s strategy this way: “an absolute pit bull. Once he has carefully chosen his target, he never lets go of it.

History

Since the organization’s formation in 1983, its president has been a veterinarian, Dr. Elliot M. Katz.

Katz is a graduate of Cornell University School of Veterinary Medicine. He was involved in animal advocacy when he was approached for help by animal activists seeking an end to animal experiments, which they said were overwhelming the UC Berkeley labs. In response, Katz helped organize Californians for Responsible Research, to ensure better care for animals at the university.

From then on, IDA became an international animal welfare organization. Headquartered in Northern California, IDA also has offices throughout the United States and branches in India and Africa.

Programs and campaigns

IDA protects animals used in research, food, clothing, entertainment and sports, and other fields. Its methods include organizing protests and nonviolent acts of civil disobedience, including sit-ins, chaining and banner erection.

Current programs include a campaign to improve conditions for elephants in zoos and circuses. IDA was one of many animal advocacy organizations that contributed to the closure of the Coulston Foundation, at the time the largest chimpanzee research center in the world. Other accomplishments of the organization include:

• Rescuing Dolphins – IDA researcher Ben White freed dolphins off the coast of Japan, while underwater he cut the nets in which they were imprisoned.
• Campaign Against Goat and Buffalo Hunting on Santa Catalina Island, California.
• Establishing a chimpanzee sanctuary and education center in Cameroon in 1999 and a rescue center for injured and abandoned animals in Mississippi.
• Organizing the rescue of hundreds of dogs and cats injured in the firestorm that destroyed more than 3,500 homes in Oakland/Berkeley.
• Preventing an archery hunt for California deer in Point Reyes National Park.
• Ending NYU’s “cocaine” experiments on monkeys for the Coulston Foundation. In 1995, the U.S. Department of Agriculture upheld IDA’s claim to the charge: “keeping several dozen chimpanzees in small cages, resulting in the deaths of at least five of them.”
• Campaign against Rockefeller University’s neurophysiological experiments on cats. The campaign was supported by PETA. According to IDA, the cats remained fully conscious during the experiments. The university denied this. After 18 months of protests from IDA, the university stopped the experiments in 1998.
• Stopping the 2001 brain cancer research experiments on beagle pups in Phoenix, Arizona, with the start of a lawsuit against the researcher.

Action against keeping elephants in zoos

IDA believes that keeping elephants in zoos leads to their premature deaths and that there simply is not enough room for these magnificent, intelligent animals in “urban zoos.” Each year the IDA publishes a list of the “10 Worst Zoos for Elephants.”

The IDA claims that it was under its pressure that the San Francisco Zoo transferred its elephants to a sanctuary in 2004. However, the zoo claims the IDA had “nothing to do” with that decision.

The campaign is part of a larger program concerning, according to IDA, several U.S. zoos, including the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., violating animal welfare laws. IDA claims that the USDA has acknowledged “serious concerns about the poor conditions for elephants in our nation’s zoos.”

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