Girl Guides Victoria ABN

Transcription

1

2 Produced by RSPCA (Victoria) ABN ACN Burwood Highway Burwood East VIC 3151 AUSTRALIA T: F: E: education@rspcavic.org.au Girl Guides Victoria ABN York Street South Melbourne VIC 3205 AUSTRALIA T: or F: E: advocacy@guidesvic.org.au This material in this document is protected by copyright.

3 About the RSPCA The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Victoria) is a non-government, community based charity that works to prevent cruelty to animals by actively promoting their care and protection. RSPCA Victoria was established in Melbourne in Since this time, the RSPCA has become Australia s leading animal welfare charity RSPCA Victoria is not a government department; community support is integral to the operation and success of our organisation, as we are funded through bequests, donations, fundraising, sponsorship, memberships, trusts and foundations, retail services, and animal service fees, along with some grants and investments. Each year the RSPCA Victoria cares for more than 25,000 lost, injured and unwanted animals. As a not-for-profit organisation, the RSPCA relies on community support to care for 'all creatures great and small'. More than 90% of the RSPCA's funding is due to the generous support of the Victorian community. Donations of pet food, blankets, towels, toys and newspaper, help look after the daily needs of RSPCA animals, keeping them comfortable and happy while they are at the shelter. Thank-you for joining with us to ensure this crucial work continues.

4 RSPCA and Girl Guides Victoria PREPARE TO CARE campaign The 2010 Girl Guides Australia Guides Say survey shows Girl Guides aged between 5 and 13 years old consistently ranked animal welfare in their top five global issues. On a national level, Girl Guides in the age brackets of 9-12 years, years and years all ranked animal welfare as one of their top five national concerns. These results are consistent with the 2007 Girl Guides Australia Guides Say report which also ranked animal welfare as one of the top concerns of Girl Guides. Within Victoria, many Girl Guides are taking action to learn about and act on animal welfare issues. Both the Pets and Animal Tracks Create-A-Challenge badges are commonly used for such animal welfare activities. In 2013, the Pets badge was one of the top ten selling badges of all badges on offer. The Change Makers: Prepare to Care Girl Guide campaign has been created by RSPCA Victoria and Girl Guides Victoria (GGV) to provide opportunities for Girl Guides to learn about issues of animal welfare and pet care. The Prepare to Care Change Makers badge will equip Girl Guides with knowledge and skills to: speak out; educate others; and take action for all creatures great and small.

5 Contents Project Introduction... 1 The Developmental Star... 2 Activities Section 1 Educate Others... 3 Section 2 Speak Out... 3 Section 3 Take Action... 4 Pre-Activity Preparation... 5 Activity 1. What s the Story? Running Sheet... 7 Activity 2. What s the Story? Running Sheet... 8 Activity 3. What s the Problem? Running Sheet... 9 Activity 4. What s the Problem? Running Sheet Activity 5. What s the Problem? Running Sheet Activity 6. What s being done? Running Sheet Activity 7. What can I say? Running Sheet Activity 8. What do you think? Running Sheet Activity 9. What will you do? Running Sheet Activities 10, 11 & 12. What will you do? Running Sheets Frequently Asked Questions Extra Information... 23

6 Project Introduction CHANGE-MAKERS Change Makers is a themed-based education programme for Girl Guides of all ages and focuses on three (3) campaigns: empowerment and health; education; and safety. These campaigns are designed to encourage Girl Guides to: human rights and education; safety and wellbeing; and animal welfare. Change Maker Campaign Activity Kits are available from iggi ( or Girl Guide Victoria website ( and every Girl Guide Unit is encouraged to undertake at least one campaign during Each campaign has an associated badge available from the Guide Shop and can be worn for one year on the back of the sash. PREPARE TO CARE The Change Makers: Prepare to Care project run in conjunction with the RSPCA (Vic) explores the role of the RSPCA in the community through the caring of animals and the prevention of cruelty. It focuses on the needs of animals; the importance of these needs and the similarities between people and animals, such as the capacity to feel. WHAT CAN GIRL GUIDES EXPECT TO LEARN? Participants will learn about animals which have not had their needs met by reading a specific animal s story and will come to understand that animals and people share similar needs and feelings. They will hear about the role of the RSPCA in helping animals, and discover ways in which the community can take action to improve the lives of animals and prevent animal cruelty. HOW TO COMPLETE THE PROJECT AND EARN THE CHANGE MAKERS PREPARE TO CARE BADGE Participants earn the Prepare to Care badge by taking part in, and completing activities within their Girl Guide Unit and, in some instances, at home. These activities are divided into six (6) areas: PAGE 1

