Wildlife Conservation is for Everyone

You can make a difference in wildlife conservation, and it is critically important that you do. Whether you are a seasoned conservationist or a beginner who has no idea where to start, there is a need for everyone. Are you interested in getting involved and helping to make a difference? You have come to the right place. From actions that only take a minute of your time to volunteering your time or making financial contributions, there are many ways you can help make a difference. 

Knowing where you can start helping is often the most daunting part. Don’t fear, here are some easy pointers to help you get started. 

Find an organization that resonates with your passion

There are many wonderful organizations out there fighting for wildlife, just like For The Love of Bears. You can find organizations by performing a basic internet search or using social media platforms to point you in the right direction. Simply search for subjects you are interested in.

Once you have identified potential organizations, learn more about them by reviewing their mission statement. For example:  

For The Love of Bears is a Nonprofit Committed To  Bears And The Critical Ecosystems They Call Home. Through conservation, education, research, and advocacy we seek to safeguard the future of bears. 

Best practice is to look for nonprofit organizations or other organizations that are dedicated to wildlife conservation and are transparent about where funding is going. This is easiest with a nonprofit organization which is required by law to report how funding is being spent. Ensure the nonprofit is an IRS, 501(c)(3) approved organization. This means the organization cannot be organized or operated for the benefit of its owners. Another way to quickly know if a nonprofit is reputable is to check their GuideStar rating. GuideStar is an organization dedicated to changing the world by giving people the information they need to do good. Most nonprofits will be listed on their website with their certification level. You can check the For The Love Of Bears rating in the footer of our website. 

Ways to Get Involved

Once you have identified an organization or two that resonates with you, there are a number of ways you can get involved and support. 

Interact on Social Media: Interacting on social media by liking, commenting, and sharing posts increases the reach of a nonprofit and helps spread the word about the nonprofit and their important projects. The best part is, it only costs you a small amount of your time but can make a huge impact. 

Spread the Word: If you are excited about what an organization is doing, be sure to spread the word. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools. Tell your friends and neighbors and share on social media. Get the message out there. Every voice matters. Imagine the impact that you and ten of your friends can have in sharing the word.

Attend Events: Many organizations have special events, webinars, rallies, etc to help raise awareness on important issues. The most critical aspect of these events is attendance. When you are able to attend, please do so. The more the merrier. These are great opportunities to meet new people while also learning about an issue and furthering the cause. Be sure to stay up to date with events by signing up for the newsletter.

Share Ideas: Do you have a great idea for a project? Want to share concern for an issue in your area? Did you see a grant opportunity that may be of interest?  Share those ideas. No idea is too great or too small to be heard. There are so many amazingly talented and creative thinkers out there. Every project starts with an idea. 

Volunteer Your Time: Volunteering is a powerful way to make a difference. Whether it is a few hours at a special event or an ongoing commitment, giving the gift of your time and talents is priceless and rewarding. It not only helps the organization but provides you a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Volunteering provides opportunities to build relationships and community with individuals who have common goals and interests. For those interested in pursuing future avenues in conservation, volunteering is a great place to start learning the ropes and make critical connections.  

Donate: It’s no secret that nonprofit organizations need money. Without donor funding most simply can not work towards their mission. If you have the means to donate, please consider doing so. Every dollar counts towards a brighter future. Donations to a 501(c)(3) approved organization are tax deductible to the fullest extent by law.

Donate Products or Services: Do you own a business or are you able to donate a product or service that would benefit the organization? These are considered “in kind” donations which are also tax deductible and another really impactful way to help. Be sure to reach out if you have a product or service you would like to donate.

There are so many ways each person can help, all of which have an impact. Together, we will make a difference in the world.