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Editorial
Rockbridge Animal Alliance has been a cornerstone of support for pets and their families in our community for the past decade. With the help of dedicated volunteers and board members, the organization has provided essential resources, such as pet food, supplies and veterinary care for at-risk families, helping them keep their beloved pets at home.
Over the years, RAA has enjoyed strong support from the public and local businesses. A special partnership with the Rockbridge Area Relief Association has allowed RAA to operate a pet food pantry and to store critical supplies. “We are deeply honored by RARA’s generosity in providing a secure space for our work,” an RAA spokesperson said.
Recently, a grateful recipient of the pet food pantry offered these comments: “Hello, I just want to say ‘Thank You’ for all you do for our community. The pet food giveaway helps so many people feed their pets, which can be an ongoing struggle. I absolutely adore my dogs and will do whatever I can to see that they are well-fed. Without your kind, giving people, it would be a huge struggle. I consider all of your volunteers to be heroes, and I appreciate you more than you could ever know.”
RAA has emphasized the importance of keeping pets and families together. Studies have shown that pet ownership can reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, increase exercise and provide companionship – benefits that contribute to stronger, healthier households. RAA’s efforts have helped make this a reality for many families in our community, providing thousands of pounds of food, beds, collars, leashes, flea and tick medication, toys and treats. The organization has also facilitated numerous spay and neuter surgeries and covered the cost of essential veterinary care. So far this year, RAA has spent $19,040.09 on pet food and veterinary care for local pets and their families.
Despite RAA’s success and its vital role in the community, the organization is now at a critical juncture. Since January, RAA has been actively seeking new board members to take over leadership roles and keep the organization moving forward. However, despite multiple attempts, no new members have stepped forward to join the board.
“Many people are understandably busy and may not have the time to serve on a working board, but we are reaching out in earnest to those who can help sustain this essential service,” said the RAA spokesperson. It was pointed out that many boards find that two- or threeyear terms for board members bring in fresh ideas and energy, keeping nonprofits vibrant and responsive to the community’s needs.
RAA is currently seeking individuals to fill several key roles, including board chair, treasurer, secretary, volunteer coordinator, social media manager and veterinary adviser. These positions are essential to the organization’s continued operation. Each role plays a critical part in ensuring the smooth delivery of services, managing the organization’s finances, coordinating volunteers and overseeing communications and veterinary partnerships.
RAA emphasizes that this is a serious commitment. Prospective board members will be expected to volunteer at the pet food pantry, pick up food donations from Concord, Va., plan and host fundraising events, assist the public with spay and neuter questions, assess the need for urgent veterinary care, facilitate relationships with donors and sponsors, and write grants to secure funding. These are hands-on roles, requiring both leadership and active involvement to maintain the organization’s vital services.
If you are interested in helping RAA to continue as a vital support system for local pets and their families, please email info@rockbridgeanimalalliance. org. Prospective board members will be interviewed and must submit to a required criminal background check.
Without a new board in place by the end of 2024, RAA will be forced to file for dissolution and termination with the State Corporation Commission, which would be a devastating blow to the community. “If RAA closes its doors, we fear a rise in unwanted pets and increased hardship for families who rely on our services,” the spokesperson said.
RAA is urging anyone who is able to step forward and help guide the organization into its next chapter. Without new leadership, the organization’s critical services could come to an end, leaving a void that would affect both the local pet population and the families who depend on them.
