These comments are directly from Sally Heber, American Ferret Association
president. The only changes i made are to add email addresses with her
pemission.
bill and diane killian
zen and the art of ferrets
http://www.zenferret.com/
mailto:[log in to unmask]
===============================
Posting concerning starting yet another national organization
I have read with interest the recent postings on the FML regarding the
starting of yet another national/international organization. Over the past
13 years, I have seen no less than seven national/international ferret
organizations start up and at least three of these have disappeared.
Many of you may not have heard a lot from, or about, the American Ferret
Association over the networks. As you know, I am not on the FML but your
recent postings have prompted me to speak up.
A little bit of history. The American Ferret Association started in June
1987 as a local group in Maryland. Demand for information about ferrets
came from everywhere around the country and around the globe. Therefore, in
1991 the American Ferret Association broadened in scope to address the many
and varied needs of the ferret community. AFA is currently the oldest
ferret organization in North America with membership across the nation and
abroad. The AFA is comprised of the Executive committee, the Board of
Directors, and the membership at large and is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit
organization.
Up until 1995, the AFA was run entirely by volunteers. However, the
membership has expanded so dramatically, that the AFA has now hired, as of
May 1, an association management company. This company has three full time
employees who manage other associations and have the necessary skills to do
the tasks that the AFA now needs. AFA's Certified Public Accountant and
Legal Counsel assist this company in the day to day management of the AFA.
Heading this association management company, and serving as the AFA
Executive Director is, Dr. Armand B. Weiss, who has a doctorate of Business
Administration from the Wharton School of Economics, and has run meetings
for NATO, to name just one item on his long list of accomplishments. His
organization handles the more than 200 calls that the AFA receives each
month. The purpose of this company is to support the membership and the AFA
national committees.
The AFA committees are as follows;
* Health Affairs - chair: Freddie Ann Hoffman, M.D. -
mailto:[log in to unmask]
directs health policy issues concerning ferrets. Gathers, organizes and
disseminates scientific and health related information. This committee is
putting on the Ninth Small Mammals Veterinary Conference on August 22 -24,
1997 at the BWI Marriott in Baltimore, MD. See our web page
(http://www.ferret.org/vetconf.htm) for more details or call 1-888-FERRET-1.
The AFA has a Medical Library that has almost 400 articles on ferrets. A
listing of this library is sent to each of our veterinary members. Copies
of these articles may be obtained.
In the past, AFA has donated several thousand dollars to various research
projects for ferrets. This year alone, the AFA is donating over $1200 to
the Rabies Research effort. Much of this is matching funds from the AFA
coffers for the donations received.
* Shelter/Rescue subcommittee - chair: Fran Wiles -
mailto:[log in to unmask]
published a Shelter Guidelines based on the Animal Welfare act which didn't
address ferrets. This publication was distributed to the federal libraries
and has been sold since 1994. Updates and maintains the AFA shelter listing
(http://www.ferret.org/afashltr.htm).
* Breeders subcommittee - chair: Georgia Bailey -
developed the AFA policy on breeding ferrets, monitors breeding issues.
Members from all around the world contribute to this committee.
* Black Footed Ferret subcommittee - chair: Helen Tarbert -
AFA was invited to, and participated in, the national organizing committee
meetings for the Black Footed Ferret sponsored by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife
and the American Zoological Association. This subcommittee is also raising
funds and awareness for the BFF projects. Members of this subcommittee have
visited two of the BFF breeding facilities by special invitation.
* Education - chair: open at this time.
Types of activities have included developing posters and exhibiting at
national meetings such as the American Veterinary Medical Association and
the HSUS Animal Expo. Development and dissemination of educational
brochures and videos and other such materials. They respond to requests for
seminar speakers and national presentations.
* Public Affairs - chair: Gary Kaskel - mailto:[log in to unmask] -
Interfaces with the local and national media, prepares and disseminates
press releases and talk papers, arranges for press coverage of AFA events,
is the contact for interviews for the AFA.
* Shows & Special Events - chair: Vickie McKimmey -
mailto:[log in to unmask] -
Developed a championship show system, judges training program, championship
title program, and coordinates with other committees on shows and events
across the country. AFA runs two national championship shows a year,
coordinates the Small Mammals Veterinary Conferences, and other educational
events and exhibits, supports local groups to put on shows and events to
help raise awareness in their areas. These activities are some of the
biggest educational opportunities that the ferret community has.
* Membership - chair: Laurie Fedele - mailto:[log in to unmask] -
Oversees current and new members, assuring that their needs are met. Most
recently, a membership survey has been tabulated to assist in developing and
expanding its programs according to membership needs and desires. A
veterinary survey has been disseminated and tabulated and the AFA is
currently developing a national database for veterinary referrals.
* Legislative & Legal Affairs - chair nominee: Diane Rogers -
mailto:[log in to unmask];
Chief Advocate - Randy Sellers - mailto:[log in to unmask];
Jim Pembrook Scott, Esq serves as AFA General Counsel.
Randy Sellers and Dr. Freddie Ann Hoffman have worked on so many of these
'bite' cases (including the Kodo case), they have presented before the
NASPHV which prompted the Compendium changes five years ago, have presented
before many state and local hearings on behalf of ferrets, and have been
invited to participate in many regulation writings. Dr. Hoffman is
responsible for gathering and summarizing the rabies data on ferrets. She
and the Health Affairs Committee were responsible for getting the German and
French studies translated through the N.I.H. into what you all see today.
She also met personally with Dr. Charles Rupprecht and his staff at C.D.C.
in 1993 to discuss rabies issues.
* Although AFA does not lobby, it supports local clubs in their local
efforts by providing necessary information from our libraries, databases,
and expert contacts. Where necessary, it arranges for expert witnesses and
input. The committee is assessing the impact of federal policies, laws and
regulations on local ferret owners and veterinarians. Committee members
reside in many states and are currently working on specific issues in
California, South Carolina, North Carolina, Texas, New York, Michigan,
Florida, and Washington D.C.
Although these committees have volunteers, the AFA always needs more
volunteers. If you would like to assist in any of these efforts, please
contact our office toll-free at 1-888-FERRET-1.
To start up a new successful national organization takes a significant
amount of time, money, patience and diplomacy. It is not an easy task. The
ferret community should look at what national ferret organizations are
currently active and actively participate with those that most closely meet
your goals. It would be more expedient to make changes to the current
organizations than to start a new one. Although the computer communications
are important and expedient, there are many more tasks that require active
participation beyond the Internet.
The AFA is a member driven organization and changes its direction according
to the changing needs or demands of the membership. If you are currently a
member, please contact our office so you can find out how you can
participate more fully. If you are not currently a member, please see our
web site (http://www.ferret.org/memnew.htm) for more information or call the
office for an information packet (1-888-FERRET-1).
--------------------------------------------------
American Ferret Association, Inc.
PO Box 8065
McLean, VA 22106
1-888-FERRET-1 fax: (703) 448-6914
http://www.ferret.org
--------------------------------------------------
[Posted in FML issue 1977]
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