Ed and All,

I think the discussion so far has been positive but there are some considerations that must be sorted through.

A "grassroots" effort without guidance I don't think will happen. A few of us do participate in a self guided "grassroots" effort but our message is not consistent, focused and coordinated. In general, people need direction, guidance and focus. So I think a "grassroots" organization solves this problem. But if an organization is formed it needs to have an agenda. And to unify all the herp folks this agenda will have to include positions on each of the issues. The current organizations out there do not do this so a new, all inclusive organization needs to be formed.

A website that is free to all sounds like a good idea but it would really not be free. Creating content and running the site would take some funding. We also need funds for a whole host of things. If we gave it away free we couldn't generate the capital needed to fund our fight.

We need two things: willing people and money. I have heard that most herp societies and groups are run by a small handful of dedicated people who do most of the work. If we could find the people willing to do this consistently that would be great but that is a very difficult thing to do. I have been trying to start an all inclusive organization for over a year with little to no help. I have people who want to be members but they don't want to do any of the work. I have asked for help but people are to busy. The problem is that many folks need to spend their time working to earn a living. Starting and running a group does not pay well as a matter of fact it costs in time and money.

I would be willing to donate my time towards a national organization as long as I agree with the agenda. I do not have much in the way of funds to contribute. Comments?

Mike Welker
El Paso, TX

[ Show Entire Thread ]