Dogs Deserve Better at the NIFAA Conference

March 9, 2003

"To achieve in the legislative arena, an issue group must have either corporate power or an organized grassroots which uses the power of the vote." —Julie Lewin, President and Lobbyist, Animal Advocacy Connecticut

Such was the tone of the conference with Julie Lewin. She is on a mission to inspire animal advocates across the country to organize politically. She feels that although animal groups make dents and are an important presence for the animals, we could make a much bigger dent and difference as a political organization unhampered by the IRS rules governing charities, which severely limit serious surveys of legislators, polls of constituents, lobbying time and money spent, and distribution of information about where bills and individual politicians stand.

It's a lot to take in, a lot to work with, but well worthwhile in the end!

We also learned how to pitch a story to the media, how to control the interview, how the government is structured, and some step by step instructions for those, like me, who should be reading 'Lawmaking for Dummies'.

Julie has graciously agreed to act as 'consultant' to Dogs Deserve Better, because,as you may or may not know, this issue is close to her heart. She had a bill limiting the chaining time of dogs passed in the state of Connecticut last year, but it was vetoed by the Governor. She has worked hard in this area, and we are very grateful for her willingness to advise and give us some pointers along the way.

I will be writing an article for the site based on what I learned at the conference in the near future. Julie is available to bring her conference to your area or organization too. We heartily recommend her, and she can be contacted via e-mail at jlewin@igc.org

Contact Info: Dogs Deserve Better, Inc. • P.O. Box 23 • Tipton, PA 16684 • Toll Free 1.877.636.1408 • 814.941.7447
email: info@dogsdeservebetter.org • Website designed and maintained by Crescent Communications