PAC: Not a 4-Letter Word!

Colleen Patrick-Goudreau Blog alameda, alameda county, animal, animals, berkeley, definition, fundraising, oakland, pac, pack, pacs, political action committee, politics 0 Comments

Although Political Action Committees (PACs) are a powerful tool to give animals a voice in the political arena (which directly impact their lives), they’re underused by animal advocates — some of which has to do with a misunderstanding about what PACs are and why they’re so important.

In short — and as it relates to us — a Political Action Committee (PAC) is a type of organization that raises money from individuals to support or oppose a campaign, candidate, ballot initiative, or legislation. PACs can also spend the contributions on advertising or other political efforts meant to support or oppose political candidates.

We all know that in politics, money is power – so to increase our power for the animals, we have formed the East Bay Animal PAC!

Our mission is to support animal-friendly candidates; to promote and propose animal-friendly legislation; and to educate candidates, board and commission members and other relevant public officials about issues related to animal protection.

Opponents of animal-friendly legislation financially support their candidates, and for every animal-unfriendly voice candidates hear means a missed opportunity for those who speak on behalf of animals. Compassionate people who care about animals must show that we can support our leaders who will fight for humane legislation.

The animals are counting on us to be the constant voice in the ears of legislators, city officials, and basically anyone with power in local governments.

• This means that East Bay Animal PAC members should be present at as many political events as possible – and that costs money.
• This means that we will be identifying animal-friendly candidates to support in local elections — and that costs money.
• This means that we may need to oppose animal-unfriendly candidates — and that costs money.

So we turn to you to help us be a voice for animals in the cities we live in and love so much.  Join us today!  And help us leverage the power we have as humans with a voice to help those who have no power and no voice: the animals.