How AAI got its start (Part 3): One blind kitten, one informative vet, and a SWOT analysis

Make sure to check out parts one and two of this series of posts before proceeding to the final installment below if you want to learn the complete story of Charlie and the start of AAI.

So back in the States we were, Charlie, me, and my Mom. Yes, my Mom and I were traveling together. An absolute animal advocate herself, she helped me move some of the minor mountains (and be wise enough to take some cash with us in case the Bulgarian airport mountain required a small bribe) to get Charlie home. Being the lover that he is, in the little time that we had spent together Charlie managed to purr his way into my Mom's heart. He had not only hitched a ride with us, he had found a home with my Mom! (Charlie is a very happy boy and you will be reading more about him in future posts).

With Charlie adopted into a fabulous home, I could now focus on the ideas my trip had sparked. Rescue groups in Bulgaria?!?! This is fabulous! This means there is finally hope for change in that part of the world! Ok, so I really wish I could load up a few planefuls of kitties and puppies and take them home with me like I did with Charlie. Needless to say, that is not feasible. That means I need an alternative plan. So the business geek in me broke out the dry erase board (I have 3, don't ask...) and started up a SWOT analysis (SWOT = Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats). Because brainstorming solutions is more fun when there are colored markers and acronyms involved!

One thing I know for sure: now that I realize there is hope for rescue in other parts of the world, I can no longer be content with only volunteering locally. I have to reach further, I have to aim higher. I can't ship animals. That's too expensive and,well, impossible. I don't want to try and somehow start up and run an organization abroad - that is a logistical nightmare and too risky in corrupt areas of the world. What I can do is help organizations operating abroad! Enter, SWOT analysis!

The strengths of foreign organizations: they know and can navigate the local political and regulatory climate; they have (wish it could be bigger) network of foster homes willing to help animals in need; they are largely made up of people who embrace social media and are willing to communicate asynchronously and in concise bursts in order to share maximum information. Weaknesses: small organizations with minimal global exposure; some language barriers; located in time zones opposite to those in which a large group of potential donors live; local donors may be willing but are themselves poor and can only help minimally. Opportunities: cost of vet care and pet care supplies is very low compared to the West. A relatively small amount in US dollars makes a significant difference. Threats: the sheer extent of the need, it's a deep, overwhelming ocean; local culture - there isn't a tradition of animal welfare advocacy, government institutions often hinder the work rather than help it, and people are largely uneducated about spay and neuter.

A few circles, stars, and highlights later, the idea for AAI was born: partner with local nonprofits in countries with high levels of animal homelessness and minimal animal welfare infrastructure. Specialize in the part that is hardest to do for those groups yet very doable for a US-based 501(c)3: raising funds for vet care of injured pups and kitties as they start their rescue journey! And by raising US dollars and paying foreign bills, we'd be getting the best of both worlds! Thanks to the AAI supporters, this model has turned out to be more successful than I ever dreamed possible!