Ivy, thank you for your email. My experience was similar to yours. I was eager to join, learn and get to work. I have learned many things; some positive, some negative. In Jan 2009 Donna posted "The ACC is here to support you in any way that we possibly can. But we cannot do it for you." In order for us to unite against negative legislation we need to be informed and on the same page. Not sharing information with the membership and telling us to just "stand by" is not supporting us but instead is doing things for us. In my national breed club, we have the opportunity to respond to Board Meeting Minutes. Right now, I have no idea who comprises our Officers and Board Members. In July we were told there were no people to nominate, but now we can meet our new board on 10/18. I thought the annual election was to be held in October. We've always been told we have to follow the By-Laws yet it seems the By-Laws were bypassed recently. I want the ACC to succeed. Even though we have lives and other commitments I would like to be aware of what's going on in the organization. I won't be at the Oct 18th meeting b/c my son flies back to KY that day. I'll be en route to the Bham airport during the meeting and can't attend, but my absence doesn't mean I don't care about what's going on. As far as SB-18, it's attached. I've been out of town and haven't read it yet, but at first glance it looks like Senator Marsh took the Calhoun County bill and removed "Calhoun County" to make it a statewide bill. Thanks again for your post. Theresa Responsible Animal Owners of Alabama <http://www.raoal.com/> The video HSUS wants to hide! <http://tinyurl.com/qldv9k> From: accmemberdiscussion-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:accmemberdiscussion-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Ivy Rice Sent: Sunday, September 20, 2009 2:06 PM To: accmemberdiscussion@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [accmemberdiscussion] Re: AL Canine Coalition Oct 18th meeting When I first heard about the existence of ACC nearly a year ago, I was eager to join. Since that time, I have learned much from ACC emails and even more from independent research on the internet that was definitely spurred by words, ideas, proceedings in other states all of which were brought to my attention by ACC. I use the information leaned from ACC and from my own research to help educate every person who will listen-my own vets, friends with pets, friends without pets, anyone who mentions PETA or HSUS-you name it, I take the opportunity to educate. I make it a point to every legislation poll that I run across and to write letters when appropriate. Breeder rights and animal welfare are a priority for me. In the last two days, I've read the two emails posted below and thought, "Hmm, am I in the right place?" I'm not so sure anymore. Do our board members and officers actually feel that they ARE the ACC and the only ones capable of reading and analyzing bills? I thought we were ALL the ACC. When members are admonished not to ask legitimate questions publicly to which others might be interested in the response, and particularly when an email such as the one below implies that those of us who are not going to the October meeting are not making this issue a priority, then something is lost. There is no faster way to discourage people from joining ACC or to encourage them to leave than to admonish members for asking legitimate questions or to imply that people are not making this a priority if they don't attend a meeting. Do I think ACC meetings and the organization are important? You bet I do! As legislation threatens to invade Alabama, this is our ONLY hope of stopping it. However, with members in various stages of their lives, with various obligations and responsibilities, it is not always a question of simple "making an ACC meeting a "priority" to make it possible to get there. Sometimes life gets in the way. To our board, officers, and all of the good folks who attend the meeting, God bless you and THANK YOU. But, please, do not for one second forget that your power is in the numbers standing behind you who are not at the meeting, because if you do, you are putting all of us in jeopardy of losing this battle. Ivy Rice We are new members to ACC and currently live just south of the TN/KY line but are former residents and long time property owners in AL. It will be a 5-hr drive one way to Wetumpka, AL, but I'll be there because it is vital for a successful outcome that we strengthen the coalition between all animal owners. It is no longer just a good idea; it is critical that we unite to fight the onslaught of legislative attacks on our rights to own and/or breed the animals we love. The passing of the TN Commercial Breeder bill and various other AR backed legislation will happen in any state if those who own animals and wish to maintain their rights as business and property owners don't clearly understand the issues and the consequences of losing those rights and stand firm together. There is no doubt in our minds there would have been a different outcome in TN had there been a strong and united coalition in TN across the dog community, not to mention many groups of animal owners. We will make this meeting a priority and look forward to Oct. 18th. Vangie & Harry Bogner From: accmemberdiscussion-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:accmemberdiscussion-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of BABAMONK@xxxxxxx Sent: Saturday, September 19, 2009 12:30 AM To: accmemberdiscussion@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [accmemberdiscussion] Re: AL: Spay Neuter Law site has been updated Theresa, Please try to remember that we all share the same goal with regards to this legislation. The ACC has had the bill for only a few days and with the legislative session about 120 days away we will have the bill to the membership with analysis in plenty of time. It is not necessary to question the actions of someone who is strongly committed to the defeat of this legislation. The Alabama Canine Coalition is very grateful and thankful for the people that help us gather information on any legislation that challenge our rights as dog owners. Without them our job would be much harder. We are also grateful for the people that help us to understand the wording of the bills. The ACC works very hard to compile, understand and distribute information in a timely manner. The ACC appreciates its dedicated members that do their part in many ways. Reporting legislation, attending council meetings and educating about responsible dog ownership. We will work hard to strengthen every part of the ACC as time go on. We must be united in the fight. If in the future you have a question about the way the ACC board is handling something, please email me privately and I will be happy to discuss your concerns.. Thanks again for all the information you share with the list. Just as a reminder, the ACC annual meeting will be October 18,2009 in Wetumpka. Since you live close I hope you can attend. Our speaker is Perry Mobley and he will speak on HSUS and animal agriculture. He will also talk about the newly formed Animal Coalition that ACC is proud to be a member of. Baba