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| Two participants take time out to smile for the camera.© ACTAsia |
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By Alex Gittelson
Though it may sometimes seem that China's animal welfare situation is hopeless without laws or government involvement in establishing humane standards, the animals of China have a very powerful force advocating on their behalf—the Chinese animal protection community.
This past June, ACTAsia held its annual three-day workshop for the third time, selecting 22 qualified and determined participants. ACTAsia is a non-profit organization aiming to develop effective and long-term help for animals through education, networking and a common bond—the desire to help our fellow creatures in need. The conference was held in Beijing, Changsha and Shenzhen.
HSI and its Animal Advocate, Refuge de Thierney, helped sponsor this important event.
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Hard at work.© ACTAsia |
Workshop Goals
The workshop's main objectives were to acquire a deep understanding of animal advocacy issues, develop definite courses of action, and understand how to properly manage campaigns and other projects.
The first part of the conference aimed to further animal care locally and to create strategies for future general animal rights projects. The second portion was a self-help tutorial, while the second and third days focused more on companion animals and how to juggle causes and projects with everyday dog and cat care in the individual pet rescue field.
Workshop Results
This workshop yielded very productive, creative and concrete results. Specifically, many posters and banners in Mandarin were created in order to advertise to and create awareness among Chinese people about different animal welfare groups as well as the importance of animal welfare in the rapidly developing country. Many other posters also outlined the work that needs to be accomplished in order to properly assemble, manage and execute a project.
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| Workshop participants.© ACTAsia |
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Future Planning
At the end of the event, the participants evaluated in detail how to improve the workshop and analyze the benefits and overall usefulness of holding the workshop. The participants created and adopted a 10 point plan to implement in future endeavors and at the workshop.
While China's animal welfare issues may seem never-ending, HSI commends the efforts of ACTAsia and its participants in successfully and productively brainstorming ideas, analyzing issues and immediately getting involved in hands-on solutions. Without pioneers in animal welfare in China, the battle would be much more difficult, and progress would be much slower.
