Kinship Circle

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• ABOUT: Email action lists + how to utilize sample letters

• BUZZ: Feedback from Kinship Circle members

• YOUR ACTION IDEAS: Kinship Circle policy for submitting letter campaign requests

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Kinship Circle Primary
KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY empowers people to communicate (speak, write, present) influentially to lawmakers, businesses, media and other decision-makers associated with animal cruelty and protection concerns. Subscribe to our global email list to receive monthly action campaigns, and use our activist tools:

SAMPLE-LETTER ALERTS: Our investigative research brings you breaking news and the tools to take meaningful action: Compelling sample letters + complete contact information to reach key decision-makers.
EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS: Let your letters, presentations, leafleting...leap to life with our breathtaking Fact Sheets. 60+ topics are updated yearly with new studies, stats, photos. All are FREE downloads.
COLUMNS: Kinship Circle's Brenda Shoss is published in The Healthy Planet and has contributed to The Animals Voice Magazine, VegNews, Satya Magazine and other publications.
UPDATES: Track victories, setbacks and progress for animals.
FRIENDS OF KINSHIP CIRCLE: Newsletters with alerts from KC supporters. YOUR input and concerns.
AD DESIGNS: Find ideas to jumpstart your ads, billboards, logos, flyers and other advocacy materials.
LETTER LIBRARY: All action campaigns are archived here by topic and date. Click EMAIL THIS LETTER beneath any sample letter for a ready-to-send message that opens in the email software on your computer.
PHOTOS GALORE: Download our photos, but COPY CREDITS (cutlines) to display with any photo.

Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network
Kinship CIrcle Animal Disaster Aid is a network of independently trained responders, activated during disasters to send volunteers, supplies, and other resources for animal victims. We may work under agreement to deploy volunteers to a disaster zone, as done for Iowa's State Veterinary Response Team during the 2008 Iowa floods. Or we may recruit/manage volunteers for another group on the ground, as done for 2008 Hurricanes Ike and Gustav.

In the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Kinship Circle united with Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF/Mobile, AL) under the banner Grassroots Effort for Animals of the Storm, mobilizing volunteers/supplies to nearly 80 relief missions in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas. We were among the founding coordinators of Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO) — for which KC's Brenda Shoss served as food/water assignments director, working with ground director Cadi Schiffer to cover 650 sq. miles with 2,800 food/water stations across Orleans, Plaquemines and St. Bernard Parishes. See Animal Victims In Disasters

JOIN OUR VOLUNTEER NETWORK: Submit your form now, to be on-call when animals need you.
RELIEF GLOBAL: News and ways to aid animals in disasters as they unfold — tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, fires, war zones... We recruit/deploy volunteers, when called upon to do so.
GULF COAST: News, needs, stories...related to animals stranded in Gulf Coast disasters.
ACTION CAMPAIGNS: Companion animal and animal protection alerts.

FAST-ACTION & WAY TO EMAIL COMMENTS:

Open any recent alert in our LETTER LIBRARY and click EMAIL THIS LETTER, below sample letter.
A ready-to-send message opens in the email software on your computer.
Sign your name, address and country. Personalize letter if you have time and hit send.

PRINT & MAIL LETTERS FROM THE SOFTWARE PROGRAM OF YOUR CHOICE:

Copy the letter portion ONLY of Kinship Circle's alert.
Paste it into a blank document in your software program. (Microsoft Word or Pages, etc.)
Format and personalize Kinship Circle letters in your software program and print the letters from there.
Sign your name, address and country. Send letter via fax or postal mail.

SEND & LETTERS FROM YOUR EMAIL PROGRAM:

Copy the letter ONLY from Kinship Circle's alert. Paste it into a blank email.
Personalize sample letter. Sign your name, address and country.
Copy email addresses into the TO: line of your email. Hit SEND.
**If no email addresses are provided with a sample letter, they are not publicly available or don't exist.

