Why were animal lovers from the Humane Society University, a Deputy Police Chief from Alexandria, Virginia, advocates for domestic violence victims, a gay men’s rights activist and a torture survivor from Ethiopia all gathered at TWC the morning of December 18th? They were enjoying a delicious breakfast and celebrating their partnerships with TWC’s Civic Engagement Projects on:

More than 40 students in the Animal Welfare Civic Engagement Project heard from the Humane Society of the United States regarding how to advocate for public policies that combat animal cruelty and protect dogs, cats, horses and other animals.

The Humane Society, the country’s largest animal protection organization, fights “cruelty, exploitation, and neglect” of animals through legislation, rescues thousands of animals, and works with businesses to support animal-friendly policies.

The last meeting of the Animal Welfare Civic Engagement Project featured Shakela Brown, community educator at the Washington Humane Society, and her German Shepherd, Ryder.

35 students and three staff volunteers participated in a community dog park clean up at the Towers Community Canine Area in Arlington, VA. Before they began the clean up, the volunteers heard from Lyndell Core, the park manager, who discussed how community parks benefit dogs and build community support among dog owners.

Students and local dog owners did everything from: