RESOURCES TO GET STARTED
Use these resources to establish your own group or RWA committee and agree on a strategy and activity plan
CREATE AN INFORMAL WHATSAPP GROUP
As a first step, create an informal WhatsApp group with a few feeders/caretakers. Agree to post only about issues related to the stray dogs residing in your colony. Agree on a balanced approach, addressing both human as well as dog sides. It is desired to invite one elected representative of your RWA on this group as an observer. Your first activity should be to created records of your community dogs. Post photos and details on the WhatsApp group. The Stray Buddy website administrator will create your online records. You may contact info@straybuddy.in for support.
FORMALISE YOUR ANIMAL WELFARE COMMITTEE
Once your RWA has become aware that you are not an animal activist group but that your activities are benefitting the welfare of all residents, you could request them to formalise your group as a sub-committee of the RWA. You could nominate members using a consent form. Request your RWA to send out a circular to inform all residents about the mandate and members of the committee. A sample consent form and RWA circular are provided here as inspiration.
Agree on 5-STEP strategy & pRIORITIES
Discuss Stray Buddy’s step-wise approach with your group or committee and decide which step has the highest priority in your colony, based on your data collection for the dog records. You may download and customise Stray Buddy’s sample strategy. Ensure that the link to your online dog records is shared with all residents so they can familiarise themselves with the dogs residing in your area. Present your 5-step plan in the Annual General Body meeting of your RWA.
CREATE A KITTY FOR DONATIONS & EXPENSES
Be transparent about the cost of managing your stray buddies: food, vaccinations, medical expenses, winter coats etc. Some members of your group or other residents may want to give donations. Some RWAs make a (small) amount available from the RWA fees, e.g. towards vaccination costs. Ask one of your group members to keep a track record of donations received and expenses paid. You can download a sample kitty template below, in which the balance is automatically calculated. Share it your with your RWA representative and make sure that the total amounts are recorded in the minutes of the Annual General Body meeting of your RWA.