7 The Developmental Star The developmental stars, shown next to each activity (over page) will help Girl Guide Leaders decide which activity to do for each area. We understand that no two girls develop at exactly the same rate and five developmental age ranges have been identified based on girls emotional development, what they can do and how they can think. The coloured points on the star depicts what developmental stages the activity is best suited to : 5-7 years 7-9 years 9-12 years years years PAGE 2

8 Activities SECTION 1 EDUCATE OTHERS ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES Activity 1. What s the story? Activity 2. What s the story? Activity 3. What s the problem? Activity 4. What s the problem? Activity 5. What s the problem? Activity 6. What s being done? The story gives an example of a pet rabbit named Harriot who is not having her needs met. This story gives an example of a dog living at a puppy factory who is not having her needs met. Through games and discussion, participants explore the needs of animals and the similarities to the needs of humans. Through games and discussion participants explore the needs of animals and the similarities to the needs of humans. Through games and discussion participants explore the needs of animals and the similarities to the needs of humans. Participants explore what the RSPCA is doing to help animals, focusing on animal needs ie. provision of food, water, shelter, exercise, companionship and vet care. SECTION 2 SPEAK OUT ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES Activity 7. What can I say? Participants explore key RSPCA messages. Activity 8. What do you think? Participants discuss what they think about animal welfare and taking action for animals. PAGE 3

9 SECTION 3 TAKE ACTION ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES Activity 9. Activity 10. What will you do? Participants explore ways in which they can help the RSPCA. Raise funds. Activity 11. Raise awareness. Activity 12. Feature projects. PAGE 4

10 Pre-Activity Preparation These notes are designed to support GGV s Leaders to run the Change Makers Prepare to Care project within their Unit. Further resources can be found on the Girl Guides Victoria website: 1. PREPARING FOR THE MEETING Use this document to familiarise yourself with this badge and with the Prepare to Care project. Chat with fellow Leaders about how you will run your Unit Meeting Plan as a part of this badge. If you have any questions regarding the activities please advocacy@guidesvic.org.au 2. USE A UNIT MEETING The best way to assist your Unit in earning this badge is to use the activities detailed in this document to form the plan for one Unit Meeting Program. In your Unit Meeting you endeavour to run activities which look at each of these six (6) areas: These activities will help introduce your girls to the topic, provide information about the issue, and the work being undertaken to help fix it. The activities will also help your girls form their own understanding of the issue and to practise speaking out about their concerns. Feel free to create your own activities which you believe fit under these six (6) important headings. 3. DECIDING HOW TO TAKE ACTION At the end of your meeting or at the following meeting set aside time to discuss the issue with your girls and begin thinking about what your Unit can do to take action on the issue. This is the time where you can: 1) suggest participation in the Feature Projects; 2) Suggest any other opportunities you have discovered; and 3) Ask your girls if they have any more ideas or have heard of other opportunities the Unit could take action on. All girls in the Unit do not have to take action in the same way. There are many different options available and participants should take action which is meaningful and interesting to them. 4. REGISTERING YOUR ACTION Once your girls have decided how to take action (Awareness Raise or Fundraise or Feature Projects) it is time to register your Unit action(s). Remember, you can update this information at any time as plans and actions change! 5. REGISTERING FOR THE FEATURE PROJECTS Some Feature Projects will require special applications. These will be clearly outlined in the Advocacy Hub of the GGV website. PAGE 5

11 6. UNIT FUNDRAISING PROJECTS If girls or Leaders from your Unit have decided to conduct their own fundraiser for the RSPCA (Victoria), please contact the RSPCA s Education Department for your Unit s Thank you Kit - they can also advise you how to donate your funds - see their contact details below. 7. THANK YOU KIT Contact the RSPCA (Victoria) Education Department for your Unit s Thank you Kit once the project has been completed. education@rspcavic.org.au or phone and remember to let them know them exactly what you did to help the RSPCA - they will be keeping a track of Girl Guides Victoria s assistance and at the end of each year they will be able to report back exactly how we have helped. 8. BUYING THE BADGE All girls who complete the activities have earned their Change Makers Prepare to Care badge. This badge can be purchased from the Guide Shop throughout the year. PAGE 6

