Check, Check & Check!

Hello everyone! :)
D.O.G.S is continuing to work hard on checking off its 'to do list'!  Another exciting announcement: we have a new Board member who we know will be a great addition to our team-welcome!  We are still actively recruiting new members.  If you are interested in helping with an organization from the ground up, love animals, have passion and want to help, we would love to hear from you.  It will only takes as little or as much time as you are willing to give!  Thanks!

D.O.G.S finally has a website www.dogsofagoodsociety.org  It is currently under construction, but check back with us.

Some tasks we've worked on and completed these past couple of weeks: (Note: FYIs hope it can be helpful to you!)

• Opened a business account-(able to open after incorporation)  There are many options out there as far as banks go.  We suggest you look for no fees, no minimum balances, and no transfers.  This makes it easier for a start up non profit regarding budgeting.  After/during budgeting process, it may be a good idea to look into investment accounts and ways to invest your funding.  Money is important to do the work we want to do, but it's not everything.  The right combination of heart/brains/money they say and you got it!
• Private Benefit Celebration all planned out, organized and ready to go next month! 
• Obtained a domain-www.dogsofagoodsociety.org (we have a site active on google sites.  You can transfer all your work from google sites (free) to the domain (not free)-There are many domain companies out there, doing some research will help.
• Logo-we have a logo!  Thanks again to http://simplyvonne.blogspot.com/  for all of her efforts on making our ideas come to life and better!(It's important to distinguish yourselves with a logo)
• By-laws (final draft stage), Strategic plan (draft 2), and IRS 1023 forms reviewed. (This will take a lot of your time/efforts, may be a good idea to have legal help)  Local agencies in your area may offer this service for a low fee or free.
• Forms created for various organizational needs: volunteer, board, vendor, media release,  etc 

There is much to work on, but we are getting there!  Just stay focused, prioritize and remember the mission and purpose of what you are working towards when things seem overwhelming.  It shouldn't feel like 'work'  I think it's safe to say most of you who are in the animal non profit world do it because you love animals, care deeply for them and want to do something more.  Thanks to you all, we look forward to working with you!  And to those not in the world and just plain love animals we appreciate you too!  Until next time!

Woof!

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Bye Bye Green Grass-Hello Snow!

Hi Everyone!
Ah summer and fall are long gone and snow and winter are ahead of us!  I am going to miss playing ball with these cuties in the green grass!  That's OK though looking forward to the winter, it's my favorite season!  With the dead of winter coming, a lot of Boards, groups, organizations that I know of and am a part of tend to take a 'winter/holiday break''.  However, not D.O.G.S we are still moving forward-for we have countless things to accomplish, among our personal life responsibilities and just life itself!  So I thank D.O.G.S's dedicated Board members who have worked extremely hard over the past few weeks and are continuing their efforts well into the holiday season.  We salute you!  Woof Woof says Jasmine and Leche! :)  We have had a Special Board meeting in between our monthly meetings to discuss our next big project besides the non profit paper work-our first benefit party!  This one is a private benefit celebration to celebrate our incorporation with our close friends and family!  Thanks for all your support!

Until next time animal lovers, supporters, fans and alike; keep on doing what you do-Hope. Inspire. Learn. Advocate.

Woof!

MF

"The average dog is a nicer person than the average person"
-Andrew A. Rooney

It's Official!!!

D.O.G.S is official from the Secretary of State!  We are incorporated!  This is very exciting news for D.O.G.S and we couldn't have done it without the help of Marcy, (non profit lawyer/mentor) and the D.O.G.S team and supporters!  Thanks to everyone; we are truly grateful! I was checking the mail every day faithfully for 3 weeks!  Turns out that the incorporation paper work was sent to the wrong address!  I was so happy when I found out we are good to go.
 Now on to the Attorney General's office, one step that was "missed".  Once we are recognized and registered here, we can start soliciting for funds (donations).  We are eager to get started on pending projects in order to provide resources for rescues.  Please help us spread the word, because when we are "ready", we want to be able to connect with the rescues that would need D.O.G.S help the most!

