Hi Ya'll,
 
Thought I would give everyone an update.  We have gotten some wonderful
volunteers and suggestions of what folks are looking for.
 
As I said before, what I would first like to see us do is the making of a
stock press kit that can be sent out to media everywhere.  We are going to
try to take a pro-active stance and get a lot of these out *without* someone
requesting them.  However, we do want to make sure that the kits are also
available to those who ask, and set up in such a way as to label them with
local group names when applicable.
 
My original goal was and is to set this up as an information clearing house
only.  And as I do hope to get it approved for non-profit status, which by
law does not allow us to be actively involved in politics or lobbying.
 
I also do not want it to be directly involved in shows, breeding, or
rescues.  There are already some wonderful organizations who do that.  Very
well.
 
Many of these organziations do provide some wonderful information.  The main
difference I am looking at is the making the NWFO deal *solely* with
information, not in addition to other activities.
 
Ultimately, the plan is to have ready made packets set up, for a variety of
target groups.  Information suitible for vets and very knowledgable owners,
packets for pet stores and beginning owners, and information for those just
thinking about getting a ferret.  Also packets geared towards *others* legal
efforts.  And as I stated, I want this information to cover the "New World,"
so we are also planning to make up these packets in at least Spanish and
French/Franglais.  We already have someone to translate into Spanish, so if
any of you out there are fluent in French/Franglais, and you have some
time....hint hint.
 
I am not trying to be first with any of this information.  My goal is to do
a lot of the background work for others who may not have the time, funding,
or skills to produce these things.  And I want to make them up in a
professional manor.  I feel this is paticularly important when dealing with
press or government officials.  Having an already made up good looking kit
is as important as the information it contains.  I have learned this from
working with non-profits in the past.
 
My dream is to be able to get it funded somehow, someway so as not to place
a great financial burden on those who need these things.  There are so many
independent shelters, clubs, and individuals trying to do things in their
own communities without a lot of support.  These are the folks we hope to
help out.
 
Which is also why I stated I would initially fund it myself.  Why?  Because
I don't expect anyone to want to donate money to such a nebulous idea at
this stage.  But I am hoping that once it is up and running, folks will see
the need to belong to a club that only sends out information.  And I
personally feel, supporting this is secondary to helping out the shelters
and your local clubs.
 
This information will be available to anyone who asks.  National groups,
local groups and individuals.
 
In some ways, it will certainly be duplicating some of the work that is
already out there.  But the focus is on coallating it for easy and quick
access for everyone.
 
We are gathering information right now and I have contacted a production
company about making up video for the press kit.  I have a wonderful person
who has agreed to be the volunteer coodinator (hehe).  She has no idea what
she is getting into.  LOL!!
 
Some may wonder why I do this.  Let me explain a little.  I have done this
type of thing for non-profits for over a decade.  I was a key figure in
getting curbside recycling in my old community of 50,000.  I also started up
a ferret club in Houston that, after 2 years, is still going strong and I do
keep tabs on that gang.  Frankly, I miss it.  It gives me great personal
satisfaction doing this type of work.  And you know what, I am damn good at
it too.
 
Mo' Maggie Mae, mushing away in Mid-Missouri
New World Ferret Organization
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
[Posted in FML issue 2246]