12 Activity 1. What s the Story? Running Sheet ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES Activity 1. What s the story? The story gives an example of a pet rabbit named Harriot who is not having her needs met. SET UP RUNNING TIME SUPPLIES Nil 10 minutes The story THE STORY My name is Harriot. I m a pet rabbit. My owners bought me from the pet shop about a year ago. They were so excited to take me home. The children played with me all the time and let me hop around the yard after school. They gave me yummy grass and vegetables to eat and made sure my water bowl was always clean and full. It s different now. I live in this hutch all the time. No one wants to spend time with me anymore. My cage is dirty and my bed smells bad. I feel bored in here with nothing to do. HAVE A THINK What do all animals need to be happy and healthy? How can we ensure that our pets are provided with these needs? Are there any groups in Victoria/Australia who rescue and look after animals? PAGE 7

13 Activity 2. What s the Story? Running Sheet ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES Activity 2. What s the story? This story gives an example of a dog living at a puppy factory who is not having her needs met. SET UP RUNNING TIME SUPPLIES Nil 10 minutes The story THE STORY My name is Milly. I have lived in a Puppy Factory for most of my life. There are hundreds of other dogs in here just like me. We are kept and treated as breeding machines. Our only purpose is to produce puppies which are sold to make money. I live in a small cage with my puppies. It is smelly and dirty with nowhere warm or dry to sleep. It has been more than six years since I have been outside this box. I miss the feeling of grass under my paws and the breeze on my face. My body feels sore from giving birth so many times and my skin itches. I will be here for the rest of my life, but at least my pups will be leaving soon. Once they are old enough they will be sold to a pet shop or over the internet. HAVE A THINK Is it fair to treat animals like this? What do all animals need to be happy and healthy? Is Milly receiving any of these needs? How could we avoid supporting a Puppy Factory? More information can be found at PAGE 8

14 Activity 3. What s the Problem? Running Sheet ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES Activity 3. What s the problem? Through games and discussion, participants explore the needs of animals and the similarities to the needs of humans. SET UP Pet needs memory game: Download and print flash cards for food, water, shelter, exercise, friends and vet care, etc. (Running time: 15 mins). Pet care bag: Collect pet care items or use photos/images of these. Place them all in a bag or box. Place the pet needs flash cards in a row on the floor or table so that Guides can place matching pet care items (Running time: 15 mins). Pet needs song: Obtain a copy of the Pet Needs song and video from iggi and familiarise yourself with the lyrics and actions. Arrange the Guides so they are standing up in a circle to learn the song and the actions (Running time: 10 mins). Happy animals relay: Nil setup. Based on fruit salad relay game with needs instead of fruits (Running time: 5 mins). Teddy s Story: Locate before and after photos of Teddy the dog print or show on screen (Running time: 5 mins). RUNNING TIME 50 minutes (total) SUPPLIES Pet needs memory game: Flash cards with the words and pictures for: food, water, shelter, exercise, friends and vet care. Print and laminate. Pet care bag: Bag or box with pet care items such for a variety of pets, such as a lead, collar, name tag, pet bowls, water bottle, brush etc. and the pet needs flash cards from memory game. Ask girls for help to collect items such as pet items such as a bowl, a collar, a lead, a brush, dog shampoo, pet toys, etc. Pet needs song: Printed version of the song for all of the Guides. Video available on YouTube (link from iggi). Happy animals relay: Large space suitable for running. Teddy s Story: Teddy s before and after photos. PAGE 9

