The Open Sanctuary Podcast

Executive Director Mckenzee Griffler and Nonprofit Specialist Julia discuss some of the issues that can make fundraising an emotional challenge for those who come from a caregiver background. We also talk about the intersections between fundraising, capacity and storytelling, how to find a balance between these elements, and how we can bring some "fun" into fundraising. --- This Episode's Referenc...

In this episode of The Open Sanctuary Podcast, "Sharing A New Framework For Understanding Roosters," Senior Advisor Tara and Nonprofit Specialist Julia continue their rooster stigma discussion, debunking common rooster myths and stereotypes. We share ways that you as a sanctuary can actively bust rooster stigma through the adoption of careful language use, thoughtful educational programming, and c...

In this episode of The Open Sanctuary Podcast, Senior Advisor Tara and Nonprofit Specialist Julia discuss some common myths about roosters that perpetuate rooster stigma. We address several common misconceptions, stigmas, and stereotypes about roosters, dismantle them one by one, and offer a new framework for understanding rooster behavior. --- This Episode's Referenced Open Sanctuary Project Reso...

In this episode of The Open Sanctuary Podcast, Community Education Specialist Andie Springirth and Senior Advisor Tara Hess delve into zoonotic disease transmission. What are zoonoses, and what are the ways in which they can spread? Why is it important to understand zoonotic disease transmission from an educational standpoint, and what are some of the most meaningful ways sanctuary educators can p...

Senior Advisor Tara and Nonprofit Specialist Julia discuss the practical considerations of caring for indoor chickens. In our last episode on the subject of indoor chickens, we talked about why caring for chickens in this way is a great idea for the chickens, for caregivers, and for the movement. In this episode, we're talking practice and the nitty gritty! We'll share some of the things you'll wa...

Senior Advisor Tara and Nonprofit Specialist Julia discuss why we should consider caring for chickens as indoor companions! Keeping chickens inside may sound strange for people outside of the sanctuary world, although more and more people are realizing that chickens can make great indoor companions. In fact, sometimes taking care of chickens indoors has been a major impetus for some folks to fully...

Nonprofit Specialist Julia, Research Specialist Amber, and Community Education Specialist Andie discuss animal sanctuary and rescue collaboration considerations with animal shelters. While the word "shelter" can be evocative for many, and many folks may have a lot of feelings about them, it's important to realize that shelters are often an essential point of contact when it comes to saving the liv...

Executive Director Mckenzee Griffler, Community Education Specialist Andie Springirth, and Nonprofit Specialist Julia Magnus delve into the question of mission and vision statements. Why are these two simple sentences so important for the internal operations of animal organizations, both grassroots and nonprofit? How do they help your organization interact with the community more collaboratively a...

Senior Advisor Tara and Nonprofit Specialist Julia talk about the many considerations that go into protecting avian residents from predators. We'll touch on the risks that predators present, how to familiarize yourself with predator types in your environment, and how to site avian living spaces appropriately. We'll also talk about the importance of impenetrable overnight living spaces and infrastr...

Whether you're just getting started or have been running an animal sanctuary for quite some time now, education often becomes an important part of your organization's mission. Though many sanctuaries choose to facilitate onsite tour programs as part of their education strategy, there are a number of other ways to provide in-person educational opportunities for your community to connect with your s...

At the Open Sanctuary Project, we know that the idea of unpacking animal exploitation with youth might seem like a daunting task. But if we want younger generations to help us imagine and create a world that is free from animal exploitation, it's essential that we engage them in anti-speciesist thinking and challenge their human-centered behaviors towards animals as early and often as possible. So...

At The Open Sanctuary Project, we not only advocate for compassionate animal care, but also for thoughtful and well-considered governance practices. We believe combining these two elements can help with long-term sanctuary sustainability! In this episode, our Nonprofit Specialist Julia chats with Community Education Specialist Andie, and Research Specialist Amber about some of the many variables w...

At The Open Sanctuary Project, we strongly advocate that you provide appropriate veterinary care for each and every one of your animal residents. This can be tricky at times when it comes to "less traditional" animal companions, like many farmed animal species, among others. Establishing a good relationship with your veterinarian is a critical part of ensuring your residents get the care they need...

At The Open Sanctuary Project, we believe that animal resident enrichment should be incorporated as an aspect of general care, rather than seen as an "extra". To make the sometimes daunting prospect of enrichment feel a bit simpler, more accessible, and more affordable, our Research Specialist Amber discusses some easy enrichment tips with Andie and Tara, as well as the benefits of enrichment both...