Speak Up! Guide 5: Self-Advocacy And Self-Determination: Fill & Download for Free

Here are one or two or a hundred:I’ll start with some that I’ve already written about, and then I’ll move to a bunch more I found on the internet.First, here is the link to the Cornell University project: ZooniverseThey are calling the project “Hawk Talk”!That link takes you to the “About” page, which describes the project. In the right top corner, you’ll see a link to the “Classify” page. That’s where you’ll want to go to participate. It allows participation from anonymous volunteers if you wish, or you can also register and have your contributions noted by name.Basically, what’s going on is that they are trying to collect additional data about the vocalizations that Red Tailed Hawks make (their sounds, or calls), and what the various calls mean. Normally, this would almost be impossible… or at the very best, it would require researchers to spend thousands of hours just watching a cam. There’s not enough hours in anyone’s day to do that, without missing something. So, they have set up this project, where any of you can help collect the data. What they’ve done is… they have broken up hundreds of hours of nest cam footage, into 10-second clips. Clearly, this results in many thousands of clips. What they hope is that enough people will get involved and that each person will run through these short clips, hoping to catch a moment when either one of the parent hawks, or one of the chicks, is calling out in some way. There is a set of four questions next to each clip, which are to be answered. Then, when the project is over, they will have caught every single instance of red tail vocalization, and exactly what they were doing at that exact moment. It’s quite a brilliant project plan. But it requires the help of hundreds of people who want to spend 5 or 10 minutes of their day or night, running through the clips one by one and clicking on the various possible answers.Okay, so this one is a whole lot of fun. It’s actually a sub-section of Zooniverse, above. But there are a lot of menu items in Zooniverse, so I wanted to point this one out in particular as I’ve had a lot of fun and spent quite a few hours playing with it. It’s basically photos taken by a automatic Trail Cam. Each photo was set off by something moving, and they are asking you to look at each still-shot and try to find what it was that set off the camera. Sometimes it was just the wind on a weed or something you can’t see. But they have thousands of photos to go through, so they’re asking for the public’s help in flipping through them. There are two cams here… one for mammals and one for birds. Give it a try! I found it to be a bit addicting, sort of like finding Waldo! Sometimes you need to adjust the contrast, or maybe change it into a negative photo. Usually you find nothing, but sometimes you’ll see a bobcat, coyote, or maybe just a hare’s or rabbit’s butt running off the photo’s edge. This was set up by Sky Island Alliance, an environmental group I worked with for a number of years, out of Tucson, AZ: Help Us ID Species - Sky Island AllianceNext… I’ll give you the best kept secret I know for nature lovers; how easy it is to VOLUNTEER for wildlife. It can change your life and give you adventures & knowledge you never thought you’d have access to. No matter if you’re a banker, a soccer mom, a grandma, a student or an electrician… there are groups you can join near you. Most people have no idea.Volunteers Home Page, US Fish & Wildlife ServiceThere are infinite ways to learn about nature. School, reading, asking, etc. But nothing beats DOING. And this is extremely easy. The number of opportunities to volunteer in nature-related work are more than I can count. If you are in the USA, look at the link above; The US Fish & Wildlife Service Volunteer Opportunities page. I’ve used it. Whether you live in Mississippi, Alaska, the deserts of Arizona, or anywhere in between, there are ways that you can volunteer your time out in the field and get the best education about nature that you could imagine. Get your boots in the mud. Walk the prairies counting antelope. Scramble over rocks looking for tortoises. Wade though rivers picking up trash or fixing bank erosion. Change the ground bedding at a Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility. Spend two hours a week, and go home after. Spend a weekend a month and camp out with fellow volunteers for a weekend project. Spend a two week stretch in the wilderness on an advanced project. Be the car pool driver for your fellow volunteers. If you have a little time and no money, or a lot of time and can help with supplies… it doesn’t matter. Go out and help and you will learn more than you can imagine.US Fish & Wildlife is but one resource. One of hundreds or thousands.Water SentinelsThe picture above is a group I’ve helped with. Water Sentinels. It’s part of the Sierra Club Near YouVolunteering Opportunities Government Agencies Various outdoor opportunities in your stateWorking with Us | US Forest Service Self-explanatory. Much of this volunteer work is in National and State Parks. Also involves the planting of seedlings, a vital task usually done by volunteers. Programs for kids, too!Wildlife Conservation Volunteering That one is for international projects. However… please be aware that most of what you’ll find on this site internationally requires you to pay a considerable fee to participate. From $2000 - $8000. I can’t really wholeheartedly endorse these types of