15 OUTLINE THE PROBLEM TO THE GUIDES Discuss pets with your Unit. Ask participants if they have/had a pet at home. Talk about what they think pets need to be happy and healthy. Write these down on a whiteboard or large piece of paper. Compare the needs of pets to the needs of people. Are they similar? PET NEEDS MEMORY GAME There are seven (7) flash cards. Select seven (7) participants and give each participant a flash card. Remaining participants should sit down as an audience. The seven (7) flash card holders should stand facing the group with their cards visible. Each person holding a flash card should read it to the group and explain what they think it means. They can also ask for suggestions from others as to the meaning of each need. Some extra questions may be: Do all animals need this? (ie. do sheep need shelter?) How would an animal feel if he/she didn t have this (ie. no food = hungry). and do people need this too? How do we feel when we don t have this? (ie. shelter = cold/hot) Once all needs have been discussed, read each card out as a group. Ask one card holder to place their card behind their back. The group now must read all of the cards out together and remember the card that has been hidden. Next, ask a different card holder to put her card behind her back. Now there are two cards that the group must remember. Continue this until all cards are hidden and participants must remember all of the needs of animals. PET NEEDS BAG / ITEMS Place pet needs flash cards on the floor in front of the group. Guides take turns to close their eyes and take an item from the pet care bag. As each item is revealed, the group must discuss the name and purpose of the item. The student must then decide which need this item corresponds with, eg. a leash would be matched with the exercise card. Ask the student to place their item on or near the appropriate flash card. PAGE 10

16 PET NEEDS SONG The lyrics are available on iggi. Teach the Pet Needs Song with actions. The video is available at Victoria RSPCA Education You Tube Channel. Sing the song together at least four (4) times. You can make suggestions like they sing it loud, sing it softly, sing it quickly or slowly to add interest. HAPPY ANIMALS RELAY This is a game about all of the things animals need. Designate a starting line and finishing line. Participants stand side by side on the starting line, facing the finishing line. Ask participants what are some of the things that animals need? Some important inclusions are food, water, shelter, exercise, toys, friends and vet care. Identify each participant with the name of a need ie: some participants will be food ; some will be water, etc. Participants must listen out for the name of their need. When it is called out, they must run to the finishing line and back again. When Happy Animals is called out, everyone must run. to the finish line and back again. TEDDY S STORY < Show image of Teddy the dog and ask what it is wrong with him and how he may be feeling? Explain that Teddy was hot, sore, itchy and couldn t see because of his overgrown fur. Many dogs need regular haircuts and grooming so this doesn t occur. Explain that members of the community saw Teddy and reported his condition to the RSPCA. The RSPCA inspector (just like an animal police person) went to visit Teddy s owners and it was agreed it would be best if Teddy came back to the RSPCA with the Inspector for treatment. Ask participants: What do you think the RSPCA did for Teddy? Answer: grooming (bath, hair wash and haircut along with vet care.) < Show the AFTER image of Teddy. Explain Teddy s story is just one example of the thousands of animals the RSPCA rescues each year. The RSPCA relies on the community to report animal cruelty and neglect. Teddy was rescued and given a new home through the RSPCA adoption service. PAGE 11

17 Activity 4. What s the Problem? Running Sheet ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES Activity 4. What s the problem? Through games and discussion participants explore the needs of animals and the similarities to the needs of humans. SET UP RUNNING TIME SUPPLIES View videos on RSPCA Vic You Tube channel (links on iggi) prior to the session RSPCA Animal Rescue Luci Pony RSPCA Victoria Shelters RSPCA Victoria Year in Review Prepare flash cards and familiarise yourself with the animal welfare issues in each (eg. what is the animal missing out on?). Prepare large sheet of paper and markers or whiteboard for brain storming. Prepare RSPCA videos for participants to watch. 30 minutes Computer with sound. Inspector activity flash cards (print and laminate or show on-screen.) Large piece of paper/whiteboard. Markers.. OUTLINE THE PROBLEM TO THE GUIDES Brainstorm: Ask participants if they have/had a pet at home. Talk about what pets need to be happy and healthy. Write these on a whiteboard or on a large piece of paper. Compare the needs of pets to the needs of people. Are they similar? Do farm animals and wildlife have similar needs to pets? Focus on food, water, shelter, companionship, exercise and vet care. Explain that unfortunately, there are many animals in our community which are not provided with their basic needs. Watch RSPCA videos. PAGE 12