FYI...."Official" Steps so far in recommended order:

• Forming a mission and vision
• Forming a Board
• Drafting by laws, strategic plan, articles of incorporations, program planning
• Forming a to do list w/ a timeline, a very brief shorter version of plan
• forming databases (volunteers, contacts, resources)
• Applying to the Secretary of State for incorporation (1-2 week wait)
• Registration with the Attorney General (SOS application first) (1-2 week wait)
• Working on IRS non profit status (packet form and perhaps most costly of all forms) NOTE: You may receive a lower fee depending on what the non profit is and what it qualifies under.

Stay tuned....

Woof!

The Waiting Game

Greetings Everyone! :)

Just a quick update!  D.O.G.S is playing the waiting game.  We are still waiting on the Secretary of State for the approval of the incorporation.  *fingers crossed* I have been checking the mail every day like I was back in grade school waiting on a special package from someone! It's nerve wracking. I just try to remember what someone once told me "Good things come to those who wait"  Like my doggies!

 

check out http://www.sos.state.mn.us/

for good resources on how to start your own non profit business.   Click on Business/non profit tab and there will be info on 'how to', forms, resources and contacts.  You will also need to go to this web page eventually if you want to apply for a non profit status, so it is good to familiarize yourself with it.  Just be patient it will always take longer then you anticipated, so don't get discouraged.  In the meantime you can work on other things on your long list!  Currently D.O.G.S is busy working on:

• Board member recruitment
• logo
• website
• business cards
• volunteer database
• holding our first official meeting: Wed. Nov 7th (if you are interested please contact me and we would be happy to have you sit in.  We are always welcoming any feed back, suggestions, or just another friendly face!

One friendly word of advice-it is easy to want to work on everything and anything, however remember to prioritize in order to be efficient.  Our logic behind tackling social media and PR is that we need to spread the word about us, to gain support, and to let others know that we are here to HELP!  Simple as that right?  Then a volunteer database is helpful to assist with all these social media, PR, recruiting ideas, etc.  Till next time, hope I have good news to share with you all in the next post! :)

All the best,

Woof!

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” 

-Josh Billings

So treat him with what they deserve, unconditional love.

More to Come!

Greetings everyone!

It's been awhile, my apologies!  It's been busy working on paper work, networking, organizing thoughts/ideas, and trying to form a Board.  Well-we have it!  A full Board of Directors! :) Exciting news,however D.O.G.S is still recruiting for Board Members at Large, so if you are interested in making a difference, up for a challenge and working together, contact me!  As D.O.G.S waits to hear back from the Secretary of State for approval we are recruiting, networking and working on a long list of things!  Keep in mind when starting out, so much is happening at once:

• filing forms/fees
• program planning
• resource development
• networking
• forming a Board
• social media
• brainstorming ideas for fundraising, agency forms, volunteer database, logos, website, business cards, stock letters, donations, etc
• self care

list goes on and on...but just remember it's doable!  YOU CAN DO IT, if you want to, strive to, you CAN make it happen.  Don't give up! Set realistic goals and you WILL achieve it, believe me :)

You may feel like this...

so remember this. :)

Until next time!

Woof!

1 is a lonely number, 2 is better, & 3 is score!

Hello all!
"1" is such a lonely number, especially when you don't want to be ALONE!  It's scary, discouraging, lonely, sad, and frustrating when there is no one that you have connected with or reached out to that seems to have 110% faith or support in you.  This has been my experience for over 4 years now.  True, I have great friends, family, and community people,that I do connect with on other levels, that are just as important, however not very many, if any 'like minded' people for me to connect with about D.O.G.S, what it stands for, what it could be, what I strive for.  People who have this deep passion and drive to want to DO SOMETHING with me.  I have ran into too many people who don't take me seriously, doubting and invalidating this endeavor.  For a lack of a better word it SUCKS.  I had to try to break through a lot of doubt, still am, but at least now I can say I am no longer ALONE completely.  I have my 3, D.O.G.S has its 3!  What can I say I am a pretty happy camper right now!  D.O.G.S has its Board minimum-3!  Thanks to my dear husband with a great background in business and my sweet friend with passion, heart, and brains for the love of animals, and myself we have reached our Board minimum-for now.  As D.O.G.S grows I will not be able to 'officially' sit on the Board, but we will cross that bridge when it comes.  For now things are moving right along.  As the incorporation is waiting to be finalized and we have a Board to start on a strategic plan, resource development and program planning together, it's not so lonely.  Tip: the 3 mentioned above one could do on their own, in fact you should probably have an idea and draft in mind, however engaging the Board is the best way to go.  The Board is what will drive and control the organization, so choose wisely and choose carefully.  I know so far I have :)