programs… at least not all of them. Since they are businesses, and they give you a grand adventure, they are “for profit”, so the animal’s welfare isn’t necessarily the first priority. I’ve provided this link just so you know that these programs exist. Some may certainly be worth a look, but my preference is to volunteer locally (and for free!). Every area has wildlife volunteer opportunities of their own, close to where you live.United States wildlife habitat Volunteer Opportunities That one covers everything from taking a whole summer to be a care-taker, to meet-ups on weekends to do local projects for a few hours.Get Involved That one is for locals in FloridaVolunteer Opportunities There’s for MichiganVolunteer - Sky Island Alliance A fantastic group I spent years with in Arizona. This is where I got introduced to someone who eventually recommended me for a spot on the jaguar research team:Volunteer Opportunities at Texas State Parks There’s one of the many in TexasI could go on, but I think I’ve made my point. Google “Wildlife Volunteer Opportunities in ______” or “Environmental Volunteer Opportunities in _____” (fill in your city or state)…and you will find the way to learn about nature, with other people who also care, also want to learn. You’ll be amazed at the adventurous things you will end up doing.Do you live somewhere other than America? Then try some of these:Here’s one of the resources in India: List of wildlife volunteering programs across India..Try this one in Brazil: ▷ Volunteer in Brazil | Top 10 Projects for 2018 | Volunteer WorldHow bout Norway? The Norwegian Wildlife HospitalOr South Africa? 7 Places To Volunteer With Animals In South Africa (Just don’t go swimming, wearing a seal suit!)Keep Calm and Volunteer in England: Animal Volunteer Work UKCheerio!Whether you’re in India, Norway, Chile, Australia or the USA, every place has people, groups and agencies that will give you these adventures if you offer them a bit of your time and effort. 13 year-olds can help and learn. 75 year-olds can help and learn.You can stay on Quora and read the hundreds of awesome nature and animal articles I’ve written (some are quite good, if I do say so myself!)… but instead of that, I would suggest you start searching for a group near you who go out and make a difference and who need your help. It’s a win/win situation. It’s easy and fascinating. You just have to get started. Take a friend with you! You can thank me later, for helping you discover a world of adventure that was right under your nose the whole time. I highly recommend it!EDIT: One important additional point… once you volunteer for any of these government agencies, non-profits, groups, etc., you'll become privy to many more fun opportunities directly from them, which aren't advertised on the websites. Once you are in the inner circle, get to know people, and start building a reputation as being dependable and passionate… you will get good references for the really good stuff at other organizations. This was my experience as well, and as an example, it's how I got a tip and good reference for a job with the US Fish & Wildlife Service. It was a month long research project that took me by helicopter to the bottom of a branch off the Grand Canyon. I was put on a waiting list, and about 6 months later, got the call. I felt very privileged, as the other members of the small team of seven were all reputable biologists and researchers from all over the country. This is also where I had my adventure of being stalked by a mountain lion that some of you may have read about, elsewhere on Quora. It was a thrill of a lifetime, and all due to having volunteered diligently, and building a solid reputation in that inner circle of wildlife professionals and volunteers, the year prior. All of this experience and reputation also eventually made me a shoe-in for, years later, getting a position at the Carolina Raptor Center, which was also life changing. So I urge you… just get started! Good luck! It's extremely satisfying.These are the Non government Organizations you should keep an eye out for if your passion is helping animals. Find out who they are to start saving lives today!World Wildlife Fund (WWF)One of the largest organizations in the world dedicated to save nature and ensure endangered species.You can go to their site and there you will find many different ways to contribute, amongst which are signing petitions or contacting officials to save endangered species, travel with WWF to natural habitats, make donations, adopt an animal, and many other ways to help make a difference.Humane Society of the United StatesCompletely dedicated to animal protection, this organization offers the opportunity to help in three big ways: Animal rescue and care, Animal advocacy, and Pets and shelters.Animal rescue and care – You can be a part of the rescue team, disaster response, mobile vet clinics, or sanctuaries and care centers.Animal advocacy – You can help advocate through public policy, corporate reforms, and major campaigns.Pets and shelters – Providing humane residence for animals in need.Go to their site to find out more.Read more on Activism with Compassion: Volunteering at Farm SanctuariesAmerican Society for the prevention of cruelty to animals (ASPCA)This society is a huge advocate for animals in need, ASPCA offers nationwide volunteer opportunities where you can advocate in legislative and public policies, get on the investigations and response team, advocate to protect horses from slaughter, volunteer