18 INSPECTOR ACTIVITY RSPCA Inspectors work tirelessly to protect animals from cruelty. Last year, Victorian RSPCA inspectors investigated more than 15,000 reported cases of animal cruelty across the state. More information at: RSPCA Inspectors work to protect animals from cruelty and neglect by enforcing existing law. They are authorised to enforce the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (POCTAA) 1986 and parts of the Domestic Animals Act (DAA) 1994 in Victoria. They are the only non-government officers with the power to lay charges under POCTAA. The RSPCA would like to see changes to these and other laws to improve animal welfare outcomes. Ask participants if anyone has watched RSPCA Animal Rescue on television. Discuss the role of an RSPCA Inspector. Brainstorm with the group what they think an inspector does write suggestions onto a large paper or whiteboard. Ie: - Rescuing animals in danger - Educating owners about responsible pet ownership - Helping animals that are suffering - Prosecuting people who have demonstrated cruelty to animals WATCH RSPCA ANIMAL RESCUE VIDEO Ask participants if they want to add information to the brainstorm ideas after watching the video. Discuss how RSPCA Inspectors find out about animal cruelty (Answer: through members of the public reporting what they have seen). After discussion, arrange participants into small groups or pairs and give each group an Inspector flash card which depicts an animal which needed help. Participants must discuss and decide within their group, what is wrong in each situation and/or what the animal is missing out on. Share the results with the whole group. Ask participants, what they would do in each situation, if they were the inspector? What advice would they give to the owners of the animals in each case? Discuss with group the importance of notifying the RSPCA if they see any animals they are concerned about. Advise they obtain the help of an adult to make the phone call - ph: PAGE 13

19 Activity 5. What s the Problem? Running Sheet ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES Activity 5. What s the problem? Like humans, animals have needs and feelings. Unfortunately, not all animals have access to what they need to stay happy and healthy. Through games and discussion participants explore the needs of animals and the similarities to the needs of humans. Watch videos from RSPCA You Tube Channel (links on iggi) prior to the session. RSPCA Ambassadors RSPCA Shelters SET UP RSPCA Victoria Year in Review. Place Five Freedoms labels as headings horizontally across a pin board or blank wall. (If not possible, write the names of the freedoms on whiteboard/large paper and show images onscreen). Spread the pictures across a table or on the floor. RUNNING TIME 30 minutes Whiteboard/large paper and markers. Computer with sound. SUPPLIES Five Freedoms labels and photos printed and laminated. If this is not possible, show images on-screen. Blue tac for blank wall or pins and pin board. OUTLINE THE PROBLEM TO THE GUIDES Discuss with the group, the needs of animals. Brainstorm ideas about what animals need to be healthy and happy. Write these down on a whiteboard or large piece of paper. Watch RSPCA videos. Discuss participants thoughts and feelings after watching the video. Ask participants if they would like to add anything to their list of animal needs. PAGE 14

20 FIVE FREEDOMS ACTIVITY The RSPCA works tirelessly to ensure that thousands of animals are given the right to five basic freedoms. What are The Five Freedoms? Freedom from hunger and thirst; Freedom to express normal behaviour; Freedom from discomfort; Freedom from pain, injury and disease; and Freedom from fear and distress. Place all Five Freedoms headings horizontally across a pin board/whiteboard. (or write them up). Explain to participants that the RSPCA operates to ensure all animals are receiving their Five Freedoms. Read through each freedom and ask the students what they think each freedom means. Arrange participants into small groups or pairs. Ask each group to select a picture. They must discuss the image within their group and then decide which freedom the animal may be missing out on. For example, the picture of caged hens may correspond with Freedom to express normal behaviour or Freedom from discomfort. Often there is more than one appropriate answer. Ask each group to come to the front and place their picture under their chosen freedom and explain the image and the reason for their choice. You may invite other participants to give alternative suggestions. After the activity, ask participants if there are particular issues that have interested them during this activity. If so, direct them to the RSPCA website for more information about animal welfare campaigns such as factory farming. PAGE 15

