Agenda - 10-01-2002-10a - Laserfiche WebLink

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HSUSP�AYRTnQIaS,'C/VICCS�ConsuItad6n. Pope 7 COMMUNITY DEMOGRAPHICS AND PERCEPTIONS Demographic research is a valuable tool for assisting with both short-and long-range planning.lnformation about human and animal populations helps determine current and future needs of agencies and communities. Public perceptions (and expectations) of the level and scope of animal care and control services are unfortunately too often based on misconceptions. Crucial to effecting long-term change, however, is widespread community awareness and public support. With that in mind, The HSUS will assist you in improving public perceptions through the enhancement of animal can and control services. . The HSUS professional Animal Services Consultation(ASC)program uses a variety of approaches to gain an understanding of community needs and perceptions. For example, an effective medium has been the solicitation of public comment on current animal care and control services.As part of our evaluation,The HSUS will accept written comments from interested individuals(including those representing local animal care,protection,and sheltering organizations)regarding the level of services provided,experiences with the agency,and community expectations.With the agency's assistance,this effort to solicit public opinion will occur for a minimum two-week period prior to the on-site visit,and The HSUS encourages the agency to communicate this opportunity to all members ofthe community it serves,not just to those interested in animal welfaze.A variety of forums—including letters to active community members and coverage by the media— may be used to assure the success of this effort Often,media outlets are eager to provide these notifications in the form of free public service announcements. In addition,The HSUS requests an opportunity to meet with members ofany citizens advisory committee(if applicable) as part of the evaluation process. Other active community members with a vested interest in animal care,control,protection,and sheltering may also be considered for a brief,on-site discussion. The HSUS believes there is much to be learned from widespread input from the public(and the identification of needs),that can guide the development of programs. However, a nus assessment of the community's perspectives regarding any animal care and control agency,while extremely valuable,is beyond the scope of any animal services consultation program.The HSUS believes that is order to adequately assess and evaluate community perspectives,a public opinion survey by a professional research firm,conducted immediately following our consultation,could: a)identify key target ; b)evaluate community awareness levels; c)test advocacy messages;and d)measure effectiveness. This type of study can be extremely beneficial to both the animals and humans in need of services. In addition,to do so puts an agency on the cutting edge in the field of animal care and control,and serves to ensure long-term success for its animal care and control pi ograma.