Committees



Our working committees are the engines powering Michigan Pet Alliance, fueled by the passion of animal welfare advocates who want to work together to raise the bar for animal care in our state. The committees create and execute plans and programs to support the association’s mission. Each committee has a chairperson and a list of responsibilities. Committees meet virtually at least once a month and delegate tasks to members.

Consider volunteering on a working committee:

  • Education & Training
  • Finance & Fund Development
  • Policy & Advocacy
  • Marketing & Communications
  • Membership & Certification Committee

Leadership Structure

MPA Org Chart - From the bottom 5 committees answer to the Executive Committee, who is at the same level as the President/CEO, who all answer to the Board of Directors at the top of the chart.

Education & Training Committee

  • Design and produce educational and training opportunities to empower and strengthen Michigan’s animal welfare organizations, providing learning experiences that engage participants and improve their knowledge and skills based on animal welfare best practices
  • Oversee the shelter assessment program. Unless otherwise noted, shelter assessments are conducted by a Maddie’s Shelter Medicine (veterinarian) graduate
  • Manage the hands-on, in-shelter training program and determine the need for additional modules, such as cat enrichment and behavior training
  • Create and produce the annual animal welfare conference, including logistics, presentation topics, speakers and vendors
  • Develop online webinars and town halls on current animal welfare topics and issues
  • Work with the Communications committee to create a marketing and PR plan to promote education and training programs

Finance & Fund Development Committee

The Finance and Fund Development Committee meets monthly. Special meetings may be called for budget review or project oversight at the discretion of the Board Chair, Committee Chair, or CEO. The CEO will support the committee work and serve as the staff representative.

The Finance and Fund Development Committee oversees the organizational assets, reviews the annual budget quarterly, formulates and recommends the annual budget for approval by the full board, monitors budget implementation and compliance, develops and reviews financial policy and procedures, reviews monthly financial statements, and provides general financial oversight. The committee also helps to nurture a culture of philanthropy throughout the Board and membership, under the leadership of the CEO.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Ensure that accurate and complete financial records and reports are completed and submitted, including state and federal filings.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, outside funders, and others. requirements related to the organization’s finances.
  • Review financial statements, ensuring proper policies and procedures, including internal controls are in place.
  • When an audit is required, select the external auditor and ensure a presentation of the audit results to the Board.
  • Ensure that accurate, timely, and meaningful financial records are prepared and presented at the monthly Board meetings.
  • Oversee annual budget preparation and financial planning.
  • Supporting and supporting and assisting the CEO in the philanthropic process, developing and implementing short-term, immediate fundraising strategies to ensure the organization has adequate resources.
  • Review and approve an annual fund development plan and ensure implementation.
  • Support the CEO in resource development through solicitations, including donor cultivation and stewardship, and grant identification, writing, and planning.
  • Provide Board education on basic fundraising principles.
  • Provide support to the Board in fund development activities.
  • Support and assist the CEO in developing and implementing short-term, immediate fundraising strategies to support the organization.

Policy & Advocacy Committee

  • Monitor all legislative initiatives involving companion animals in Michigan
  • Present updates and official position recommendations to the MPA board of directors
  • Communicate official positions to legislative decision makers and their staff
  • Testify at legislative committee hearings
  • Work with legislators to create and introduce new animal welfare legislation
  • Work with legislators to amend existing animal welfare laws to reflect best practices
  • Prepare and present proposed animal welfare position statements to the MPA board of directors for adoption. Topics include but are not limited to cat declawing, community cat programs, dog tethering, companion animals used in entertainment, research, etc.
  • Research, create, collect, distribute, present and advocate for best-practice animal welfare ordinances and regulations for consideration by local governments
  • Work with the Communications committee to communicate and educate the membership and general public of the association’s legislative positions and best-practice position statements to build support and advocacy at state and local levels

Membership & Certification Committee

  • Manage and produce the annual Awards program
  • Manage the shelter Listserv
  • Determine the need for and membership of additional Listservs
  • Produce the annual Live Release Report
  • Identify and produce additional matrices to track progress and to better understand the existing environment of homeless cats and dogs
  • Manage the Rescue Certification program for home-based rescues
  • Develop and manage a certification program for shelters
  • Work with the Communications committee to create a marketing and PR plan to promote membership initiatives and programs   

Marketing & Communications Committee

  • Create and execute media relations and PR plans for MPA, its programs and events
  • Develop and maintain editorial and communication calendars
  • Draft communication materials for various audiences as needed, including speeches, presentations, press materials, letters, newsletter, fliers, brochures and marketing materials
  • Manage social media channels in accordance with editorial calendars
  • Create and distribute newsletters and eblasts to various audiences
  • Establish annual membership goals, then create and execute marketing plans to recruit and retain members
  • Collaborate with the CEO to maintain the current membership database and provide monthly reports of new members to the board of directors
  • Build partnerships with key animal welfare partners
  • Maintain the association’s website
  • Develop social media graphics and a monthly meme to promote MPA, best practices and advocacy

Would you like to get involved and lend your expertise to our mission?

Apply to Volunteer