Anyone interested please don't hesitate to contact me.  You don't have to love furry creatures, non profits or even have a pet, you just have to want to succeed and carry out a mission.  Is that YOU?  

Always share, so they say....

Hi everyone!  It's been awhile.  Busy trying to recruit Board members and learning in general about this great non profit process.  It's been mostly frustrating the past few weeks; with no responses from people, people doubting what I am doing, questioning my ability, and the worst not wanting to help/share their experiences with me.  I look at it as we are all in it together to help one another as much possible.  I am open to sharing and helping others, wish people felt the same way.  Don't get me wrong there are people out there who are willing to share, but it surprises me how many people are not willing to share.  Well folks, I AM willing to share, in fact I am going to share as much as I can so whoever wants to try this crazy, fantastic idea of building a non profit can try and relate to this blog.  It doesn't have to be animal related, it's all non profits! :)

Some things to keep in mind (or back of your mind if you are getting started)not necessary in this order.  Steps you can start doing right away, there are no timelines for these.  Some may seem obvious, but never assume!  I learned some of these along the way, now you got a heads up! Most of these are FREE too!!

1) NETWORK, NETWORK! One of the best advice I have received, even though it's obvious.  Talk to other people besides yourself! :)
2) Have your paper work in order first and foremost
3) Work with the Board members
4) Check for name duplication
5) Get a EIN (employment identification number) number from the IRS
6)Start a Blog, a website, business cards, join all social media networks: FB, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc
7)get ideas and start writing the by laws, articles of incorporation, strategic plan lots of sites out there to help. Refer to previous blogs for references.
8)Connect with a mentor
9)Volunteer
10)Organize your thoughts way beforehand and then do it again, and again!
11)  Set realistic goals for yourself and IDEAL goals, what would you be OK with?
12) Do your research before, during and after
13) Understand it WILL take awhile for it all to happen
14) Save and budget for capital start up and in general (i.e. the paper work submitting process is not free)
15) Be open minded to change/edit your mission/purpose as the idea evolves-example in previous blogs, it already happened to me!
16) We'll start there, more to come, stay tuned...:)

Don't get worn down or out!  Find a support system, come visit my blog, remember WHY you are doing it and strive on!  

"Every artist was first an amateur"

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Run It! Run It! Woo Woo

Hi All!
I had my meeting today with my mentor, long awaited!  I am discouraged and encouraged more then ever!  I told her one of my feelings were that I am scared.  She stated " you SHOULD be scared, this isn't easy".  I know it's hard work, but with the new information I received today I feel...a little bummed.  She told me, which I should have figured out for myself; the non profit world is just as cut throat and territorial as the for profit world.  She encouraged me to keep thinking in a business frame of mind more then anything.  It is frustrating because I sincerely just want to help and people won't share with me or even respond to me on their steps, experiences and expertise.  I have reached out to a few people and that has been my experience.  I know we are probably all going after the same 'pot of money' resources, and demographic, but in the end we are in a similar mission!  I don't care I AM going to share my steps and everything along the way.  Enough of me venting.  I gave my mentor my drafts and she is going to tweek them and get them ready for applying for an incorporation.  Which is about $100 or so with the state.  It is recommended that you work with an attorney on this.  This is one of the first steps of money to the non profit status road.  YES! :) Applying for this first then a 5013 C.  Why a 5013 C you ask? Well you can get tax exempt, apply for grants, donations can be tax exempt.  Just remember if you solicit funds in any other state you must file within that state as well-cross commerce.


My mentor really encouraged me to 'talk to other people besides yourself, MyLy' It was quite funny and true at the same time.  I don't know very many people personally with a passion for animal rescues like me.  I need to expand my search and find these people!!! Are you one of them?! I need to have people on D.O.G.S team that can run a business, they don't necessary have to be absolutely passionate about the animal rescue world, but passionate about succeeding, about following through on the mission statement and doing what's best for D.O.G.S.  I need those types of people on D.O.G.S board.  I learn more and more every day and lots from my mentor then I could in any book.  My next step is to recruit for more board members.  It has been in the back of my mind and unfortunately I have not been concentrating on it enough.  I could either make a strategic plan, bylaws, resource development and program planning before I recruit a board or engage the board and do these with them.  Either way be prepared.  Be prepared to have your vision and plans scrutinized and possibly fired from your own creation.  Lots to learn hope this can help, inform, interest you in some way.  In between the incorporation and recruiting.  I have to check on D.O.G.S name to make sure no one is using it.  To do this you can go to the Secretary of State.  If you want to be national that's a different story.  For now I am going to keep it local.  I should also be applying for an EIN (employment identificaion number) with the IRS.  Simple you can do it online or call them, google it.  Below is a video that is pretty informational about starting a non profit that is just as beneficial as reading almost any book.  It's quick and to the point.

Till next time friends!

woof.

What you may not find in the books....

Hi All,

Hope you all had a great holiday weekend with your furry friends.  This is what we did over the holiday weekend with our babies, lots of walking :)  They always have to be side by side or else they tend to be 'crazy' walkers.  For those who have 'peas in a pod' doggies you know what I mean.  Jasmine and Leche are inseparable.

I just wanted to check in with all of you regarding D.O.G.S  It is well on it's way just so much to think about and do, which is a given, however still can be discouraging, frustrating, exciting, scary, nerve wracking, all in one.  Over the weekend I was able to go over some more details of what exactly may be needed for D.O.G.S from forms, application forms, to job descriptions and duties, to public relations, to what other locations could I expand the gumball machines to be located, what are my current capital funds, all this for starters.  The list goes on and on.  Sure the books tell you the main points but leave out lots of details that one would have to pick up along the way, talk to others, research about, or just plain brainstorm about.  It can be overwhelming.  I started a check list awhile back and it has been growing constantly of what needs to be done.  Slowly however surely I am working my way down the list as well *whew*.  All these ideas, questions all in my mind at once since day one, but now it seems so REAL and daunting at the same time.  Because now I am ACTUALLY doing it and it gets more and more exciting and more and more scary.   My mind is all over, it's like nascar or the lottery bowl in my head.  I am realistic, but boy am I also a dreamer.  I know I can make $25 for D.O.G.S to the possibility of $25,000 one day.   I am ready for either, I will be ready for either.   There is no end to my hope.  One thing has changed is my purpose.  My mission is to be a resource for rescues and I would like to cultivate that into whatever that may be, whether a rescue or whatever.  The possibilities are endless.  The impact of supplies, financial aide, policy changes, advocacy and creating awareness, D.O.G.S. can be involved in so much.  In the end I want to be a resource for rescues period.

Gumballs, Candy, Oh my! Plan B!

I tried to get images of gumballs and candy here, but it didn't work, oh well *sigh*  New and green to the blog world I suppose.  I suppose most of my efforts are elsewhere?  Their with these guys....my inspirations!