21 Activity 6. What s being done? Running Sheet ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES Activity 6. What s being done? Participants explore what the RSPCA is doing to help animals including providing them with food, water, shelter, exercise, companionship and vet care. SET UP Familiarise yourself with the work of the RSPCA by visiting the RSPCA Vic website: Download videos from iggi prior to the session RUNNING TIME 20 minutes Computer with sound and internet access. Download various videos listed. Video RSPCA Victoria Shelters SUPPLIES Video Year in Review (14-17yrs). Video RSPCA Animal Rescue, Luci s Story Storybook - Let s Get a Pup said Kate by Bob Graham (5-9yrs). Writing materials and paper. Document RSPCA Actions for Animals BRAINSTORM After showing participants the videos, show them the RSPCA website For children 5-9yrs, read Let s Get a Pup, said Kate by Bob Graham. The story depicts a family who visit an animal shelter to adopt a dog. Browse the site together and look for: Animals for adoption Veterinary Clinic How to become involved Campaigns eg. puppy factories, battery hens Services eg. Inspectorate, education PAGE 16

22 If internet access in not possible, brainstorm with the group what they think the RSPCA is doing to help animals which are lost, injured, unwanted and neglected. Ask participants if they know of any other organisations like the RSPCA which are helping animals in Australia (Answer: Animals Australia, Oscar s Law, WSPA, Greenpeace, Cat Protection Society, etc.) PAGE 17

23 Activity 7. What can I say? Running Sheet ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES Activity 7. What can I say? Participants explore key RSPCA messages. SET UP RUNNING TIME SUPPLIES Nil. 10 minutes List of campaigns and key messages REMIND GUIDES OF THE PROBLEM Animals have similar needs to humans (food, water, shelter, exercise, friends, vet care). Many animals do not have these needs met and suffer as a result. The information given at the start of this pack explains the RSPCA is trying to help animals which are lost, injured, unwanted and neglected. GGV believes one of the best ways to help is by ADVOCATING. Advocacy is when you educate others about the problem; and speak out about animals having feelings and needs just like people. We need to do all we can to care for and protect animals. KEY RSPCA MESSAGES Discuss with participants, what they can say, based on the following key RSPCA messages. All animals have feelings. All animals deserve to be provided with Five Freedoms. All animals need food, water, shelter, exercise, friends/companionship and vet care. Pets are a lifetime commitment. If your family is ready for a pet, adopt one from an animal shelter instead of a pet shop (to avoid supporting puppy factories). Report animal cruelty or neglect to the RSPCA. The RSPCA promotes the desexing of pets to reduce numbers of feral and unwanted animals in the community. The community can help animals by making responsible and humane choices at the supermarket and butcher (ie. free-range meats and eggs). PAGE 18

24 Activity 8. What do you think? Running Sheet ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES Activity 8. What do you think? Participants explore key RSPCA messages. SET UP RUNNING TIME SUPPLIES Nil. 10 minutes Actions for Animals document (see iggi) SHARING CIRCLE Have participants sit in a circle and invite each girl to share her thoughts about the work of the RSPCA and caring for animals. Explain that you (the Leader) will explore what your Guide Unit can do to Take Action on this issue. Challenge each participant to come up with a list of people she will tell this week about how we can help animals by ensuring they are provided with their basic needs. PAGE 19

25 Activity 9. What will you do? Running Sheet ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES Activity 9. What will you do? Take Action! Participants explore ways in which they can help the RSPCA. SET UP RUNNING TIME SUPPLIES Download and make available to the group, copies of the RSPCA Junior Fundraising Kit. Access to the internet is helpful for students to do some more research. Take as much time as you need RSPCA Junior Fundraising Kit Junior_FundraisingKit_June2012.pdf Action for Animals resource More ideas at Computer with sound. Writing materials. Internet access (if you do not have access to the internet, ensure you have downloaded all supplies to your computers desktop prior to the meeting). PAGE 20

26 Activities 10, 11 & 12. What will you do? Running Sheets ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES Activity 10. Feature Projects Check out the Girl Guides Victoria website for our feature Animal Welfare project opportunities. Contact for assistance. Please advise Girl Guides Victoria of your Take Action activity once it is set. Activity 11. Raise Funds Now you are more aware of the As a Unit, explore the different groups you could fundraise for and vote to find a winner. Then it is up to you to plan, carry out and evaluate your fund raising activity. Contact advocacy@guidesvic.org.au for assistance. Please advise of your Take Action activity once it is set. Activity 12. Raise Awareness/ Advocate Now you are more aware of the issues facing animals and the work that is being done to help them, you might choose to raise awareness for the RSPCA. As a Unit, you may like to explore the different ways you could raise awareness and vote to decide which one you will choose. Once your choice has been made, it is up to your Unit to plan, carry out and evaluate the advocacy activity. For extra assistance please contact: advocacy@guidesvic.org.au Contact the RSPCA for your Unit s Thank you Kit upon completion of the project. education@rspcavic.org.au or phone PAGE 21

27 Frequently Asked Questions WHAT IS THE RSPCA? Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Today, the work of the RSPCA covers all eight Australian states and territories, helping sick and injured animals, finding new homes for animals and investigating complaints of animal cruelty and suffering. Although farm animals were the original focus; pets and wildlife now make up a great deal of the RSPCA s work. Another important role of the RSPCA is to educate owners about caring for animals, as well as encouraging the Australian government to make changes to laws which protect animals. WHAT ARE THE FIVE FREEDOMS? The RSPCA works tirelessly to ensure that thousands of animals are given the right to five basic freedoms: Freedom from hunger and thirst; Freedom to express normal behaviour; Freedom from discomfort; Freedom from pain, injury and disease; and Freedom from fear and distress. When working with young children, these freedoms are simplified to the needs of animals ie. food and water; friends; shelter; exercise; and vet care. HOW WILL YOUR DONATION HELP ANIMALS? Donations made to RSPCA Victoria will assist the operation of animal shelters, support the work of the inspectors, provide community education on animal welfare issues and help the RSPCA to bring about improvements in animal welfare laws. Most importantly donations help us look after the daily needs of the animals in our care. Donations of pet food, blankets, towels, toys and newspapers are used directly in our shelters and vet clinics to tend to the basic requirements of the animals. Monetary donations pay for a variety of important items and services for the animals such as additional pet food, vet care, behavioural training, maintenance of facilities and the purchase of new equipment. Without crucial support from the community, the RSPCA would not be able to continue our work for animals PAGE 22

28 EXTRA INFORMATION The Guides have asked to bring their pet to Guides, is there a safe way to manage this? Pet Parades and Pet Show and Tell can present some animal welfare issues. Bringing animals into an unfamiliar space with a group of people can be daunting for many pets. Some animals may become frightened of other animals and strange people, resulting in a confrontation, injury or undue stress. Rabbits or guinea pigs for example may not like being held and can wriggle, resulting in being dropped. Cats don t cope well outside of their familiar environment which may result in an escape. The RSPCA would not recommend this as an activity due to the potential risk and stress involved for the animals. However, you may wish to have Guides participate in a Pet Photo Show and Tell or display. The Guides would like to collect supplies for their local RSPCA shelter what are the items which are most needed? We welcome donations from members of the community. Items such as blankets (not doonas), towels, newspapers, pet toys and pet food are most useful at our shelters. Always check with your local shelter and ask them what they need, you may be surprised. The Guides would like to collect pet food for their local RSPCA shelter are there any specific types we should get or not get? Good quality canned and dry dog and cat food are best. Dog treats are useful also. How can I organise a visit to our local RSPCA shelter? Education sessions for Girl Guides are provided by the RSPCA Education Service based at the RSPCA head office in Burwood East. Contact us by visiting or call Informal visits and donation deliveries to RSPCA shelters will need to be arranged by contacting the individual shelter managers. Contact details for Victorian shelters can be found at Our Guides would like to speak out to the local paper about their views on animal welfare. Do we need to contact someone at the RSPCA before they do this and if so, who? Yes. Please contact Media Co ordinator on 03) PAGE 23

29 HELPFUL LINKS RSPCA Victoria RSPCA Australia Watch narrated RSPCA presentations about a variety of animal welfare topics. Online primary resources to assist with your sessions. A collection of books which promote empathy towards animals. RSPCA knowledge base. Pet Needs Song. ANIMAL WELFARE CAMPAIGNS Puppy Factories Factory Farming Layer Hens/Battery Hens Other Campaigns TAKE ACTION Get Involved. RSPCA Junior Fundraising Kit Action for Animals resource CONTACT Should you have any questions about this resource document or wish to enquire about an RSPCA excursion, please contact RSPCA (Victoria) Education Service E education@rspcavic.org.au T (03) PAGE 24