Who would be interested ...

... in a coordinated conference/lobbying event in Washington DC during the first part of 2010?

The National Pet Association is in the process of developing plans for a 3 day Responsible Pet Ownership Conference in Washington, DC sometime in early spring. The theme of the conference will be Current & Future Political Challenges Faced by American Reptile Owners. The plan would be to hold the event annually with a different theme each year.

The agenda would start with a welcome event on Saturday late afternoon/early evening followed by a fundraiser/auction to raise money for the organizations involved in the conference. Then Sunday morning there would be presentations by groups involved in lobbying on behalf of pet owners detailing the groups mission and an overview of their current efforts and future plans. During the day on Sunday there would be short break out sessions that cover tips for effectively meeting with your Representatives and their staff, delivering an effective message, and organizing grass roots efforts in your own state. The conference would end on Sunday with an open Q&A town hall style meeting where attendees could ask questions directly to the leadership of the groups fighting for our future.

For those that would like to stay until Monday, there would be an organized "lobby day" on Capital Hill. We would break down into small groups and meeting directly with the Representatives from your home state in order to discuss the political issues that concern you the most.

If the future of this hobby is going to be continued political battles, we better start thinking about developing a "boot camp" for pet owners. NatPET hopes that this event will turn out to be the first step in that direction.

Any input (good, bad, or otherwise) would be greatly appreciated. If it's something that you would consider attending, we'd love to hear that as well.

Thanks!

-adam

I love too but I too dam broke anymore to even think of such a trip ( and I am somewhat local ) it take me about 2 tanks of fuel to get from lower de there . ( took me little over 1/2 tank to go 200 miles to pick up a rescue ball python.) but man I love to have a chance ot go...

Wow Adam, if I had the means to get up to DC for the weekend I would be there for sure, but as of now I don't see that as being a possibility but I will definately try my best. This event you describe is exactly what our community needs to show our determination to keep the animals we love and to have the even in that lawmakers backyard is even better. Great idea and I think this will do wonders for the fight and certainly many others to come. Thanks for representing us in person in DC Adam, you're doing a great job, and keep informing us on our next move though Natpet.org.

I would definitely be there for something like that.

I'd most definatly be interested! Just need the know the dates to inform my job when the time comes.

Maybe once it gets closer, we can see if anyone who cannot make the drive can carpool with someone else? Maybe find some price efficient hotels? See if anyone is willing to share a room to help ct costs per person? I'd hate to see someone not be able to go b/c of expense, especially if they are close to Washington DC....

just a thought about the costs....

im up for it. Ill walk to dc if I have to

Sounds great Adam...count me in. The carpool idea ain't bad. Anyone south of NC that wants to ride with me is welcome, just be willing to drive as far as Fayetteville, NC and you can ride.

I'd most definitely be interested! Would need to see what my funds were like, but put me down as tentative!

I am game. I can probably even drag Sean with me as well.

Keep us posted.

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Originally Posted by FatBoy

Sounds great Adam...count me in. The carpool idea ain't bad. Anyone south of NC that wants to ride with me is welcome, just be willing to drive as far as Fayetteville, NC and you can ride.

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Greenville sc?

Doubt I could make it, however I would it would be my pleasure to be able to donate some animals for the auction. :gj:

I'm in. Let me know when you firm up the dates.

I am most definitely interested. Keep us updated.

I'd love to help out any way I can. If there's someone who decides to drive up from Florida, and would be willing to stop by Savannah Georgia and pick me up, you can count me in.

I'm in just need the date.

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Originally Posted by Caskin

I'd love to help out any way I can. If there's someone who decides to drive up from Florida, and would be willing to stop by Savannah Georgia and pick me up, you can count me in.

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I would be interested, and I am driving north from Kingsland, Ga. straight through savannah.

Wonderful idea Adam
I will pass this along to other sites.

The presentations could be made available on the web via a live multicast and questions could be taken from on-line participants who couldn't make the trip. There is a wealth of knowledge, perspective and insight in the community that shouldn't be lost because of travel complications.

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Originally Posted by ColinWeaver

The presentations could be made available on the web via a live multicast and questions could be taken from on-line participants who couldn't make the trip. There is a wealth of knowledge, perspective and insight in the community that shouldn't be lost because of travel complications.

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SOLD!!

Thank you for volunteering to facilitate internet access for people that can't make the trip Colin!!! You are a true warrior in the fight. :salute:

-adam

LOL. You got it.

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

SOLD!!

Thank you for volunteering to facilitate internet access for people that can't make the trip Colin!!! You are a true warrior in the fight. :salute:

-adam

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Originally Posted by cardell75

I would be interested, and I am driving north from Kingsland, Ga. straight through savannah.

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That would be awesome! :D We'll definitely have to keep in touch then if this plan progresses.

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Originally Posted by Caskin

That would be awesome! :D We'll definitely have to keep in touch then if this plan progresses.

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No problem man!!

Depending on when it is, I may be able to make it... :gj: