TEXAS HUMANE LEGISLATION NETWORK

 4th ANNUAL LEGISLATION, EDUCATION, AND ADVOCACY CONFERENCE

 September 28,29, 2012

Friday, September 28 

3:00pm – 5:00pm: Capitol Tour and Presentation   

If you are new to the legislative process and would like to learn more about how the system works, how to plan successful capitol visits and take a tour of the Capitol to increase your comfort level and effectiveness, then join us for this session to be held in a meeting room of the Texas Capitol Extension. Transportation to and from the Capitol will be provided by hotel shuttle.                

5:00pm – 6:00pm: Early Registration

6:30pm – 9:00pm: Welcome Reception Boat Cruise / Bat Watching - FREE w/ full registration (includes 2 hour cruise, drinks, heavy appetizers)

Saturday, September 29

 7:30am – 6:30pm: Registration / Information Desk Open

  7:30am – 8:20am: Continential Breakfast / Opening Remarks 

  8:30am – 9:30am: Breakout Session #1

Legislation: Gearing Up for 2013: Outlook for Animal Protection and THLN’s Legislative Agenda

Expect another busy session for animal protection in 2013.  A record number of animal-related bills were introduced in 2011 and there is no sign of a slowdown.  Issues will include prohibition of the gas chamber for shelter euthanasia, horse slaughter, dangerous wild animal regulation, puppy mills, and more.  The chair and chair-elect of the THLN legislative team will present their outlook for the 2013 session and THLN’s legislative agenda.       

Speakers: Shelby Bobosky and Skip Trimble

 9:30am – 10:30am: Breakout Session #2

Legislation/Advocacy: Horse Slaughter for Human Consumption

The controversial issue of horse slaughter for human consumption will no doubt return in 2013.  This presentation will focus on animal welfare, legal, social, and economic issues surrounding a resumption of horse slaughter in Texas and the U.S.

Speakers: Katie Jarl, Julie Caramante, and Paula Bacon

 10:30am – 10:45am: Break (Refreshments provided)

 10:45am – 11:45am: Breakout Session #3

Legislation: Puppy mill bill; Where exactly do we stand

Speaker: Brian Francis

 12:00pm - 1:00pm: Lunch w/ guest speaker

Lunch: What to Expect for the 2013 Legislative Session – Do’s and Don’ts of Grassroots Lobbying

Representative Eddie Lucio III will provide a rare inside look at the Texas legislature – what works and what doesn’t when convincing your elected officials to support your cause as well as discussions about expectations of the 2013 legislative session. 

Guest Speaker: The Honorable Eddie Lucio III, Texas House of Representatives

 1:15pm – 2:15pm: Breakout Session #4

Education: Social Media: Best Practices

Social media is a hot topic, but can often become overwhelming when trying to decide how best to use blogs, facebook, and twitter to get your message out.  Matt Slagel will clear out the clutter with a presentation on “best practices,” tried and true strategies in the social media world.

Speaker: Matt Slagle

 2:15pm – 3:15pm: Breakout Session #5

Advocacy: The Animal Advocate’s Toolkit: Everything You Need to Make A Difference in Your Community

Animal advocates often ask how they can help animals in their communities. This will be an interactive session led by experts on the politics and workings of local government.  The discussion will include the basics of elections; the structure of city and county government; understanding laws, regulations, and ordinances; organizing for greater impact, and making your individual voice heard.  

Speakers: Jessica Johnson, Katie Jarl

3:15pm – 3:30pm: Break (Refreshments provided)

3:30pm – 4:30pm: Breakout Session #6

Legislation/Advocacy: Panel Discussion: Current Debates, Disputes, and Deliberations in Animal Protection 

A panel of experts will look to the audience to determine the discussion of current animal welfare debates and disputes in this session.  Anything and everything will on be on the table - market value of companion animals, possible repeal of the horse slaughter ban in Texas, animal shelter euthanasia, and more.

Panel: Moderator Yolanda Eisenstein: Fran Ortiz, James Bias, Ledy Van Kavage

 4:30pm – 5:30pm: Breakout Session #7

Education: Fundraising: Beyond the Special Event

Fundraising is the lifeblood of the nonprofit.  This session addresses how nonprofits can think creatively and develop “outside the box” fundraising ideas beyond the special event to raise the funds vital to protecting animals.

Speaker: Beverly Seffel

6:00pm - 6:45pm: VIP Reception (With Sponsors & Guest Speaker)

6:30pm – 7:15pm: General Reception

7:30pm – 9:30pm: Semi-formal dinner / awards / guest speaker

Guest Speaker : Ledy VanKavage, Esq - Senior legislative attorney and National Manager of Best Friends Animal Society

Animal welfare issues are decided largely at the individual state level, creating a patchwork of laws throughout the country.  The Ledy will present hot topics in animal law and legislation in various states and at the federal level.  She will discuss trends that can, and will, affect the welfare of Texas animals now and in the future.

Schedule Subject to Change