SEND A LETTER TO MANY EMAIL ADDRESSES AT ONE TIME:

Some emails in large blocks will inevitably bounce. WHY? They are obtained from websites that haven't been updated. They are disabled or blocked in response to ongoing activist campaigns. Occasionally, if you try the same email later, it will work.
To BLIND-COPY a block of emails, so recipients don't see huge email list:
- COPY/PASTE a block of emails into the Bcc: line of your email.
- TYPE YOUR OWN EMAIL in the To: line.
- COPY/PASTE letter ONLY into body of your email. Personalize, sign, and send.
- REPEAT FOR EACH BLOCK OF EMAILS.

Email programs differ in terms of how many addresses you can send to at one time.
Yahoo, Outlook, Hotmail: Separate emails by a comma (,) and do not exceed 50.

August 2006 — Kinship Circle founder/president Brenda Shoss (right) is voted Grassroots Activist of
the Year at AR2006, in Washington D.C. Janet Enoch, Kinship Circle's vice president (left), gives
Brenda her plaque.

August 2006 — Brenda's vegan son, Elijah, rushes the stage during Mommy's acceptance speech... and
mesmerized by the crowd, performs a little sideshow of his own.

August 2006 — You done good Mommy, even if you do talk too much.

Kinship Circle is the sum of its circle... Animals wouldn't be heard without your diligent action! Thank you for your feedback.

From: Janice <bluevegan@earthlink.net>
Date: Sun, 15 Oct 2006

Dear Animal Activists and Defenders,
Most of you on this list know or subscribe to Kinship Circle and will respond warmly and generously to
their appeal for donations...but for those who are not as familiar or who will forward this post, I would just
like to add my personal sentiments...

Kinship Circle is one of the most important AR "organizations of ONE." Dedicated activist Brenda Shoss
devotes her life to researching every important issue affecting animals of the world and sends detailed
background information and intelligently crafted sample letters for us to act on, on almost a daily basis.

Brenda also reaches out to help animals in times of crisis, as she did so valiantly and tirelessly during
Katrina & Rita, even while her own precious dog, 14 year-old Stanley, was gravely ill. Kinship Circle was
the core group coordinating up-to-the-minute information amongst all the rescue groups and individuals
who went into Louisiana and Mississippi...

Brenda is a firm believer in the First Amendment and the right of activists to dissent and, unlike many
other national groups, Kinship Circle has never vacillated from her/their strong defense of the SHAC 7 and
outrage at their recent unjust sentencing.

I hope each of you, kindred spirits, will now help Kinship Circle continue on their mission....There is no one
else in the world doing this important and unique work for the animals.
Janice Blue, Go Vegan Texas!

From: jjpippin <jjpippin@sbcglobal.net>
Date: Sat, 14 Oct 2006

Brenda Shoss is a tireless worker for the animals. If you have never visited the Kinship Circle website,
please go there and see the wealth of useful information to help others be effective advocates. The
research she does into animal issues, and then incorporates into her postings and sample letters, is
marvelous. She was a constant presence helping the animals after Katrina, working with the late Shannon
Moore among others. She is selfless and dedicated to the animals, and she puts much of her time and
money into this work.

If we want people like Brenda to be able to do this kind of work for the animals, we must help her. Here's
what I'm going to do, and I encourage you to do the same. I'm going to take the money I might have
previously donated to groups like HSUS and ASPCA, and instead send it to someone who gets the job
done on the ground with little fanfare and no reward except the satisfaction of helping the helpless. And
remember, it's still tax deductible.

Let's help Brenda keep Kinship Circle strong. The work [she does] is the "roots" in grassroots.
John J. Pippin, M.D., F.A.C.C. / Founder, North Texas Animal Rights Network

From: Jane Blythe <purplepact@yahoo.com>
Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2006

You all have been magnificent, dear friends....outstanding work in all areas. Proud to be a tiny drop in the
bucket in your ocean of kindness. For the animals, jane blythe

From: Melinda Plasse <pixelprincess@nycap.rr.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 01, 2006

I've made numerous trips to the gulf region since the 2005 hurricane season for volunteer animal rescue
purposes. I have worked in field rescues and TNR in New Orleans as well as serving as a ranch and farm
hand in Vermillion and Plaquemines parishes. I do this on my personal and vacation time... The material
Kinship Circle circulates concerning the Gulf situation is entirely well researched and accurate. I and the
nearly 100 animals I've rescued from overcrowded Louisiana shelters so far owe a great debt to Brenda
Shoss, because she personally saw to it that the word got spread nationwide about what we were trying to
accomplish and what we needed in order to get the job done. Without Brenda, I could not have afforded to
save those animals' lives and put them into loving new homes.

