download/print - Neighborhood Cats

like the board of a homeowners association. Depending on the circumstances, you mayhold one or the other or even both. If your work involves an apartment building, make anappointment to meet the landlord, co-op board or superintendent. Once you have theirblessings, it might be wise to hold a general informational meeting for residents so asmany people as possible are supportive of your work. If the cats are located at agovernment-owned facility or a private workplace, getting the consent of whoever is incharge is usually enough. If it’s an entire neighborhood that you’re targeting and there areno identifiable authorities, schedule a meeting at a local coffee shop and post flyersannouncing it. Invite everyone interested in the cats, pro and con. If you can get peopleinitially to the cats to attend, you’ll have an opportunity to educate and change minds.With neighborhoods, find out if there is a local Community Board. If so, call up andget on the agenda for the next meeting. Be prepared to speak for a few minutes and haveboth a list of suggested volunteer activities, such as providing holding space, assistancewith trapping or fostering young kittens, and a signup sheet. The people who regularlyattend these Board meetings are often the more active members of the community and themost willing to help out.Churches, libraries or the offices of local elected officials could be asked to host ameeting. Getting the backing of recognized community leaders - like the mayor, acouncil member, a respected priest - is a plus, so try to meet with them, too, and ask fortheir support. Check with your local police precinct to see if they have a communityaffairs officer. These officers can be helpful in a variety of ways, from helping gain thecooperation of others to reserving parking space for a mobile spay/neuter clinic.4. Send a community appeal letterOne technique for informing people of your work and gaining their support is a letteraddressed to everyone in the building, apartment complex or neighborhood. Real estatebrokers have the names and addresses of all residents in a particular area. If you knowsomeone in the business, ask if you can use the list to do a mailing. Or else slip the letterunder everyone’s door. (But don’t put anything in or on mailboxes – doing so violatesfederal law!) The letter should explain the current problems going on with the cats, whatTNR is, and how you intend to use TNR to solve the situation. Include a contact numberfor yourself or the organization you’re working with. Mention ways people can help,including donations if you’re working with a nonprofit. Also consider announcing ameeting where any questions will be answered.5. Post informational flyersA one page flyer describing TNR and how you plan to implement it in yourneighborhood is another way to build support. Keep it simple and easy to read (don’t usesmall type) and list contact info. Post it on bulletin boards, permissible public areas,veterinarians’ offices and local animal shelters. Include a solicitation for volunteers and,if you’re affiliated with a nonprofit, for funds.19