a national herp society

[BoAddict]

i was wondering if there is anyone with info on how to go about starting a non profit group for our little community?

the goal of this would be to help stop lawmakers from passing laws prohibiting herps.

we all know it is getting harder and harder to live anywhere where something is not banned.

if someone has any suggestions feel free to email me or pm me , id be very intersted in setting something like this up with the help and guidance of a few others

thanks

[mykee]

Why not just paint a bullseye on your forehead and do a jig in front of a bylaw officer? In theory, your idea is decent, but in practicality, not so much... Most of us, if not all of us have come to an understanding regarding bylaws against herps that doesn't involve becoming a target. For those of you (us) that live in a community that is not "bylaw-friendly" a "don't ask don't tell" policy tends to work better.

[Pixie]

I think it's a good idea but to work, I think it would need to be for the entire country to be able to fight against by-laws and other issues relating to herps.

This would need to cooperation of many, most likely starting with the herp associations already established in Canada to start talking about it.

Most importantly IMO, we would need credited professionals in the field to bring weight to any battles that the association would undertake, i.e. herp vet, herpetologist, zoologist, someone with credited education with herps.

Such an organization I think could be very beneficial to the herping community. It certainly would be taken more seriously than just a group of hobbyist alone. It should also, eliminate local targets if it's the Country's association fighting something.

I think this idea should really be looked into. It is a grand scale project though and would need the cooperation of many to be accomplished.

Herps/exotics ownership is something that almost everywhere is trying to get banned. If it hasn't been tried and/or achieved in your area yet, I'm sure it will at some point.

Great idea BoAddict,
Pixie

[Gary D.]

A national society is not logistically practical, however there is currently a group called "herpetological societies of Canada". It is an open comunication group for executive board members of various societies to discuss events, ideas, etc. We currently have representatives from BC, AB, SK, MB, QC, NFLD. If you are a member of an Ontario society (or any other society/province not yet participating), we would appreciate having representation from your group too.

To all reading this, if you are not involved in a local society I would encourage you to do so. Local societies are best equipped to monitor and respond to regional issues, and then the rest of us can lend our support and help wherever possible. If you want to make a difference, make a difference at home and we'll back you. If you currently serve on a board of directors in your local society and are not yet participating please contact me via the link below.

Gary D.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/herp-societies-ca/