he he :) maybe.  So as I am anticipating for my meeting, I have been tweeking my by laws and incorporations to hopefully sound, look, feel as intellectually legal as can be, all the while staying true to the mission and purpose of D.O.G.S  I say to my mentor " I have my paper work together for the IRS"  She says let's get your 'business' paper work together first OK?  OK...perhaps too eagar.  I know that this may take awhile so I am prepared for time and being denied 'non profit' status after the long wait of 6mos to a year.  In the works are business cards and a website all thanks to google of course and a great friend! :)  Just in case things go a different direction I am still prepared, because I AM going to help rescues, I AM going to do what I set forth to do!  It's going to happen come rain or shine, mostly shine because my heart and passion is in it.  The gumballs and candy well just in case I have worked up a plan B too, just in case no business, person, or whatever else doesn't want to support a gumball machine where all profits go to D.O.G.S  Who knows not all will be on board...it's OK though because where there is a will there is a way.  From benefit parties, donation request, to my own expenses it's going to happen D.O.G.S is going to fulfill its mission somehow!  Stay tuned for plan B to be revealed...Until next time dog world, keep listening, keep trying and keep your heart smiling.

Woof! Best,

...In the meantime...

Hi everyone! :)

Hope all is well in this dog world! :)  In the meantime while I am waiting to meet with my mentor/non-profit attorney in a couple of weeks to go over all the IRS paper work, I have been doing some more research!  Just to back it up a little...this non profit idea has been in my mind for about 4-5 years, but never was able to bring it anywhere near fruition besides daydreaming about it and whimsically talking about it :) However NOW I AM doing something about it, no matter how little the steps.  LIL' STEPS = BIG EFFORTS! :) he he.

Anyways, I figure I would call on my awesome designer friend www.simplyyvonne.blogspot.com to help me design some business cards and help me with a website.  Got to love Google because all is free and user friendly, hence this blog as well!  Thank you!  If my first crack at the IRS doesn't land me a "non profit 501c 3 status", it is OK I still am going to do this and keep trying to get the status, so I figure I probably need a website and cards way before it all starts right?  I don't know just a thought. I always say I rather try then not, mistakes are meant to be made as long as you learn from them! I have a card design in mind, but I am not tech savvy enough to show you here...:(  maybe soon I can!  If you all know how, help!  I have the image on my phone...
Until there here is Jasmine posing for the cameras. 

Nope not working....

Take 1!

Hi everyone!! My apologies on the delayed blogs, my one and only excuse-life!

I am finally done with the final drafts for Dogs of a Good Society's Article of Incorporations, Bylaws, and Mission statement.  I think I must of went through several drafts of each and feel pretty good about this last one, well not last, because I am sure my mentor/non profit attonery is going to make several corrections.... The joys of it all...but it is worth it.  And this part is somewhat fun, because it is a different challenge for me.  Who knew I could write in this fashion!  It's been a learning experience and best of all there are several helpful resources out there like http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=123028,00.html  sample of articles of incorporation for non profit


For you veterans out there who already have all this done and are established I would love to hear your input on this phase of the process.  Right now for me I kind of feel like an island hoping someone will come travel my way  to say 'hi!' or even to find me! :)  Every day I go to my new job and say to myself "I did the right thing to quit my career to be able to work on D.O.G.S, focus on the big picture" and every day it gets easier.  It's been an adjustment period, though I am grateful for my new position which is less emotionally intensive, however is a complete 180 from what I have been doing for years (social services)!  All things come with time they say.  Luckily I have learned to be oh so patient over the years with my professional life :)  Here goes it!  Meeting with mentor scheduled.  Until then...Board of Directors assertive recruitment must start.  

Until next time everyone, have a fantastic time! :)  Thanks for following, spread the word, would love to hear from you!

Sincerely,

Love animals! 

What's in a law? A by law.

Hi everyone! Hope you all are spreading the word! I have not kept up with blogging as much as I have hoped, however trying really hard. I would love to hear your input and connect with you. You know what they say the more you speak and seek, the louder the voice! What is in a by law? Well lots of legal details that I do not understand much about. Its a lot of legal jargon and concepts that I am still pretty green about. Although I have started on working on it I feel a bit lost....I have had the opportunity to hammer it out at work and some at home. Between trying to complete a first draft to family, volunteer commitments and work I feel somewhat overwhelmed...I think only because I place too much pressure on myself then I should (guilty) of this all the time :( I can't finish something in one night, but would like to....I have been a part of the beginning phases of another non profit about three years ago that took over a year to create by laws, granted it was not heavily focused on by the board. Why so much angst towards my own? I don't know....well would like to reach my internal deadline with this, if not we will just have to see....thanks all for your support! Till next time!

