MAINE FRIENDS OF ANIMALS
Mission Statement
“Maine Friends of Animals” [MFOA] is a statewide 501c3 non-profit organization that promotes the humane treatment of all animals, through education, advocacy and legislation. Since 1997, MFOA has been Maine’s leading voice for animal protection – working tirelessly to end animal cruelty in the state.
The organization’s objective is to organize, lead, champion and coalesce supporters, advocates and animal associations to more effectively take action on issues that affect animals. To embrace our motto: “Silence is the voice of complicity. Speak up for animals.”
The corporation’s goal is to increase its public value and the organizational ability to make the kind of differences that bring animal protection into mainstream thinking, and ensures that the State of Maine continues to take animal cruelty seriously and advocates for a more humane society.
Objectives and Tenets
Inclusive
Welcome all those wishing to help animals recognizing that even one issue can bring a person into the movement, knowing the experience in helping with one animal injustice leads to greater knowledge and understanding of many other issues which affect them. The movement is most effective when animal welfare, animal protection, and animal rights advocates come together.
Legislatively Focused
Research, consider and submit legislation and monitor all Maine animal protection bills; research; maintain an active presence in the legislative process; participate in lobbying and public/legislative animal-related campaigns; engage in supporter and social media outreach; “Action Alert” notifications and updates.
Good Governance / Credibility
Practice good governance, professionalism and organized strategic planning. Build greater public value with continued strong leadership, excellent resource management, and a battle-tested progressive legislative record. Continue to be the recognized voice for animals in Maine by working with animal advocates and organizations, the legislature, state and local agencies, and the media. Good faith stewardship of the organization and its mission.
Organize as One Voice
Encourage and organize state-wide involvement of animal protection advocates and activists, animal associations, humane societies, wildlife conservationists, shelters, pet owners, environmentalists and legislators to act and speak as one voice to most effectively address issues pertaining to animals in Maine. Set personal agendas aside and be disciplined in approach, as the opponents are many, well-funded and legislatively active. Teamwork is vital.
Educationally Focused
Provide information on animal issues through outreach programs, tabling events, research, social media, educational materials, website, and newsletters. The MFOA office is a resource center and meeting place for animal activism. Education leads to advocacy. Advocacy leads to legislation. Legislation leads to public acceptance.
Resilience
Resilience defines how one faces adversity and grows stronger through it. Fortitude in the early and middle stages of any movement is a challenge that has to be endured. Stay focused, adapt to change, and keep moving forward. Challenges don’t stop us; they shape us. With determination and by working together, we keep striving for excellence in the field of animal protection.
Politically Engaged
“Love animals. Hate politics. Where does that leave the animals?” The political process engages other like-minded activists, which helps build the needed coalitions to be successful. Be politically astute in determining issues, campaigns, opponents, and bills. Encourage supporters to become engaged by writing to the news outlets and legislators, submitting written testimony or speaking at public hearings, helping elect an animal-friendly legislator, or volunteering at tabling or fundraising events.
Code of Behavior - How We Operate
- Support teamwork and a united organization
- Practice open communication
- Be an example of activism
- Practice involvement and collaboration
- Be responsible, transparent and accountable
- Promote trust and loyalty
- Address problems proactively; deal with conflict responsibly
- Show respect and integrity
- Be organized, efficient and effective
- Create and maintain a safe, productive and creative workplace
- Show appreciation
- “It is about the animals”
