Shelter outreach: Volunteers have been going regularly to two Boston shelters to set up play areas and help socialize and groom the rabbits. It's a very rewarding activity and we'd ideally like to set up a rota so that rabbits can get out every week, while volunteers can commit to visiting say, once a month. We would like to expand our efforts in Methuen MSPCA and Animal Rescue League Boston which each now only have one volunteer. Please contact me (Suzanne R) at 617-536-3927 for info!
Advertising/information: Beth and Michael have donated a great banner and set up informational posters for us to use at pet fairs, etc. Suzanne S. noted that anyone can do a rabbit adoption'/information day at an area pet store (preferably one which does not sell animals); it's best to call them a week in advance and put up posters at the store indicating there will be a RABBIT booth. Jen Walsh has been coordinating events.
Alan Moyer's rabbit information seminar was tonight--we do plan more in the future.
We are continuing to get calls from flyers posted in vets offices--thanks for the good work! Suzanne S. says that our main problem is still lack of awareness, despite more web hits and newspaper ads. Beth said we're getting more web traffic and now are officially international, with a volunteer in Japan to help with the site! However, any and all ideas about advertising and publicity are VERY welcome! Please contact any board member!
Melissa reports that we have about $3,000 and some new members (don't hold me to that, I didn't take notes, so please refer to our official minutes and treasurer's report for the exact amount!). Our only major expenses are vet costs, minor expenses include phone, bank fees, and PO box. Fundraising items have been donated and costs will be recouped from the proceeds as we have sales (thanks!). Fosterers were reminded to keep receipts and track their veterinary and maintenance expenses for tax purposes.
Many thanks to Beth and Michael, we have T shirts, sweat shirts, pens and magnets for sale for fundraising with our logo. Our upcoming newsletter will include an order form. We can route some to you if you think you can "move" some at your workplace, etc.!
Our first newsletter has gotten good reviews and we already have several articles ready for the next one, to be issued early next year. We like to have a balance of technical/ veterinary topics and lighter features about behavior, individual rabbit experiences, etc. All ideas and articles are welcome!
Anyone interested in helping out with educational or adoption screening phone calls, please contact Suzanne R. Beth is doing the education Emails (volume on the rise-- let us know if you need help Beth!) Cherryl is helping with education calls, and Suzanne R and Laura are doing adoption screening and everyone's favorite, dump calls. The adoption calls are a major commitment and we would like more people to help out so we can rotate the responsibility and have a break. Please call Suzanne R if you can help! Training and moral support liberally provided.
By the way, the Xtra Large logo Sweatshirts seem to do very well as maternity wear . . . thanks to everyone for coming and for all your various contributions to our work for the rabbits! We will have another meeting in January.