at adoption centers, and be a pet foster parent.Find out more here.Animal Welfare Institute (AWI)The AWI seeks better treatment for animals everywhere, in the laboratory, on the farm, in commerce, at home, and in the wild.Though you should know that because AWI is the country’s leader in obtaining laws to benefit animals in need, it is slightly a less hands on kind of experience, the kind of help they encourage you to give is donating to their causes or getting involved with their initiatives and raising awareness for their cause.You can find all the information you need here.PetSmart CharitiesTheir goal is to end animal homelessness by investing in animal welfare charities all over the country to get pets adopted, and fund spay/neuter surgeries to prevent unplanned litters and reduce overpopulation from the start.And the best part is that they have a really good web page where you can easily find the adoption center or spay/neuter clinic closest to you, so you can waste no more time and start saving lives today.Teens Making a DifferenceAre you an animal-loving teen who wants to make a difference? Well, you’ve come to the right place!The Anti-Cruelty Society has been providing shelter and medical care to hundreds of thousands of animals since 1899. This is only possible thanks to hard-working, dedicated individuals who share a passion for helping animals and the people who love them. Volunteers have long been a backbone of the Society, providing much-needed assistance in every department to ensure that the shelter continues to operate smoothly and that the animals in our care stay happy and healthy while they wait for their forever homes. We encourage anyone--of any age--to volunteer! If you love animals and want to help, we have a number of different programs for you to participate in.Have questions? Email [email protected] for answers regarding this or any youth program at The Anti-Cruelty Society!Virtual OpportunitiesLIVE! At The Anti-Cruelty SocietyCalling all classrooms, community groups, and youth clubs! Are you looking for an engaging activity for your group to learn more about animals and animal welfare? Look no further than LIVE! at The Anti-Cruelty Society. This unique virtual program offers a behind-the-scenes look at some of the important facets of the work we do to help people and pets at The Anti-Cruelty Society. Click here for details and more!Service ProjectsThe Anti-Cruelty Society offers a wide range of home and classroom-based service learning projects. They are ideal for students in need of service learning hours, scout troops looking to earn a badge or teachers in search of a classroom project. Each different project is worth a specific amount of hours, but you can mix and match to suit your needs.Service Project DetailsWeb WarriorsWhether you’re stuck at home or are simply looking for unique ways to learn and volunteer this program may be just what you are looking for. Explore animal welfare topics, and make a positive impact in your community through our Web Warriors program!Read Web Warriors DetailsVeterinary Mentoring ProgramThe Anti-Cruelty Society, in partnership with The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, offers an exciting program for high school students with a serious interest in veterinary medicine or animal science-related careers. The Veterinary Mentoring Program is an academic program that introduces students to the many areas of science that they will encounter in veterinary school. Students attend seminars one Saturday a month at which they explore various topics and learn how clinical science is used to diagnosis and treat injury and disease in animals.Veterinary Mentoring DetailsTemporarily Suspended: (next four)After School AdvocatesThe After School Advocates program empowers teens ages 13-18 to explore animal welfare issues that affect the Chicago community. After School Advocates gives participants the opportunity to gain valuable insights into animal shelter operations, positive reinforcement training, animal careers, animal abuse in the community, and animal advocacy, while learning from professionals in the field. This limited admission, 4 week programs takes place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with three sessions per year.After School Advocates DetailsJunior Crafting CrewIf you’re looking for a one-day, on-site volunteer opportunity for your group at the Society, consider signing up to for a Junior Crafting Crew! This onsite program engages youth clubs or classes to help shelter animals in a practical way by crafting enrichment projects using common everyday materials.Junior Crafting Crews DetailsShelter Service DayThe Anti-Cruelty Society welcomes teens to our Shelter Service Day! This unique volunteer opportunity occurs one Thursday per month from 4:30-6:00 p.m. Use your crafting skills to create toys and beds for the animals at The Anti-Cruelty Society so that they can stay cozy and happy while they are in our care.Shelter Service Day DetailsTeens Who CareThis program aims to provide a hands-on volunteer experience for high school youth ages 13-18. Participants will help our animals find homes by performing supportive tasks throughout the shelter departments such as cleaning, animal socialization, administrative assistance, and more.Teens Who Care DetailsVolunteering Opportunities with AnimalsWe know there are TONS of animal lovers out there who wish they could help every single animal in need. If that's you, know that, while you may not be able to help all