Supporting the vision of rescue

Today I was (re)reading a favorite business book - The Fifth Discipline by Peter Senge. In a section focusing on vision I came across something that brought rescue work to mind in a very strong way. According to Senge, there are 3 levels of commitment to a vision: 

1. Compliance - the person sees the benefit of the vision but only does as much as is expected of them in pursuing the vision
2. Enrollment - they want to see the vision come true and are willing to do whatever is possible within the existing structure
3. Commitment - the person wants to see the vision happen and will make it happen. Along the way he/ she will create whatever new structures and systems are needed to make the vision possible

The rescue world sees all 3 types of commitment as well. In fact, it is completely natural for any one person to go through all 3 levels as their knowledge and passion grow. Some people are compliant with the rescue vision. They don't abandon the pets they have; they support the general existence of shelters and rescue groups; and, if approached directly by someone they know, they likely will make a one-time donation to a specific animal or cause. 

Others have truly enrolled in the rescue movement. They speak up about rescue efforts, share rescue cases, are a regular donor to rescue groups. Such people will only adopt from a shelter and likely volunteer their time with a local group. 

And then there are the super passionate rescuers who think outside the box to make it possible to save lives in ways that didn't previously exist. They create organizations, change legislation, go without so an animal can be fed, spend months rehabilitating a horribly abused soul until he or she can trust again. 

To me, rescue work takes people at all levels of commitment. It is the epitome of a group effort where every single hand makes the collective burden lighter. If you are not ready to donate or volunteer, that is perfectly fine. Just speak positively of rescue work whenever the topic comes up. If you already volunteer and donate but don't have the time, skill, or patience to do rehab work for months, that's not a problem. In reality, most of don't have the time and skill it takes. What you are doing is already saving lives, just keep at it! And if you are among the amazing group that takes rescue to a whole new level, we LOVE you! Don't burn yourself out, speak up and let us know how we can help!