1. Grassroots Mobilization Bryan Kortis bryan@neighborhoodcats.org New England Federation of Humane Societies 2016

2. Tactics Community TNR Program Targeting Grassroots Mobilization Return to Field Intensive TNR in colonies & areas with high numbers of cats Spay/neuter & return healthy, unadoptable cats brought to shelters Provide public w/training, equipment, support & free or low-cost services Reduce cat population, intake & complaints Reduce euthanasia, promote culture change Build awareness, gradual population decline 2

3. Grassroots vs. Expert approach Expert: A core group of trappers affiliated with the TNR program perform the bulk of the field work Grassroots: Members of the public (residents are caretakers) trained to perform the hands-on work; TNR program’s role is to train and coordinate services 3

4. Colony level targeting = key grassroots tactic 4

5. 5 Community level targeting: expert approach Experts

6. 6 Community level targeting + grassroots Experts Grassroots

7. Feraltropolis 7

8. 8

9. Benefits: grassroots Population control or reduction in spots Build public awareness and support for TNR Provide an alternative for caretakers outside target areas Enhance fundraising by serving whole community 9

10. Grassroots: flow chart for caretaker 2. Contact TNR program 3. Attend training 4. Schedule s/n and equipment 5. Trap 6. Bring for spay/neuter 7. Release 1. Community outreach 10

11. 11 Network of supportive services Field Work Caretaking Training Traps Expert advice/assistance Food Shelter Veterinary Low cost spay/neuter Transport Holding space Caretaker network

12. Outreach Callers/email seeking assistance Online: Website, Facebook Other service providers/partners Newspaper articles or ads Donated space (malls) 12

13. First contact Clear messaging: Only TNR (not adoption, relocation or removal) Absent special needs, steer callers to training or next step in your program’s protocol –Special needs = elderly, disabled; assist as resources allow Other local animal welfare agencies refer callers to same point of contact Able but not willing callers: track info for possible future assistance, consider offering paid assistance 13

14. Training workshops Content Basic hands-on work (trapping, caring for captured cats, etc.) Colony-level targeting and mass trapping Neighbor relations Best practices (testing, feeding, etc.) Service-provider procedures Networking 14

15. Instructional materials Neighborhood Cats TNR Handbook free download: www.neighborhoodcats.orgwww.neighborhoodcats.org How to Perform a Mass Trapping (video; 32 min.) View online: www.neighborhoodcats.org DVD copy: info@neighborhoodcats.orgwww.neighborhoodcats.orginfo@neighborhoodcats.org Sample outline, waiver, and handouts Email: info@neighborhoodcats.orginfo@neighborhoodcats.org 15

16. TNR certification 16 Services contingent upon training: Free or discount spay/neuter Trap banks Extra assistance (coaches, transportation, holding space, etc.) Food, shelter giveaways Share certification list or provide certification cards or certificates

17. In-field training 17 When workshops are not a viable approach (population base or target area are small): Training limited to hands-on work, usually only trapping, but could also include care of captured cats and transport Approx. 30 minutes maximum Live demonstration, not paper instructions Could also offer as a follow-up to workshops

18. Spay/neuter The lower the cost, the higher the participation Schedule by colony, not caretaker All TNR-rate cats must be eartipped One cat per trap, covered Train veterinary staff how to handle ferals (keeping in traps, feeding, cleaning, etc.) Provide clinic with necessary equipment, like trap dividers 18

19. Trap banks Types of equipment: Traps: 30” to 36” in length with rear sliding door Trap dividers/isolators: Must be strong enough (Tomahawk or Tru- Catch); use in pairs Drop trap (www.livetrap.com)www.livetrap.com 19

20. Trap banks Rule of thumb: Number of traps = spay/neuter capacity per week x 2 (e.g., 20 s/n a week = 40 traps) Sample trap bank contract, protocol, and log, email info@neighborhoodcats.org info@neighborhoodcats.org Pick-up and drop-off at designated times, NOT by appointment 20

21. Trapping support TNR Coach: present on first day of mass trapping, then acts as ongoing advisor Phone and email advice during trapping Volunteer network 21

22. Transportation / holding space Pick-up and drop-off traps To and from spay/neuter clinic From colony site to holding space and back 22 For mass trapping: Space for 2-3 days before surgery, 2-3 days after Warm, dry & secure

23. Post-trapping support: food 23 Obtain and distribute food donations Holiday food drives “Caretaker-in-need” fund

24. Shelter 24 Free or low cost giveaways Shelter-building workshops

25. Disaster relief 25 Hurricane Sandy (Neighborhood Cats): Raised funds Veterinary care Food Shelters

26. Create a caretaker network Online discussion group Facebook page Email network Advanced trainings (e.g., drop traps, neighbor relations, legal issues) Advocacy / mediation Social events 26

27. Roles for animal control Provide support for official approval of TNR (such as ordinances, regulations, agency practices, and policies) Refer complaints and inquiries regarding free-roaming cats to TNR groups Eartipped cat alerts and provide location of origin Collect and share data 27

28. Colony database 28 Online system: Remote data entry by caretaker Tracks colony size, % sterilized, # rescued Caretaker contact info Mapping tools, inc. trapper notes Help-needed emails For info: info@neighborhoodcats.org (coming soon) www.catstats.org www.catstats.org

29. Thanks! Questions? bryan@neighborhoodcats.org 29