The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) will be hosting its fifth Pacific Animal Welfare Workshop in Tumon, Guam on Aug. 20 and 21. Guam Animals In Need is one of the prestigious member societies invited to attend.
The two-day workshop aims to bring together animal protection groups in the region to share skills, experiences and tactics. The agenda will include volunteer management, companion animal issues and policy development.
According to WSPA member society manager, Rachel Smith, delegates from Palau, Yap, Guam and Saipan have confirmed attendance, and are grouped together because the regions face similar challenges in creating positive change for animals.
“The Pacific workshops have been welcomed by our member societies as an opportunity to learn from one another and recognize the progress being made, which is critical due to the isolation of the region,” Smith said. “The workshop will close with GAIN’s 20th Anniversary Whiskerade Party — a milestone all participants are delighted to celebrate.”
Aside from its active participation in WSPA, GAIN has reached out to many world-wide organizations to continually improve and enhance its mission.
GAIN president, Cindy Bartels said, "We are not isolating ourselves but reaching out to learn and grow for the next 20 years. Connecting with WSPA, meeting with renown zoologist and animal behaviorist, Dr. Patricia McConnel from the University of Wisconsin, connecting with the greyhound rescue groups to expand our rescue efforts all are indications of GAIN's maturity and growth as an organization."
Members of the public are invited to join in GAIN's 20th anniversary festivities, which will take place 6 p.m. Friday, August 21, 2009 at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa. Tickets are $45 for GAIN members and $55 for non-members. There will be entertainment, a silent auction and raffles for great prizes. To obtain tickets, inquire about sponsorship or obtain more information, please call Faye Varias at 929-2839.