It is important to me to know that Kinship Circle will continue to broadcast the facts that people doing
animal rescue need to be aware of in order to do their jobs. Melinda Plasse, Valley Falls, NY

From: dedelow <dedelow@cox.net>
Date: Wed, 19 Jul 2006

Once again thank you for your alerts... These calls to action are so easy, with a little practice of course,
but you learn to get a good effective letter then paste it into each email that you send — it really does make
a difference and helps us to feel more empowered in such situations as well. I have faith that this is going
to make a difference. Thanks again for all you do, xoxo Laura

From: Lisa Roussel <piglets_ten@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 28 Jun 2006

Are you the founder of Kinship Circle? You do realize, that because of your organization and the many
emails concerning SB-607, (as of yesterday, now a Louisiana LAW!) we would have never been able to
pull this off! The dirty politicians LA is known for, would have never paid a seconds notice to this bill.....but,
because Kinship Circle kept us on top of things and provided us with legislators contact info, urged us to
continue to bombard them with emails and calls, and kept us updated on a daily basis, YOU played a
MAJOR role in getting this law [Louisiana's Pet Evacuation Bill] passed. I cannot thank you enough.

From: Maggie Rufo <magwhls@comcast.net>
Date: Fri, 09 Jun 2006

I just want to tell you what a great writer you are and how much I am moved and inspired by all the things
you write. The animals are lucky that your talent is used for their benefit. Your statement about caring
about the Katrina animals not diminishing us, your writing about your awakening through Stanley, and now
your heartfelt tributes to your friend Shannon, just beautiful. I am sorry for your loss. Maggie Rufo

From: Niki Stalder-Skarmoutsos <nikimss@yahoo.com>
Date: Sun, 30 Apr 2006

I just wanted to thank you for the awesome service you provide to all of us animal lovers. I get sad when I
look at the emails of the stupid and cruel things someone has done, but then I am able to take action,
which I love! You have made it so much easier and I'd like to think we're truly making a difference for all
the animals out there... Thanks again for all you do, Niki

From: Dan Robinson <dcr@zcloud.net>
Date: Mon, 16 Jan 2006

Once again we shed tears together. I was so hopeful for little Max to survive with some degree of
normalcy; but it is not to be. I applaud you for establishing the memorial fund in Max's name... You
continue to make a big difference in the lives of so many of our fellow citizens of the animal world, and I
congratulate you for the wonderful writing you do as well. Kindest regards, Dan & Cash

From: JoAnne Pazara <She-Owl@webtv.net>
Date: Mon, 9 Jan 2006

I ask God to bless you in this work you have chosen to do. I feel more sorry for the animals that were
ravaged by Katrina; they had no options. Humans did, but for whatever reasons chose not to leave. They
can rebuild, animals must rely on angels like you. PTL

From: <CompassionAction@aol.com>
Date: Sun, 8 Jan 2006

I know how hard you work for the animals. Thank you for ALL you do. May that fire continue to burn hot
within your soul forever compelling you to continue! Jillouise Breslauer, Compassion in Action
Wilmington, NC 28405 and Manhattan, N.Y.C

Prayer for Peace and Compassion
May all beings be free from danger.
May all beings be free from mental suffering.
May all beings be free from physical suffering.
May all beings be enabled to carry out their life in peace and happiness.
(Buddhist Prayer for Peace)

From: Jo Beth Britt <jbbr.seren.shel@usa.net>
Date: Sun, 08 Jan 2006

THANKS for positive though sad stories of the animals that are discovered-recovered and get to a safe
haven. I was down there [post-Katrina New Orleans] twice in October -- for a total of about six days doing
stint of feeding stations in Ward 9... and then helping at the shelter at the grocery store parking lot.

