News

Open Positions on the AALAS Foundation Board of Directors

The AALAS Foundation is currently looking for individuals interested in helping to shape the future of the Foundation by joining the Board of Directors. Please see the Open Positions page for more information on this exciting opportunity.

Your United Way Donation Can Support the AALAS Foundation—Choose #060730

Would you like your United Way (UW) donation to be used for public outreach and education about the importance of laboratory animal care and use? Wouldn’t we all? If you answered a resounding "yes," you can ensure that your UW contribution will support our mission. If your company or institution supports the UW through an employee giving campaign, just write on the designation form the AALAS Foundation’s United Way number, which is 060730 and the address, 9190 Crestwyn Hills Dr., Memphis, TN 38125-8538 The AALAS Foundation sincerely appreciates your contributions.

If you do not designate a specific charity for your donation, you inadvertently could be undermining our profession.

Did you know that if you do not designate a specific charity for your donation, you inadvertently could be undermining our profession? Your donations to the local United Way or Combined Federal campaigns could be going to groups opposed to laboratory animal-based research. Both of these umbrella campaigns automatically allocate some of the donations to smaller non-profit organizations and, unfortunately, some of these organizations are opposed to the appropriate use of laboratory animals. The AALAS Foundation is not automatically allocated some of your donation; rather you must designate the Foundation as your intended recipient.

Help us get out your message about quality animal care—don’t give your money to those working against our profession and the advancement of science. And, please pass this message to others at your institution or company who also regularly support the United Way or Combined Federal campaigns through employee giving programs.

Just in Time for the Holidays: The Adorable AALAS Foundation Monkey!

Did you miss the meeting? Did you miss the AALAS Foundation booth? Or maybe you didn’t have the time to donate at the Foundation booth this year. Well, worry no more. For the reduced donation of $30 you can still get the AF Monkey as seen below. Act now and you can put this adorable little monkey under the tree or in a stocking by the fire.

Changes Underway for AALAS Foundation

The AALAS Foundation Board of Directors held their annual summer meeting June 4 and 5 in Atlantic City, NJ. Part of this time was spent on strategic planning, which resulted in a change on how the Foundation funds projects.

The Foundation Board noted the trend for companies to offer year-to-year giving instead of pledges, and that companies are also wanting to fund specific projects instead of general funds. As a result, the Foundation voted to change its focus to function as an operating organization with the purpose of creating, implementing, and evaluating public outreach program and products. This change means the Foundation grant system will be retired effective immediately; however, currently funded grants will be completed.

The board also determined that a smaller board with functioning committees will make it easier to manage and direct the Foundation. The new board structure will result in nine at-large positions, two Board of Trustee liaison positions, a Treasurer, and two ex-officio positions. Changes will take effect through attrition. In addition, the following committees were established, and one or more directors will serve as committee chair: fund raising, marketing/public relations, proposal/project committee, national meeting, branch relations, policies & procedures.

AALAS Foundation Seeks Auction Items for Denver

If you would like to donate an item for the AALAS Foundation Silent and/or Live Auctions, please send a brief description of the item, approximate value, and contributor contact info to April Turner by email or by fax (901-334-5152).

Donations must be received in the AALAS national office by October 9, 2009 in order to be shipped to Denver. You may also bring your item to the Foundation Booth in the Colorado Convention Center.

Contributors who inform the national office by August 20, 2009 of their intended auction donation will be recognized in the National Meeting Final Program.

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