How's the prospect of 2 organizations dealing n snakes sum up? PLZ .. NEED HELP!!!?

Question

I'm a member of a Local NGO in India which deals with snakes .. they involve in snake rescue n relocation & spread awareness about their conservation through demo's but believe me wen i say their demos are **** coz i've been to quite a few!!! . But I'm not comfortable with them recently, because they keep the snakes cramped up in a single aquarium, sometimes 5-6 in one & all these terrariums are locked away inside a small ghostly looking farm house with cobwebs for internal decor!!! no wonder atleast 1 snake dies everytime i go there on the weekends. They lack a professional approach to it all. They have no board, no meetings, no freedom to the members, no vision, no direction ... nothing!!! They have a name somehow .. I'm not at all happy with where this is going, & I've been thinking about taking things into my own hands ... But I'm not 2 sure, a bit confused .. I admire the professionalism of u guys in the US, UK & AUS ... so, plz gimme ur thoughts, advice etc on this 1

Answer 1

While Australia Zoo is known worldwide for paving the way in conservation, Steve and Terri's efforts do not just stop there. Not only are they true wildlife warriors, they are constantly being recognised for the charitable work that they take part in daily. Australia Zoo actively supports many organisations, both large and small, from all over the world.

I got this info off their site, Steve was also a handler of snakes.

I am certain they would be able to help you out. Get onto the site and send them an email.

Good Luck

Answer 2

On paper, NGOs in the US, UK and Australia do look really professional. But there are a LOT of organizations in "the West" operating exactly as you have described. We call it "putting out fires instead of preventing fires." The leadership of such organizations claims that the work is too intense, the budget too small, and the priorities too many to try to work strategically, have meetings, keep records, etc. So, please know that you aren't alone -- what you are experiencing happens even in countries where, supposedly, we know better.

You, alone, can't change this NGO entirely, so look at what you CAN change. What is one area/activity of this NGO that you yourself could have some impact on through your own activities, by yourself? Your goal is to change one thing for the better, to get credit for it (and with such comes credibility), but NOT to do it in such a way that other people at the NGO are threatened by you. You are looking to build trust and enthusiasm in your efforts, not to make anyone look bad. Choose small things that you can do on your own that really can have an effect on (getting some small terrariums donated? Cleaning up the entrance?). Build on your small successes and try to mobilize one or two other volunteers in more effort sthat will be a small "success" (re-arranging the terrariums in a more humane manner?). Make sure that everyone at the NGO knows what you are accomplishing, and that you are there to help, not to make anyone look bad.

Once you have built a reputation at the organization as someone trustworthy, who has the organization's best interests at heart, and wants to help (but not make anyone look bad), you can start pushing for changes. You could encourage other NGO members to visit other animal-focused NGOs that are well-run, for instance.

It sounds much easier than it will be, ofcourse... I really feel for you! I hope you can channel your enthusiasm and energy into work that will inspire others at this NGO.

Answer 3

I'm not really sure what your question is.

However, it has been my observation that many NGO's in the developing world lack the structure and initiative that oganizations in the west have, which holds them back.

It sounds to me like you should get involved and offer to share your time and expertise with them.