What is Dogs for Better Lives?
Dogs for Better Lives (DBL) is a national nonprofit organization, based in Central Point, Oregon, whose mission is focused on the procurement, training and placing of Hearing Assistance Dogs (nationally), Autism Assistance Dogs (WA, OR, and CA), and Facility Dogs (nationally).
Accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and recognized by Charity Navigator as a 4-star nonprofit, DBL has been rescuing dogs, bettering lives, and providing Assistance Dogs since 1977.
Since its founding in 1977, DBL has grown from placing Hearing Assistance Dogs to also include Facility Dogs, and more recently, Autism Assistance Dogs. DBL has nationally placed more than 1,300 dogs since its inception by its late founder, Roy Kabot.
DBL to launch signature event in Washington’s Puget Sound region
With the support and guidance of the regional Young Professionals Board in Washington’s Puget Sound, DBL will host a yet-to-be-determined signature event, engaging donors, clients, and community partners.
Eventually, we will have Young Professionals Boards across the country, working to support each of our planned satellite offices. San Francisco (2020) and Los Angeles (2021) are being planned next.
What is the Young Professionals Board?
As DBL continues to grow and embark on their journey to better the lives of those with disabilities, pairing them with an Assistance Dog, they aim to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the Greater Puget Sound region to become involved in carrying out their mission and vision.
The DBL Young Professionals Board (YPB) is comprised of like-minded individuals in their 20s and 30s that have a passion for dogs and giving back to people with disabilities in their communities. Members will be responsible for marketing the mission of DBL, participating in outreach events, as well as planning and fundraising through a variety of initiatives.
Board Structure
Term Length
When committing to Dogs for Better Lives’ YPB, the term will last for one (1) year, from January 2020 to January 2021. As long as the member fulfills all of the commitments throughout the year, members will be welcome to apply for an unlimited number of terms.
Leadership Roles
The Dogs for Better Lives’ YPB will have a variety of leadership roles that will be voted on by the members of the YPB. Those positions are: Board Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary.
Commitment
1) Monthly Meetings; Dogs for Better Lives’ YPB will meet monthly, usually on a Monday night at 6:00pm. The meetings will either be in person at a location in the Greater Seattle area or a Microsoft Teams video conference call hosted by DBL.
2) Fundraising; When committing to Dogs for Better Lives’ YPB, a member is committing to a minimum fundraising “give or get” of $1,500. This will be done through three (3) initiatives:
- Event #1 – TBD
- Event #2 – TBD
- Event #3 – TBD
3) Marketing; All members of the YPB are expected to assist Dogs for Better Lives in spreading the word about their brand and mission, whether that be through word of mouth, sharing social media posts, and/or introducing new members to our community.
4) Benefits; By being involved in Dogs for Better Lives’ Young Professionals Board, there are number of benefits you will receive for your participation:
- Being a part of something that is larger than yourself. As a member of the YPB, you will have a DIRECT impact on Dogs for Better Lives’ ability to provide our services to people in the Puget Sound region that could benefit and qualify for an Assistance Dog.
- As a member of the YPB, you will have the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals that sit alongside of you on the YPB, as well as having access to the network of Dogs for Better Lives, which includes being introduced to the Board of Directors and key staff. Please note, the YPB Chair and Vice Chair will have the opportunity to attend one (1) Board of Directors meeting to report on the status of the YPB.
- Acknowledgement on Dogs for Better Lives’ social media channels.
- Recognized in Canine Listener magazine, DBL website, and in annual report.
How To Apply
Those interested in applying for Dogs for Better Lives’ Young Professionals Board should complete the application no later than Friday, December 20th.