Take 2 or 3 or 4 or more!

Hello fellow blogger peers and interested parties!

I apologize it has been awhile...I have been so busy with having family over to visit, I have not had time to blog!  Also getting settled with my new job has also taking some time away from blogging.  I did however have the time to work on D.O.G.S mission statement some more and have came up with a few to submit *fingers crossed*.  Trying to work from the end result to the beginning has been a bit challenging for me.  Starting with assisting rescues to turning that into a rescue has got my mission statement all over the board.  I think I got it now though!  I just had to stay focus that whichever way I write it up, the end results is still the end result that I am shooting for.  Focusing was somewhat challenging these past couple of months from resigning from my position to taking on a different position.  My mind has been through somewhat a mental and emotional roller coaster.  I am better focused now and can place the energy more on D.O.G.S.  Next step By-laws...with some experience in this area ( I assisted with by-law writing with another non profit).  I hope this will be more go more smoothly due to the nature of the writing.  More to come!  Thank you everyone! :)

In honor of just starting out on D.O.G.S...here are some puppy pictures of my joys as pups.  

Mission Possible...

Hi Everyone!
After reading several books, researching, and networking I finally have my steps down (I think). First off what is my purpose and mission. Right now I am having challenges in completing my mission statement. I have had several drafts of mission statements over the years (Side note: this has been 5 years in the making  for an opportunity allow me to get to this point).  However after meeting with a non profit attorney, whom I have had the opportunity to intern with a few years back; has given me some guidance and suggestions. It turns out my mission statement(s) may not work for the 501C 3 status I am aiming for.
I guess I should start from the beginning. My goal is to be able to operate a non profit animal rescue down the line that aides in the rescue of high kill shelters, pounds, etc. Currently I am working on building a non profit that will benefit animal rescues, by way of resources and eventually build into an animal rescue. In a nutshell the idea is to have vending machines to collect resources for animal rescues.  This idea also allows me time for other things in life; family, work, and time to obtain space, resources and efforts to build a rescue shelter.  However the idea becomes too much like a foundation (more stringent paper work and more difficult to get started from what I have researched).  In order to steer away from a foundation I have to coordinate a service with it. I have brainstormed buying resources with the funds (no go)and offering the funds to go to a direct service. However with research and guidance this will not work either.   My brainstorms continue with several other ideas, but I want to stay on the track of what my ultimate goal is-a rescue down the line. Brainstorms to be continued... 

On another note, IF I had to choose a favorite breed, it would be the Pit bull due to such great misunderstandings and misconceptions they endure. All in all they are just sweet babies!!!! :) Here are two of my babies, Leche and Jasmine awwww....but I LOVE ALL dogs!   :)

Beginning with PASSION

Hi Everyone! 
This is my first blog ever!  I am greener then green about blogging.  I am not very creative nor tech savvy, however I wanted to start blogging to network, learn more and most of all share with people on what I love so much- DOGS.  And helping wherever and whatever I can for dogs and  the society that they live in.  

 I have had this long term goal (5 years counting), plan if you will, of building a non profit that benefits animal rescues and I would like to share these steps, experiences, ups and downs, and all the moments in between about my journey to chase these dreams and goals into reality.  I have made major changes in my life to get to this point.  I recently had the opportunity and made the decision to go further with this goal.  It's now, not later anymore!  I resigned from my FT career as a social worker to pursue this other side of non profits, the side where you start from the ground up and may be unsure of the journey, however can be sure of the destination.  The destination that will be that I tried my very best to accomplish this goal and hope that in the end I do.   I hope you  all will follow me in this journey!  I look forward to talking with you, learning from you and most of all spreading the word out there that dogs ARE great, beautiful, loving, trusting, innocent creatures who deserve our voices to help them be heard and our love to help them live.  Thank you!  Here goes..... :)