The Association Blog

This blog’s all you—all your suggestions, that is. Over the past year we listened and took notes as you passed along your favorite books, podcasts, trainings and samples.

What: “How Leaders Create and Use Networks”
Recommended by: Raissa Allaire, Tree House Humane
Why: “I’m a bit of a Harvard Business Review fanatic, always on the lookout for insightful articles. There’s this one gem I keep coming back to; it’s all about how leaders can make the most of their networks, whether personal, strategic, or operational.”

What: Sample Evaluation Form for EDs & CEOs
Recommended by: Joe Lisella, Animal Protective Foundation
Why: The evaluation of the executive director/CEO is typically the responsibility of the board of directors. “Each board member completes it,” explains Lisella of this sample that his organization uses, “and then the president calculates the final score and shares comments during the annual review.”

What: Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
Recommended by: Rachel Delport, Greenville Humane Society
Why: “I love seeing women encouraging other women. My favorite quote from this book: Leadership is not about titles, status, and wielding power. A leader is anyone who takes responsibility for recognizing the potential in people and ideas and has the courage to develop that potential.”

What: Lost Dog Infographic
Recommended by: Jerrica Owen, National Animal Care & Control Association
Why: This nifty infographic, based on research by NACA and PetHub, reflects a timeline of steps to follow when a pet is lost—not just what to do, but WHEN. Great to share with your communities.

What: ACT to Keep Families Safe Tools & Templates
Recommended by: Kathy Duncan, Humane Canada
Why: “There are resources and templates, case studies and recordings of our communities of practice held over the past year. I encourage anyone who wants to learn more about the violence link and supporting women with animals who are experiencing gender-based violence to check it out.”

What: Found Kitten Flow Chart
Recommended by: Dallas Animal Services and HeARTs Speak
Why: Nobody has extra time to reinvent the wheel during Kitten Season—or design a colorful, engaging graphic to help educate the community on what to do if they find a litter of kittens. You can customize this one in just 10 minutes.

What: Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention Training in Rural America online course
Recommended by: T’ Fisher, Program for Pet Health Equity
Why: “Due to rural isolation and stress, rural communities have a 65 percent higher chance of suicide than urban populations. This course is designed to give practical support strategies for rural Americans to navigate mental health challenges.”

What: The Great Canadian Woman podcast
Recommended by: Anna-Lee Fitzsimmons, Calgary Humane Society
Why: “Each episode features a strong female guest speaker who is an expert in her field and making waves to create change and encourage uncomfortable yet important conversations.”

What: Kudoboards online cards
Recommended by: Sarah Javier, APA Adoption Center
Why: This online platform known for fostering a culture of appreciation is, says Javier, well worth the paid version: “We have also used it to send well wishes to volunteers who have been sick, congratulate people for accomplishments, celebrate a birthday—essentially anything you’d send a group card for. It is such a nice way to share kind and supportive thoughts to people who are important to your organization.”

What: Delayed Email Feature
Recommended by:  Lily Yap, Grand Prairie Animal Services
Why: It helps ward off staff burnout and encourages work-life balance. “Even if you encourage someone to take a day off, but you’re emailing them while they’re out, or emailing someone at 11 pm,” says Yap, “that is not sending the message that you value work-life balance or self-care. I have to say the delayed email feature is one I utilize very often.”

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