Thinking of starting a City House Rabbit Association – ideas?

[Lion_Lop_Lover]

I was sitting in class this morning browsing BB (as I’m apt to do when I’m bored ) and also thinking about how miserable in life I have been lately (haven’t posted much on it), and that I need something to do that feels productive. So I was looking at the Bunnyfest 2008 and how I hated that there was nothing like that around here and that owners in the city well…SUCK with caring for their rabbits. I work at a pet/livestock feed and supplies store so I get a lot of meat rabbit owners, or “caged rabbit” owners whom I try and help out. I helped a lady last night and she was SO thankful at my knowledge. I said ‘That’s what I’m here for!’ I do – I go above and beyond trying to help people at my store.

Anyway, then I was thinking. What if I created a Fredericton House Rabbit Association? Like, have a website, create events, that sort of thing? Obviously would have to be non-profit (or all proceeds went to an SPCA, not our city one because they are awful but the one in the town over is amazing and needs the money). But how does one go about starting an non-profit association?

Thoughts, ideas, etc are greatly appreciated guys!!!!!

[MarkBun]

Something you may want to try out first is holding a House Rabbit Workshop in your area. Have local vets, shelters and pet stores promote the event, have a very simple website on what you plan on discussing and then rent out a hall somewhere (ask for like a $3-5 donation to help pay for the rental) and hold a meeting. This way, not only would you help educate people about their rabbits, you could also see if there’s any other ‘go getters’ like you in the area who might be able to help with putting together such an association.

Undertaking such a project because you’re bored/miserable isn’t always a good reason to do things and can wind up becoming another source of frustration if you don’t have a good support structure in place.

[Beka27]

edited: i apologize that you feel i am nagging.

[Lion_Lop_Lover]

Beka, I don’t mean to sound prude, but please don’t bother me about altering my rabbits. I’m very aware of the benefits of altering rabbits, but in the end it is my decision to do it and I don’t appreciate being bugged about it.

[jerseygirl]

Definately try doing something like an interest group. You could meet in more casual settings. Then, if you click with people that join the group maybe you could collarborate on starting an association together.

Have you thought about getting an agility group together? You could combine this with relaxed educational seminars. Non rabbit owners may come along and see what kind of pet they can be.  Armed with good info they just might venture out and adopt one for themselves.  Thinking out loud here!

Sorry you’ve been feeling down, hope things turn around for you.  How are the bubbys?

[MimzMum]

Becoming a non-profit organization is hard. My hubby and I found that out when we tried to get the 501C3 or whatever it was for our museum. We wanted to be able to donate proceeds to our local cancer group and you wouldn’t BELIEVE the bureaucratic red tape you have to go through just to be considered! We couldn’t even piggy back on our cancer group’s status. And if we wanted to join in with other museums, we had to agree to give them ownership of our collection, which was ludicrous!

It’s a lot to think about Loppy. And be ready to have the IRS breathing down your neck in the process. They always have their hand out no matter what.

[KatnipCrzy]

Things might be different in Canada as opposed to the US- but there is a lot of paperwork with becoming nonprofit- and a lot of expense involved.  You need to have a “charter” drawn up with by-laws and mission statement, etc…  The status alone costs about $500 or so (it went up dramatically in the past couple of years).  There are some definite advantages to being a 501c3- donations received are a tax write off for the donating company and another is liability- if you are an “organization” it removes personal responsibility from you if someone were to be hurt at a function you were hosted- because the event is hosted by the organization not an individual( president of the organization).

But I think they make it ‘hard” to get the nonprofit status to wean out the people that are not serious and people that would “use” the system.  It does help a lot to have a 501c3 number when soliciting donations- it proves that you are a legit organization.  The Australian Shephers rescue group I work with has nonprofit status.  The 2 saltwater fish clubs that I work with do NOT have nonprofit status and we are still able to get a fair amount of donations for our fundraising.

My first recommendation would be to host a “meet up”- I see ads on Craigs List for dachshund meet ups and etc.  And build from there- you would really need someone or a couple of somones that are interested in it also to establish a true organiazation that has expenses, bank account, website, etc.  And once you have a membership base then the next step could be to make it more formal- but until then I would recommend informal gatherings with little to no expense (aka little to no out of pocket expenses to you).  Once you have a membership base- then you might be able to get donations- nonprofit or not- but the first thing a business wants to know if how their donation of their product will advertise their business.

A meet up could be a great way to meet other house rabbit owners and breeders.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Nope Canada is actually harder to get non-profit (although I haven’t done it in the US, apparently the 501(C) is easier to get then ours from what I’ve heard/read). However charitable status is seperate from non-profit and even harder to get, you need to be charitable to give tax receipts and you need to be in operation yadayada for at least a year with proper accounting in place Its yuck but it’s for a reason I guess…

[LittlePuffyTail]

I can’t help out with how to get non-profit or anything as I’ve tried many times learning more about this and have yet to find any info. But since I’m only a town over if you do go ahead and plan stuff and there’s anything I can do I’d be happy to help out.

[KatnipCrzy]

It would be nice to have a local organization to be able to get quality pellets and hay from.  That might be a good incentive for people to attend any meetings- saving on shipping and/or supplies.

