Diane, thank you for posting the information bank aspect of AFA; I am adding
to my data collection for use here in N.J.  by the coordinated N.J.  group
FEEL (volunteers from many groups) so a check went out for AFA's related
packet.
 
Troy Lynn and Dick: could you POST how much your rabies information packets
cost and how to order them since they are ESSENTIAL for the quarantine
efforts EVERYWHERE?  (No effort can get anywhere without facts, references,
level headed approaches and voter contact, folks!)
 
Right now I am also awaiting some kindly promised articles from the CDC.
(If these look useful I am willing to write a short description of what is
in each article and the reference's identifications for use by other
FMLers.)
 
Also, could those with a history of getting legislation through committees,
legislative branches, executive branches, and so on, PLEASE, WRITE UP AND
POST SOME FML NOTES ON TECHNIQUES AND TIPS!!!!!!!!!!!  These would be
invaluable to the many people involved in their state's efforts!
 
One person who has a history of success recently wrote to me that the single
most important thing is to have only people who are not hot-heads in direct
contact with politicians and bureaucrats whose help is needed.  I can
believe that.  Anger is good for galvanizing but it is useless for getting
others to work with you.  That person has no time to post on this now, but
it will be great for ferrets everywhere when those lessons are made public.
(Not knowing if I should say who sent this tip by private mail I'll wait
till that becomes obvious to the list in general or I have permission.)
 
Could we have PUBLICALLY posted tips from those with PUBLICITY EXPERIENCE,
LUXURY SALES, MARKETING, LOBBYING, and ADVERTISING fields to help ferret and
their supporters everywhere?
 
My own background includes two of the above areas so let me mention a few of
mine: suit your approach to whomever you are contacting (just plain old good
sales advice); avoid "yes or no" answer questions to keep the ball rolling;
don't lean on people but present the facts and needs in a friendly way; say
thank you; keep the basics neatly available in a short (preferably no more
than two pages) information sheet (arranged by category with bold headers)
BUT be sure to give references and make it known that you will provide
copies of studies if desired; remember who, what, when, where, why, and how;
if you can, use an attention grabbing "headline"; always, always, always be
polite; always, always, always send thank you cards; remember that local
interaction is absolutely essential for success; establish a support base
with media, political figures, and with whatever state agencies you can get
(F,G&W and Health being the most related and therefore the most useful for
you so ASK what they need) THEN have a big pushwhen the support base is in
place because that way you have not given the opposition a chance to band
together as they would have done with premature efforts.  Also, read the
Issue 1976 compilation and further updates since you will find MANY great
ideas from FMLers which also apply perfectly to local efforts.  WE CAN DO
IT, FRIENDS!!!!!!!
 
Sukie
[Posted in FML issue 1982]