FAQ
Q: What is GVAW?
A: GVAW is the acronym for Georgia Voters for Animal Welfare, a grassroots network of Georgia advocates for animals.
A: Taking the lead from Virginia Voters for Animal Welfare (VVAW), founded in 2003 by Lillian Clancy and Don Marro, Dr. Hannah Tostensen of Darien, GA, and Chamblee Abernethy of Decatur, GA, began in 2008 to coalesce a group of like-minded Georgians who felt an urgency to help Georgia’s homeless animals.mails.
A: GVAW’s purpose is to support laws and lawmakers working for a safer, healthier and more humane Georgia.
A: The only requirement for membership is a commitment to use one’s voice and one’s vote to effect positive change for the voiceless in Georgia. Click here to join.
A: No. Currently GVAW’s organizational structure is informal –no governing board, bylaws, or funding source – and no fees whatsoever are required for participation.
A: It would be helpful if GVAW had funds to more effectively raise public awareness of legislation that will benefit animals. At the present time, we do not have 501(c)3 non-profit status, nor are we an official Political Action Group (PAC), so donations would not be tax exempt. Contact us.
Q: What as a lone citizen can I do about the animals I see every day in my community abandoned, neglected and abused, especially dogs chained to trees with no shelter and often no food and/or water?
A: You can – and must – speak up for the animals! Make your voice heard to both your local and your state officials, but remember the 3 P’s – be Polite, Persuasive and Persistent.
Attend your local city and county meetings and/or schedule appointments to speak with them one-on-one. Write to your State Senator and House Representative in the Georgia General Assembly and tell them exactly what you'd like to see changed for Georgia's abused and abandoned pets.
Government officials have the power to change laws, but they are elected to represent the interests of their constituents. That puts the real power in the hands of constituents –YOU, a registered voter with the power to remove him or her from office!
Q: I don’t know who my elected officials are -- how can I find out?
A: To find your State Senator and House Representative, go to:
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/dbq/officials/?lvl=L Input your zip code and click on 'State' elected officials. Then, input your full address. Under Sonny Perdue's name, you’ll see the names of your Senator and House Representative. To locate detailed information about them, go to: http://www.legis.state.ga.us/
To find your local elected officials (county commissioners, city council members, sheriff, animal control personnel, etc.), "Google" your county or city and go to its official home page (most have one). If commissioners or city council members are not visible on the home page, click on the "government” tab.