What we do

ACTAsia has developed a programme that delivers knowledge, tools and platforms to help individuals and groups become effective campaigners for animal protection. We provide training and mentoring, and work with them on joint projects.

Our programme consists of the following elements:
- Training and development
- Partnerships with local groups to develop and implement their projects
- Development of joint campaigns to tackle larger animal abuse issues

ACTAsia is currently focusing its efforts on China. We plan to extend our programmes to other countries in Asia.

Programme description

1. Training and development:
We provide training workshops to equip animal welfare groups with basic knowledge on issues related to their work. This knowledge includes: current animal protection theory and principles, animal care, welfare issues, organisational development, project management, stress management and fundraising.
ACTAsia conducts the basic workshops annually, and the content is tailored to the needs of the participants.
Next to providing the groups with basic knowledge, the workshop introduces the participants to other animal protectionists. They are encouraged to form networks for collaboration on campaigns, and provision of mutual support for mental wellbeing.

2. Local projects:
Following the workshop and field visits, one to three partners will be selected. ACTAsia will work closely with these groups, to develop their organisation and their key project. This work will involve helping them to identify their priorities, develop a strategic plan and implement this project. They have access to an experienced mentor who guides them as needed, and can also refer them to other sources of information, such as groups that have dealt with similar issues. When needed, further training is conducted on each group’s main focus area. ACTAsia also obtains financial support for the group in the form of a project grant.

3. Flagship projects:
ACTAsia will take the lead in creating joint campaigns with local groups on an important animal protection issue in their country. This gives the opportunity to build the capacity of local groups furthermore. It will also have more impact to jointly fight against animal abuse on a national level, than can be achieved by groups individually.
During the development and implementation of the campaign, there will be further guidance and training on the selected issue.
Read more on our campaigning activities in China in 2006, during the widespread culling of dogs.

Unique programme features:

- We regard animal protection as part of wider positive social change instead of as an isolated, marginalised issue. Therefore we try to use knowledge from other social sectors and seek collaboration with NGOs from other sectors where possible.

- We offer necessary guidance and support in our mentoring scheme, and develop our work and resources to fit the political, social and cultural circumstances in which animal Asian animal protectionists have to work.

- We address personal well-being in our training and mentoring. This should help to retain individuals within the movement, as there is currently a huge turnover caused by stress-related problems.