Charity Works: Para Los Animales Council, When Passion Takes Wing

By Danita Brisson

San Miguel is blessed with several animal welfare charities, offering rescue, foster and adoption, spay and neuter services, and emergency medical care. Some are well-established with kennel compounds or mobile clinics staffed by an army of trained volunteers. Others are modest home-based initiatives operating on shoestring budgets with the heartfelt commitment of a few friends. As of July 29^th, these groups have their own champion, in the form of Para Los Animales Council.

“Our mission is to raise awareness of the challenges facing our voiceless companions and to  support the tireless advocates working on their behalf,” says Sudhir Amembal, the driving force behind the new umbrella organization. If his name seems familiar that’s likely because of his role as cofounder of Amigos de Animales SMA more than two decades ago.

One of Sudhir’s favorite quotes declares: “Passion is the diffe-rence between flapping your wings and flying.” His passion for animal welfare has kept him flying for over fifty years. “My first foray was in 1974. I walked into the Humane Society of Utah and said, “How can I help?”  The Executive Director told him to clean out the kennels. Sudhir replied: “Sure. Which days of the week to do you want me to come?” That altruistic attitude impressed the staff and the Board. Says Sudhir: “In six months I was Treasurer and in twelve months I was President. The point being, if you roll up your sleeves and do what you should or can, then people really trust you.”     

Developing that trust is critical for a nonprofit’s success. Proving their worth can be challenging for the small groups with modest means and no admin staff. Their energies are focused on doing the work, rather than talking about what they’re doing. Potential supporters, however, want assurances that the group will deliver what they promise in an ethical and fiscally responsible manner. For that reason, Para Los Animales practices due diligence when vetting potential members who apply to join the alliance. For starters, they must have A.C. status as a registered Mexican charity.

The consortium then promotes the fundraising events of those members. Although they do not solicit funds for themselves, they can accept donations to be directed to their members. Any donation not directed to a specific group will be earmarked primarily to develop new collaborative initiatives to protect animal rights, and will be distributed among participating charities. 

The Council’s website explains their intended role this way: “We unite animal protection organizations in San Miguel de Allende to secure animal rights and welfare through a unified community voice.” The new coalition published its inaugural newsletter in August, showcasing its founding members with their contact information, an explanation of their challenges and a matrix of the services each offers. The newsletter will be printed and distributed three times annually, and will also be posted on their website at www.paralosanimales.org

The publication states: “By acting as a collective voice, we foster collaboration and believe that together, our impact is far greater than what any one group could achieve alone. We invite our readers to support our partner organizations. Your involvement helps each group expand its vital work and continue to be a voice for the voiceless animals of San Miguel de Allende. Together, we can bring hope and healing to those who need it most.”

Doug Meier, Vice President and founding member, Lucky Dogs Club House, had this to say about the new alliance: “The work of Para Los Animales (PLA) to foster collaboration between animal nonprofit organizations in San Miguel is needed because we are stronger when we speak with one voice. Though very recently launched, PLA has already had an impact. Its first 8-page newsletter was widely distributed throughout our community. Its impact is too soon to measure but it is PLA’s first step in heightening the awareness of the plight of animals and promoting their six partners. We recently held our first Advisory Committee meeting. This type of a setting allows us to put our heads together in better achieving our common goal. As time goes by, PLA will undoubtedly bring more people into the fold, promote each of us, and the funding it will provide its partners will go a long way in alleviating the pain, suffering and misery of animals in our community.”

Passion has launched Para Los Animales. Let’s hope it soars.

For more information about membership in the alliance, contact Sudhir at sudhir@amembalandassociates.com

www.paralosanimales.org