PAWS!

Pets and Wildlife for Students

A Club for All Kids in Leon County, Florida, Who Care About Animals

Starting a PAWS Club at Your School, Scouting Organization, Church or Temple

Power in Numbers

One person can do a lot for animals, but when people work as a team, they can accomplish much more. Here"s why:

• A group has more people to make calls, write letters, hand out flyers, raise funds and get the word out about important issues.
• Trying to solve problems by yourself can be difficult and frustrating. But when you"re part of a club, you get support and encouragement from other club members.
• A group of people speaking with one voice often has more influence than a single person. People sit up and take notice when many individuals come together to champion an important cause.
• A club taps the wide range of skills and talents of its members. If one person has a flair for art, he could design animal-protection posters or environmental T-shirts. Another member, someone who has a way with words, could write letters to the newspaper. Other club members might be dynamic speakers, thorough researchers, or good organizers. Your projects will be successful because of the efforts, experience, and creativity of all your club"s members.
  

Decide on the Activities and Projects Your Club Will Focus

Write down and discuss everyone's ideas. Choose the best ones.

Get the Word Out

Now it"s time to let the rest of your school or community know that a club is forming. Many students may be busy with after-school jobs, sports, and other activitiestso don"t be too disappointed if you attract fewer members than you had hoped. Your goal should simply be to give as many kids as possible the opportunity to join.

To get started, ask your advisor about different ways of advertising the club. Decide on a time, date, and location for your club"s first meeting. That way, you"ll be able to include that information in your advertisements and announcements. Try to choose a meeting date that doesn"t conflict with other important school events, such as sports tryouts or drama club auditions.

If your club is school-based, your advisor will know what kinds of announcements your school will allow you to make. Here are some possibilities:

Display posters around your school to alert everyone that an animal club is forming. Make sure they include the time, date, and location of your first meeting. You may want to give some of your posters a serious tone, others a more humorous one. Emphasize that your club will do more than talk about animal problems; club members will choose specific problems and work on projects to solve them.

Make announcements over your school"s PA system. Write down a few notes so you know what you want to say. When reading your announcement, speak slowly and clearly. Keep your tone upbeat and inviting, and emphasize that everyone"s welcome to join.

Put an announcement in your school newspaper. Again, provide all the necessary information about the purpose of your club and the time and place of the first meeting. Include artwork or a photograph to attract readers" attention.

 

Pass It On

One of the most important things your club can do is teach others about the problems facing animals and the Earth. When you"re sharing information, remember to be positive. If you discuss only problems, your audience may become cynical. By mentioning solutions, you will motivate others to help. Here are a few activities your club might like to consider.

 

In Your School

Put together fact sheets on different animal-protection issues and hand them out during lunch or homeroom. Include a Ways You Can Help section in your fliers. 

Create a bulletin board display.

Write articles for your school newspaper or create your own Animal Club newsletter, either print or on-line.

Sponsor an animal-protection or environmental awareness day at your school.

Hold a schoolwide poster or T-shirt design contest with an animal-protection theme.

Have Fun, Raise Funds

Brainstorm your own fundraisers, or you might want to try one of these.

Have a car wash, bake sale, dog wash, tag sale, auction, or bottle collection. These are old standards, but they"re effective fundraisers.

Hold a raffle. Ask a local store or company to donate prizes in exchange for free advertising.

Organize a sports event, such as a run for the animals, walkathon, bikeathon, readathon or student/faculty softball or basketball game.

Sponsor a school dance. A local DJ or band may be willing to perform for free or at a discount if they know proceeds from the admission charge will go to help animals or the environment.

Design T-shirts or posters with animal-protection or environmental messages. Get copies printed (a local company may be willing to volunteer this service) and sell them at school or at a local event.

Show a film or invite a speaker to give a presentation at your school or center.

PAWS Club