I have since made about 10 trips to Tylertown (it is about an hour and half from my house) to help each
time for a day or two... I send you and everyone words of encouragement... people get help from
FEMA etc. but the animals have no one but people like us.

I also commend you to your very diligent e-mails of updates etc. just Jo Beth, a volunteer from
Vicksburg... (Serenity Shelties)

From: Marilyn Weaver <marilynw@tampabay.rr.com>
Date: Sun, 1 Jan 2006

I recently started receiving your newsletters during Katrina. Only today, did I take the time to go to your
website prompted by your "P.S. Want to see Stan's beautiful face?" I have only read your first page so far,
but am prompted by a desire (after tears) to tell you how much I respect & admire you.

I have been doggedly working for animal rights about 16 years and spend all my time as an advocate for
animals. I am always privileged to meet or hear of people whose life becomes a mission for our beloved,
abused animals.

Similarly, being of Jewish background, I have strongly defended the parallel of the treatment of animals to
the holocaust. I related to your similar description. Only those who don't care about animals, do not see
the connection or probably, don't want to.

I will read you faithfully now and alert all on my animal activist email lists about your wonderful website
and the wonderful human who reveals her love and spirit for the long neglected non-human species of
this planet. May you have a very long life and know that you are loved by many, human and non-human.

I am a member of Florida Voices for Animals in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. Count me as one of your
supporters. Marilyn Weaver

From: <Therese62@aol.com>
Date: Sun, 25 Dec 2005

I just got onto your e-mail list, for Kinship Circle, found you guys while surfing around, trying to help with
the Katrina effort, even just to send a few dollars...

I have read your Kinship Circle Story...you are an amazing woman...your passion and dedication is
limitless...bless you in all you do...I am considering vegan just from reading your impassioned story.

May God's angels always be at your side, to help you in your work. Have a wonderful New Year!
Tara Foye in Florida

Back to top

GOT ACTION IDEAS? KC LETTER CAMPAIGN POLICY:
WHAT KINSHIP CIRCLE IS NOT:

Kinship Circle Primary is NOT A RESCUE LIST. Kinship CIrcle Animal Disaster Aid, ONLY, posts rescue/foster/adopt alerts concerning animals in disaster-stricken areas.
We RARELY POST REGIONAL ALERTS, unless they benefit from national/global commentary.
We are NOT A BULLETIN-BOARD LIST. We do ACTION CAMPAIGNS with contact information and sample comments. We rarely post announcements, forwarded messages or piecemeal information.
We NEVER POST SAMPLE "LETTERS TO THE EDITOR." News media won't reprint form letters.

1. SOURCE OF INFORMATION:
To submit an alert idea, send a valid SOURCE OF INFORMATION, such as:

The link to another animal organization's investigation or background information.
The title and link to any news stories with details about the animal issue.
Any links to other sites, blogs, etc. with relevant information.

2. CONTACT INFORMATION:
Research WHO letters need to reach (key decision-makers). Send us what you can find for each recipient:

full name and title
full mailing address (number, street, city, state, zip, country)
phone and fax numbers
email addresses
web contact form URLs

3. SYNOPSIS OF FACTS:

Send a CONCISE OVERVIEW OF THE ANIMAL CRUELTY CASE — from accredited sources, not your personal feelings. Do not send a series of forwarded emails or extremely long, sloppy messages.
Kinship Circle won't base campaigns upon virtual petitions or vague allegations, such as "I heard that..." or "I saw someone say on TV..." or "My neighbor saw..."

LET'S GO!
We research additional facts, statistics, or arguments pertinent to the content of any action campaign.

All submissions are subject to editing or rejection.
Include your name/email so we can attribute you in the alert.
Send alert ideas with above information to: info@kinshipcircle.org