animals, you can certainly make a difference for many right in your own community.Before looking for volunteer opportunities with animals, think about the type of involvement you want and how much time you realistically have available. For example, would you prefer working directly with animals or providing behind-the-scenes support doing administrative work or fundraising? Would you rather work in a group or do tasks you can perform alone? If you don't have a lot of time for a big commitment, volunteering for a one-time event or for two or three hours here and there can still make a difference.Once you've determined what type of volunteering you want to do and how much time you can devote to volunteering, look for volunteer opportunities with animals in your area and identify ones with missions you feel most passionate about.Below are some ideas for volunteering with animals to get you started. Many non-profit organizations that work with animals will need volunteers to help with one or more of the tasks below.Transport Animals to Appointments - Help shelter animals stay healthy by driving them to and from their vet appointments.Volunteer at a Pet Adoption Event - Shelters often organize adopt-a-thons and other events, many of which require setting up of booths, tents and displays. This is a perfect way to help out for a day if you aren't able to volunteer on a regular basis.Become a Foster Parent - Many animal shelters and rescue groups rely on caring foster parents to provide a loving home for the animals in their care. By volunteering to be a foster parent to an animal, you help keep him out of cages and kennels.Help with Laundry - Shelters go through a lot of laundry, all of which needs to be folded and put away. When volunteers help with these tasks, staff members are free to focus their efforts and attention on caring for the animals. A lot of shelters also rely on volunteers to wash the laundry, as hiring a laundry service often isn't in the budget.Use Your Photography Skills - Help animals find homes by capturing their personalities and overall adorableness with your camera. Photography can increase adoption rates, helping to save animals' lives.Become a Board Member - If you love fundraising and networking and have great management skills, consider becoming a board member at your local animal shelter.Social Media Management - Do you possess excellent social media and advertising skills? You can use these skills to bring attention to the cause of your favorite animal shelter by managing their social media accounts. Share the stories and photos of animals to help promote the shelter's cause and help more animals find homes.Sources:13 Creative Ways to Volunteer for Animal Shelters & RescuesHow Photography Can Save Pets' Lives | PetfinderVolunteer StoriesTestimonialsLocal Volunteer OpportunitiesHoliday Volunteer OpportunitiesB-Corp Partnerships5 Benefits of VolunteeringDownloadable ToolkitSimply put, volunteering your time saves precious lives.In 2018 alone, PAWS volunteers contributed a staggering 74,000 hours toward helping cats, dogs and wild animals in need.HOURS & LOCATIONSEach year, PAWS cares for more than 7,600 cats, dogs and wild animals, and we couldn’t do it without our compassionate and dedicated volunteers. Volunteers work side by side with PAWS staff caring for wildlife and companion animals and helping with education and outreach to the community. We provide the training for all volunteer positions – no prior experience required. Whether you’re feeding orphaned wildlife, helping find homes for cats and dogs, or contributing to the success of an event, you can play an important role in the life-saving work of PAWS.Ready to volunteer?Become a volunteerAre you looking to help animals in need, feel inspired, and meet like-minded animal lovers? Find the requirements for volunteering at PAWS and how to get started.LEARN MOREVolunteer opportunitiesFrom feeding baby birds at the PAWS Wildlife Center to making donor thank you calls from your home, PAWS has volunteer positions for anyone who wants to make a difference. Check out the many opportunities and get involved today!LEARN MOREInternships and externshipsPAWS has a variety of opportunities for those wanting to gain hands-on experience in the fields of companion animal sheltering, wildlife rehabilitation, veterinary medicine, and outreach/education.LEARN MOREPopular Ways to Volunteer with AnimalsLending a hand at the local animal shelter may be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about volunteering with animals, but there are tons of different settings and roles beyond the shelter for prospective volunteers to explore. Wild and domestic animals alike need help from human volunteers, and even those who want to help animals without handling them directly can find their niche.Explore Animal Volunteer PathsAnimal Shelter VolunteeringFostering Pets in Your HomeAgricultural Animal VolunteeringVolunteering with a Therapy PetVolunteering in Wildlife ConservationVolunteering with Animals Abroad1Animal Shelter VolunteeringApproximately 6.5 million animals enter shelters annually according to the ASPCA. Caring for and homing shelter animals is a collaborative effort, so volunteers are needed to fill many different types of roles. Hands-on behavior modification, animal handling at off-site adoption events, educational outreach, groundskeeping, veterinary transportation, photography, administrative work and everything in between are crucial to the success of animal shelters and their