[kralspace]

Katnip’s right. I make a 250 mile round trip every few months to go to the North Texas Rabbit Society to pick up hay, toys, meds and just to visit with other people suffering from bunny brain. I was looking forward to attending their spa day, but with the hurricane warnings that weekend I didn’t get the buns on the road. But I’d love to be able to attend meetings, trainings, etc on a regular basis.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

WOW Kralspace!! wish your bunnies knew how sweet you are to do that kind of driving!!

[MimzMum]

Hogeeze! *forehead slap* Sorry Loppy, forgot you are Canadian. >.<

Glad to see there’s others who are familiar with the rules and regulations for your country. I am a little tunnel visioned, I guess, I keep thinking y’all are right down the street from me! ^_^ One of the pitfalls of the Internet!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Hahahh I was messaging you the other night about that medication for your dog, Mimz, and my mom was spelling the name of it for me, and she’s like ‘oh tell her to get it from strathcona pharmacy cuz the others don’t make it’ … “MOM she lives in ALASKA for gawdsakes!! ” LOL It was quite funny, she thought since I knew you, you must live in Sherwood Park! I do feel close to you all though!

[MimzMum]

K&K you PM’ed me? *looks around* I didn’t see it! 0_o Where do I look for it?
(Which reminds me as an aside, I can’t find anyone who has stock of Barley Dog -or Barley Cat- anywhere, so if someone else sees it before me, could you send me a mail? Thankies!)

lolz….isn’t it funny? For a medium that brings us all close to each other all over the world, it still is such a drag that I have to mentally keep a tally of time zones and distance. I’ll be sitting here wondering why someone hasn’t replied to a post I’ve made or some rot like that and then I look at the clock and think, “Duh! They’re probably asleep right now!” lmao!

[Beka27]

^^^i bring up out of state/country things all the time. i’ll see something on the news about Canada… Mike goes to change it… i say leave it… he asks why… “because i have FRIENDS in CANADA!” and i’ve been loving the recent coverage of Alaska cuz it makes me think of Mimz!

[MimzMum]

Yah, that’s already beginning to wear a little thin…lolz!
Don’t get me wrong, I like Palin. But unfortunately she’s not the only Alaskan in the national news lately. (Old “Uncle Ted’s” not looking too good these days.)

Would you guys believe I actually had a message on my machine the other day from some NY journalist who was looking for info on the Palins? What? Just because I have an Alaskan address, we must be living in the same igloo, right? Sheesh! He assumed I was someone he was looking for that had ties to them. (too many peeps have my name up here) Honestly though, if some reporter wants the latest dish on my governor, perhaps he should ask her himself!

Okay, going way OT here…sorry! *blush*

[RabbitPam]

LL,
“Meet up” was the term I was searching for when I read your post. Actually, I have recently joined Facebook, and linked to the HRS site on that. I’m wondering if you could do a Facebook call for interested bunny owners in your general vicinity, like a 25 mile radius, and gather somewhere neutral like a local restaurant. Daytime, everyone bring 5 helpful hints to swap on topics like Diet, Housing, Playtime, Healthcare, and Favorite stuff. You could find out who’s vets are the best, local sources for supplies, best bunny websites. (Well, maybe there’s only one.)

I also like thinking I have friends in Alaska, CA, midwest, Canada, UK and Australia.

[RabbitPam]

Oh, and you could always start a free webpage with Google just to communicate with each other to set up meetings, agendas, etc.

[kralspace]

Actually KK, my bun’s aren’t too fond of my driving in Dallas…lol

MizMum, I know how you feel. I live 15 miles north of Waco, but for years everyone I talked to out of state thought I had to be best friends with David Koresh. Everytime I ordered stuff on the phone and tell them to send it to West, they wanted to know where the heck West was. When I said it was outside of Waco, then the jokes and questions started. Now I say I’m 100 miles south of Dallas!

Kathy

[MimzMum]

Oh that stinks! It’s sad how some places acquire their recognition, or infamy as the case may be. I feel for you on that!
I can’t tell you how many people I have to educate in the state’s initials’ meaning. SO many people I talk to when ordering things think that AK is Arkansas. When I tell them it’s Alaska they about fall off their chairs. And then they have to charge me ten times the normal postal rate.

*grr* One more igloo joke and I’ll snap, I swear it! >.< lolz….

Loppy, I’m curious to know what you decide on this. I have to wonder if it wouldn’t be a good idea to organize something like that here, if for no other reason than to educate some of the locals about the joys of house rabbit life and maybe pull some good exotic vets up from the states in the process. (Anyone who wants to donate their excellent bunny vet, please notify me a.s.a.p.!) ^_^

[Beka27]

Posted By MimzMum on 09/27/2008 9:07 PM
(Anyone who wants to donate their excellent bunny vet, please notify me a.s.a.p.!) ^_^

“hey Dr. P!  thanks for the wonderful vet care you’ve given my bunnies.  now, i have made arrangements to ship you to Alaska.  yes… just in time for winter.  no, really you do not need to thank me at all.  you’ll be staying with my dear friend MimxMum.  yes, of course, her house is plenty big!  in fact, she’s best friends with Gov. Palin…”

[MimzMum]

rotflmao! Good one, Beka! ^_^

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