Hello Everyone,
 
Thought I would clear up a couple of things on the New World Ferret
Organization and what the group perceives as its role.
 
Pamela Troutman posted:
>STAR* has a LOT of the info referred to above - and I have offered it time
>and again - just look at my pleas to get people to get the compenduim, make
>copies and pass them out.
 
Bob Church posted:
>I made the comment that it should be the job of a national organization to
>provide fact kits in cases where ferrets might be suspected of biting
>someone, and I suggested no one was filling that role.  That is not entirely
>true; Pam Troutman of Star Ferrets has such a kit ready to mail off to you
>at a moments notice.
 
First, I want to say that I have not seen it posted that an actual press kit
is available.  Second, I agree with Mr. Church.  I think all should check
out the available online resources and we should all get copies of the
compendium mentioned by Pam Troutman and hand out to our local shelters.
Should I assume Mr. Church, that you have already done so for the local
shelter in our area?
 
Second, the complaint that I have heard over and over again is from folks
who are the only connection online their local ferret club or rescue has.
There are vast numbers of folks who do not have online facilities or know
how to get around well online.  I have met alot of those folks myself.  Most
of the club in Houston in NOT online.  It is hard to find out information
about national organizations and clubs otherwise.
 
The goal of the New World Ferret Organization is to actively pursue the off
line ferret community, not to wait for them to contact us.  I want to make
contact, let folks know what type of information is available, FROM ALL
SOURCES, and either provide it or the way to get it.
 
I personally have a background in charitable organizations and making up
grant proposals and press kits, working as the public relations
representative for groups.  I do not want to sit and wait for another
incident to happen, I want to get the information in a press kit and hit AT
LEAST the major media markets with them.  That way the media has ON HAND a
ready and waiting positive view of ferrets.  I want to include video and
still pictures for their use.  A press kit is a public relations tool, it
tells the media who you are, gives history on what you do and also gives
pictures and any other information you want them to have.
 
I want the press kit to include broadcast quality video with ferrets at
play, with children and any number of situations.  I also will include still
pictures of ferrets and ferret with children, history of domestication,
statistical information on bites cases involving ferrets versus involving
dogs and cats, recommendations for quarantines and contact information for
any national group who would like to be included.
 
I would also like to, but not sure if this is pratical, include any local
contact information for media.  In other words, send a press kit to Oregan
and include local clubs and shelters there.
 
To me, the major concern in bite cases is the perception of the general
public that ferrets are more viscious than cats or dogs.  We need to spread
the word, even when we do not have to battle a bite case.  We need to act
rather than react.
 
I have had some wonderful response, questions, and volunteers about the
group.  I am not doing this alone, and after the initial thrust with the
press kits, I also want to make a positive effort to contact veterinarians
and others with information.
 
No, we have not yet set up a membership/dues scale. Until that is done, I
will be financing this with my own money.  I don't plan on being someone who
just talks about ideas, yells and calls names and then wait for someone else
to do something.  There are some very commited people involved and I am very
proud to work with them.
 
We are more than willing to work with any existing groups or individuals who
wish to help out with time, ideas or anything else.
 
Thanks,
 
Mo' Maggie and the 25 Mid Mo Mob
[Posted in FML issue 2235]