furry residents.Common Volunteer Tasks & ResponsibilitiesSocializing catsWalking, running and playing with dogsTraining and behavior modificationBathing and groomingTransporting animals to vet appointments and adoption eventsCleaning and maintaining groundsCommunity outreach and educationWorking in the shelter retail storeWorking off-site adoption and fundraising eventsAdministrative and office workPet photographyGathering background data on adoptable animals through observation and interactionYou’re a good fit for this type of volunteering if …You’re at least 16-18 years old, depending on the volunteer positionYou can commit to a consistent volunteer scheduleYou can bend, lift and spend multiple hours on your feetYou work well with people as well as animalsYou communicate effectively in person and via email and textYou enjoy hands-on workReal-Life Animal Shelter Volunteer ProgramsVolunteer programs will vary from shelter to shelter, but the following examples of real-world programs can give future volunteers an idea of the opportunities that may be available in their area. Volunteers can find a program type that aligns with their interests, skills, and schedules and ask their local shelter if they have similar opportunities available.Animal Shelter Group VolunteeringGroup volunteering opportunities are great for students, office teams, clubs and other small organizations to lend a hand and build comradery. These are typically single sessions that last a few hours. Group volunteering at the Oregon Humane Society is open to small and large groups and can entail socializing animals and maintaining grounds.Youth Volunteer ProgramWhile many opportunities require volunteers to be at least 18 years old, many shelters have youth programs that allow kids and teens to help out in a variety of capacities. At Lucky Dog Animal Rescue in Virginia, youth volunteers can participate in adoption events and help with administrative work in the shelter office. Fundraising, educational camps and even birthday parties where kids make treats and toys to donate to the shelter make for hands-on volunteer opportunities off-site, too.Animal PhotographyShelter animals often get a quick photo snapped when they enter the shelter to help them get adopted, but these animals are often scared and uncertain when they first enter a shelter. Volunteer photographers play a key role in taking nice photos that make shelter pets look more appealing to prospective adopters. Photographers, like the ones at Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA, may also take photos at special events.Off-Site Adoption Events & Special EventsOrphans of the Storm shelter in Illinois notes the unique impact off-site and special event volunteers have on getting animals adopted. Volunteers develop relationships with animals outside of a shelter environment, get to know their histories and personalities and hype them up to potential adopters who either can’t or prefer not to visit shelters directly.Retail or Thrift Store VolunteeringShelters often have a retail component to help fund shelter operations. Volunteers may help out in these stores, taking in and selling merchandise. The Humane Society for Southwest Washington’s ReTails Store has been consistently voted the best thrift store in Clark County thanks to its volunteers, and proceeds go to help the shelter’s animals in need.Reading with RescuesReading programs are nice ways for kids to spend time with animals who can benefit from the soothing effects of a human voice and company. Kids can also gain confidence in their reading and speaking skills since animals are a non-judgmental audience. Minnesota’s Animal Humane Society Rescue Readers program offers a low-cost season pass for young readers who want to visit regularly.Teaching Animals Basic Behavior SkillsEast Bay SPCA puts a strong emphasis on behavior modification to help animals get adopted faster and thrive in loving homes. After receiving training, volunteers help in training, socialization and enriching animals during their shelter stay.Exercising PetsAnimals in shelters don’t usually have the ability to roam freely and get exercise on their own, so they rely on volunteers to help them stay healthy. Pet exercise can include walking dogs, running with high-energy dogs, playing with cats, and helping prospective adoptees burn off excess energy during adoption events. The San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter’s Pet Project Foundation even has volunteers who set up safe exercise pens for their rabbit residents.2Fostering Pets in Your HomePet foster parents are essential players in the animal adoption and shelter system. When shelters don’t have room for new animal intakes, or they have animals who could benefit from being in a temporary home rather than a shelter, foster parents step in and open their homes to hundreds of thousands of pets each year. Keeping animals in foster homes rather than shelters gives them a chance to let their true personalities come out, which is key in finding permanent homes. The Fairfax County Animal Shelter in Virginia found that after placing 52 dogs thought to have behavioral problems in foster homes, 90 percent turned out to be normal and were adopted within a month. The shelter environment was simply too stressful. Foster homes are needed for all types of animals, not just stressed dogs, so it may be a great option for people who like the idea of having a significant impact on animals without the long-term commitment.Common Volunteer