4 people found this review helpful
Review from CharityNavigator AMERICAN HUMANE ASSOCIATION
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February 16, 2012
4 people found this review helpful
According to Internal Revenue Service rules, nonprofit organization is supposed to work for the public benefit.The board of directors has the responsibility of protecting the public benefit. The “new” CEO pronounced early on that signature events were going to be a high priority. However, the events have not brought the desired financial success but yet these events are valued over the organization’s mission Recently, staff were intimated and threatened into walking in the Hollywood Christmas Parade carrying a 20-foot balloon dog which had a price tag of $40,000. Even more egregious, directive has been given to spend money foolishly so they don’t have to give it back their grantors at the end of their fiscal year. Nonprofits have an obligation to act as responsible stewards in managing their financial resources.
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Badly
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
None
Will you recommend this organization to others?
No
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
February 15, 2012
6 people found this review helpful
Although a once historic and honorable organization, American Humane Association (AHA) is now a non-profit organization with negligent employee management, unfit leadership and questionable fundraising practices.
INHUMANE RELATIONS
During the organization’s recent downsizing process, employees who had been with the organization for more than five years were laid off without severance pay. Staff members were told explicitly that they could continue their work if they moved to another office location, and then—after agreeing to the move—were laid off. Office closure announcements were made and then changed multiple times.
INCOMPETENCE IN HIGH PLACES
Many of AHA’s senior leaders lack sufficient expertise and competence in their field. There are several department heads who continually make poor choices for the organization and often rely on junior staff members for real expertise.
DISHONEST DONOR DEALINGS
As it has courted potential partners, AHA has sacrificed the integrity of its donor relations. More specifically, AHA has both sold and given away its email lists, as well as actively facilitated the distribution of commercial advertisements to its constituents.
For all of these reasons, I could not, in good conscience, recommend American Humane Association as a place to seek employment or to contribute charitable funds.
(Please note: American Humane Association is NOT affiliated with your local humane society.)
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Badly
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A little
Will you recommend this organization to others?
No
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
February 14, 2012
As a member of the Red Star team of volunteers, I can attest to the incredible dedication and compassion that this organization has for animals in need. They are highly regarded wherever I have gone with them throughout the nation and their standard of care and work ethic is extremely high. They are professional, dependable and always ready to help in providing care and sheltering of animals of all kinds, under many different circumstances. I have the utmost regard and respect for their ethics and committment to their mission and consider them to be one of America's greatest assets for animal and child welfare!
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
February 14, 2012
As a television producer who has worked with dogs for 8 years, I understand the delicate balance between entertainment and the humane treatment of animals. I deeply appreciate the vital role American Humane has in the TV & Film industry. They make the tough (and sometimes unpopular) decisions about the treatment of animals on the set. I deeply respect American Humane's work and know they truly care about the treatment of our animals friends.
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
5 people found this review helpful
February 13, 2012
5 people found this review helpful
Donors beware People are having the wool pulled over their eyes. The organization sold their Denver office and the proceeds of the sale financed seven executive salaries. Major layoffs, and while a million dollars was donated to the Red Star Rescue Team and the employees have no office to work to do their work. The D.C. and L.A. offices are examples of wasteful spending.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
No
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
None
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Badly
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
No
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
5 people found this review helpful
February 13, 2012
5 people found this review helpful
Executive Excess, Fat Cats with excessive salaries, and not much direct effect in the community. Misquided first time CEO who does not seem to grasp the meaning of social responsibility.
More feedback...
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Badly
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A little
Will you recommend this organization to others?
No
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
February 9, 2012
I am proud to be a board member of the American Humane Association. The organization has been working so hard for so long – 135 years! - on behalf of children and animals, and our work is just as vital today as it has ever been.
American Humane Association is so important not only because our programs protect children and animals, but also because we have a particular focus on the incredible bond between people and animals and the power it has to benefit and enrich the lives of both. Many of American Humane Association’s programs are centered around this bond – such as our animal assisted therapy program, our Film/TV unit, and our Red Star rescue programs. I believe recognizing and expanding this bond is one of the keys to making our world a more humane and compassionate place for all who live in it.
I have been struck at the dedication, professionalism and passion of our staff and volunteers – qualities which run throughout the organization. Such as our Red Star rescuers who work under difficult and dangerous conditions with little to no sleep while rescuing and providing vital medical attention to animals hit by a disaster, our “No Animals Were Harmed” monitors who work endless days with little recognition to be the sole protectors of animals in film and television productions, and our dedicated researchers whose groundbreaking work improves child welfare policies and decision-making.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
February 9, 2012
I have been a member of the American Humane Association's Red Star Team on numerous deployments since 2007. I have observed their work during disasters, and in hoarding and puppy mill cases. They are dedicated professionals who do their utmost to ensure the safety and care of all the animals, as well as the volunteers. Every animal is treated with respect from the moment it is rescued. Staff and volunteers devote their full attention to being sure each animal gets the attention it deserves. To me, the best test of the effectiveness of an organization is to observe the improved health displayed by the animals after receiving care from the American Humane Association's Red Star Team. This is a Team worthy of everyone's support.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
February 9, 2012
I have been a donor to the American Humane Association for many years and during the past two years, I have become an active member of the Red Star Team. The Red Stars are a well-organized group of volunteers that can deploy to animal-related disasters in a matter of a few hours. The organization is impressive in its efficiency in setting up a clean, orderly, temporary animal shelter. Clean space, walks, food and fresh water are provided, along with soft chatter, eye contact, singing, snuggles and belly rubs. Twelve-hour days are common, and I have never worked harder in my life, but seeing those innocent eyes and happy tails is a great motivator. In the case of a disaster, such as a flood, that destroyed a family's home, the temporary animal shelter is a great resource to families that have been displaced. The American Humane Association is there to provide loving care to the family's pets, easing their minds during very stressful times. I feel very fortunate to be able to participate as a Red Star volunteer.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
February 8, 2012
Where would the Hollywood film/television industry be without the great work of the American Humane Association? It is oversight from the AHA that gives voice to those that have none with their "No Animals Were Harmed" division. This is a top notch charity and organization with excellent leadership whom I've had both the privilege and honor to work with.
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
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