Defenders of Wildlife
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Pretty tired of them taking credit for work that they are barely involved in. They are touting themselves as the leader in washington's wolf issue, and we all know that groups like Conservation Northwest and Wolf Haven are much more involved on the ground for real change. It's sort of crappy of them to fundraise on that message.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
not really
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Slow down the fundraising juggernaut and ask them to be honest about the other groups they are riding over.
I use to love donating to this charity, but had questions regarding how they raise monies to protect the wolves and also their adopt a wolf cub program. It seems that there are countless mailings, and in my mind, I am thinking "what a waste of trees!" I donated every year until recent hard times have made it difficult for me to continue donating to my favorite charities as much as I have in the past. I notified them that I wanted to cancel my monthly donations in their Adopt a Wolf Cub Program. They complied. However two months after I opted out of the program, my credit card was charged for a monthly donation amount. I called them and asked AGAIN, to remove me from the program. After a month went by, my credit card was charged for another monthly donation. I went through all the phone numbers they list to try to connect with someone who would cancel my membership and monthly donations. I did end up with someone who assured me that the matter would effectively be taken care of. However, I constantly have to be on my guard, watching my credit card monthly statements to be sure that no more charges are being levied against my account. It's sad because I love animals and want to see the wolves protected. But to this date, the slaughter of wolves in Wyoming and Montana from airplanes is still being done, and I see no real effective action on the part of Defenders of Wildlife.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
their office mismanagement. While they were courteous when I called to complain about the two unauthorized charges against my credit card, the fact is that I'm disappointed with the way the mishap was handled.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
stop the continuous paper mailings and use e-mail to get the word out on this organization's mission. They offer all kinds of "gifts" to donors who subscribe or donate. Another waste of money. People who care and want to help our national wildlife don't really need a tee-shirt, an umbrella, a calendar, etc. for joining the organization. Money spent on "gifts" would be best spent by this organization on actual efforts to protect the animals they represent.
This organization will not take "no" for an answer! Requests to stop sending me materials that I do not want fall on deaf ears. I have received approximately 2 appeals per month for the past 9 months (which is when I started logging appeals). Perhaps this organization actually does do something connected with environmental conservation; I don't know, because all I get is generic "If you care about wolves/polar bears/whatever, send us money". Like everyone else, I have had to reduce charitable giving in these hard times; I am now targeting my donations to organizations, mainly local, where I know what they are trying to do, can see the results, and be confident that they are not selling my name to other organizations, DOW fails on all counts.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have no experience of this organization in the field.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Cut back on endless appeals. Inform supporters or potential supporters about what DOW actually achieves, rather than making vague claims about being involved in everything. Stop selling mailing lists.
Defenders of Wildlife recent disappointed members by their lack of sufficient protection of wolves in Montana and Idaho. The following is a quote from:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/7881510/opinion_defenders_fails_to_defend_wolves.html?cat=48
'Last Friday, the 18th of March, will be a day forever emblazened into the minds of wolf advocates and supporters throughout the nation, as it was on this day that Defenders of Wildlife and 9 other plaintiffs in the two delisting lawsuits to restore federal protection to wolves, sold out these passionate advocates."
"For an organization that took in over $28million last year, according to their ***IRS filing for 2009, I personally think they could do a lot better if perhaps they didn't pay out 43% of their contributions in salary and compensation, including over $360,000 in annual compensation for Rodger Schlickeisen, CEO of Defenders of Wildlife and another $2.5 million for the other 14 officers of Defenders of Wildlife. I think perhaps its time we took a good hard look at these organizations, and especially the money they generate in highly lucrative salaries, and start asking some tough questions."
Best to read the whole article.
This organization will not see any more donations from me until they demonstrate that they are actually what they say they are and not just an organization of high salaried impostors.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
They have not performed as expected. They had a fine reputation, but their recent "compromise" in allowing culling of wolves is just not acceptable.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Please update your information on your web site rating of Defenders of Wildlife, since the most recent salaries and expenses is not current, it appears.
Defenders of Wildlife does so much for the animals. They are my favorite charity. They were instrumental in getting the wolves back into Yellowstone, and have been fighting ever since to keep these same wolves safe if they wander outside of the park. I am proud to be a member of this fabulous organization.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
so many ways.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
do everything exactly as it is being done today.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the way they work so hard in saving so many animals.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
N/A
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
keep the wolves in and around Yellowstone safe. Stop the killing of the seals in Canada. Stop the killing of the wolves in Alaska. Keep the drilling out of Alaska and keep the polar bears safe.
Ways to make it better...
N/A
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
getting their name out there.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Defenders of the Wildlife is a first class organization working to support animals. Their work on protecting Wolves in the Southwest specifically is really worthwhile. Check them out.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
greater awareness of the needs of endangered animals
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Do the same.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Participating in saving animal groups from encroachment and extinction
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Nice
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
More
Ways to make it better...
Not sure
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
The constant battle to keep legislation from removing protections so they must keep the community engaged.
One thing I'd also say is that...
Animals need advocates
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
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