Ferret Shelter Forum 2016 Workshop Videos
Following are the WebX videos recorded during the 5 primary sessions of the Feret Shelter Conference that was held on Saturday, August 28, 2016 in Hartford, CT.
A few words about the video quality
This was our first effort at attempting to have remote attendees participate in the conference via pc/MAC, cell phone or tablet. The original proposed conference site would have given us several recording options. Unfortunately, it was not available on a Saturday which was needed to accommodate our final attendee list. Weighing the needs of access, cost, remote and on-site attendees, we chose to use WebX. WebX conference software was readily available and, most importantly, it did not require any capital expenditure. Additionally, while we had adequate band-width at the final forum site, it fell short in the ability to give us high-def recording capability.
We are posting here what we captured. Our apologies for the lack of quality, the “window” size, and the fits/starts in the audio/video. We hope that with some patience, viewers will still be able to gain valuable information from what was shared.
We are also posting links to the handouts that were distributed.
Forum Participants
In addition to attendees from nine ferret shelters. a parrot and exotic cat rescue both participated on-site. Both the parrot and cat rescue are experienced in national and international rescue. Each of them helped underscore the unique challenges all of us working in small, species-specific, home-based shelters share operationally. We were all able to share ideas and strategies to help one another moving forward. We encourage future events such as these to broaden their participation to include other species shelters as well.
Candid Photo’s from the Forum
Workshop Descriptions & Videos
Nonprofit Basics – why become a 501(c)(3); what are the benefits vs. responsibilities; the job of the Board of Directors; fiscal sponsorship; joining together as chapters; resources and help. Presenter: Martey S. Rhine, Management Solutions & Resources. Ms. Rhine is a consultant and trainer with 20+ years of experience in nonprofits, specializing in executive transitions.
Fundraising – types of income (including events, adoptions, donations, grants and match/volunteer grants); Facebook fundraisers; crowdfunding; fees for services. The “big” animal foundations – Petsmart, Petco, Maddie’s Fund. Tips to research foundations & how to read their IRS return. Presenter: L. Vanessa Gruden, Ferret Association Executive Director, nonprofit bookkeeper for 20+ years. Facebook auction discussion led by Jessie Nolan, co-founder of Facebook Gisele Fund that helps raise funds to pay ferret shelter and abused ferret medical expenses around the world.
The Future of Ferret Sheltering Luncheon Roundtable – including: Working with other humane groups; Shelter, foster, or network? Major challenges facing ferret advocates; How can we work together?
Adoption Best Practices –families with children, including age restrictions; reference and/or home checks; adoption application models; red flags; turning someone away without turning them off. Who is your PERFECT adopter? Discussion led by Ann Gruden.
Adoption Best Practices TALKING POINTS
How to Survive Being a Home-based Shelter –safety/security; your pets vs. shelter pets; managing volunteers; disaster (health, weather, or financial) planning; establishing “me” space and “me” time; insurance issues. Discussion led by L. Vanessa Gruden.
How to Survive Being a Home-based Shelter TALKING POINTS