Tasks & ResponsibilitiesUnderstand the individual needs of your foster pet and ensure you can meet themProvide basic care, including exercise and vet visits, as well as a safe and loving homeSocialize foster pets with other animalsWork on trainingTake pictures of your foster pet to help them get adoptedLearn about your foster pet’s personality and behavior and talk about them to potential adoptersYou’re a good fit for this type of volunteering if …You want a flexible way to help animalsYou like caring for animals but don’t want or are unable to take on the full commitment of a permanent petYou can commit to care responsibilities for different animals, like walking dogs, administering medication, or nursing kittens.You have experience training animalsYou are patient and empatheticYou are able to promote your foster pets to help them get adoptedSources & Further ReadingBestFriends.org – Pet Fostering Q&AFoster Dogs, Inc. – Know Your Role as a Foster ParentOneGreenPlanet – Why Fostering Dogs and Cats is So Important and How to Get InvolvedPetFinder – Before You FosterPetFinder – How to Prepare Your Home for a Foster Pet3Volunteering with Animals in Agricultural SettingsThere are many opportunities for people to volunteer in agricultural settings, particularly at farm sanctuaries. These sanctuaries provide care and enrichment for animals who have escaped or been rescued from factory farms or other inhumane animal agriculture facilities. There are farm sanctuaries around the country, but since they strive to let animals live out their lives in the most natural way possible, more opportunities exist in rural areas, where animals have space to roam freely. Volunteers typically help with animal care, grounds maintenance and guided tours and education for the public.Common Volunteer Tasks & ResponsibilitiesBarn cleaningGrounds maintenance and minor repairsFeeding, cleaning and providing other care for animals in the shelter’s hospitalHospital chores, like cleaning and laundryFeeding barn animals and cleaning troughs and food dishesEgg collectingAdministrative supportPublic educationGuiding toursRunning the gift shop or visitor’s centerAssisting with special eventsAnswering visitor questionsYou’re a good fit for this type of volunteering if …You meet minimum age requirements or plan to volunteer with an adult parent or guardianYou can work in all types of weatherYou are physically fitYou are interested in volunteering on a regular basisYou are invested in the welfare of agricultural animalsSources & Further ReadingOneGreenPlanet – 10 Farm Sanctuaries in the U.S. That Are Great For VolunteeringThe Farm Sanctuary4Volunteering with a Therapy PetUnlike the other volunteer opportunities addressed here, where volunteers help with animals that live in sanctuaries or don’t have permanent homes, volunteering with a therapy pet typically involves pet owners working with their own pet to help people in their community. Therapy pets can play many helpful roles, like helping young students learn to read, relieving college student stress, calming nervous fliers at airports or enriching patients at hospitals and residents of elder care facilities.Common Volunteer Tasks & ResponsibilitiesParticipate in handler trainingParticipate in regular therapy pet training, including the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen training for dogsTalk with visiting people while remaining attentive to their petVisit hospitals, schools, assisted living facilities, airports and other participating locationsEnsure that both human and animal participants are calm and safeYou’re a good fit for this type of volunteering if …You have a well-behaved pet, and you work well togetherYou can commit to trainingYou can pass a criminal background checkYou and your therapy pet can commit to regular visits to participating organizationsYou are okay with others touching and interacting with your petSources & Further ReadingAKC Recognized Therapy Dog OrganizationsAlliance of Therapy DogsK9to5 National Therapy Dog RegistryLove on a LeashPet Partners Therapy Animal Program5Volunteering in Wildlife ConservationVolunteers can play important roles in animal care and wildlife conservation, both directly and indirectly. There’s a huge range of volunteering opportunities where you can help protect wildlife. Some volunteers may work in enclosed wildlife sanctuaries, caring for animals that can’t survive in the wild, while others may work in fish hatcheries or nature refuges ensuring animals can continue thriving in the wild.Common Volunteer Tasks & ResponsibilitiesVisitor educationWorking in the retail shop or visitor centerGrounds maintenance and restorationFeeding and food preparationCleaning enclosuresCommunity outreachGrant writing and fundraisingObservation and data gatheringSpecial events coordinationRehabilitation and medical carePreparing animals and facilities for seasonal changesYou’re a good fit for this type of volunteering if …You can meet the physical demands of volunteer work, such as lifting heavy objects, bending, twisting and navigating different terrainsYou are comfortable working on different types of tasks as neededYou can commit to training and a consistent volunteer scheduleYou can work in different climates and types of weatherYou communicate effectively with visitors and fellow volunteersSources & Further ReadingCalifornia Wildlife Center – Become a VolunteerU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – VolunteersAnimal Ark Volunteer Program6Volunteering with Animals AbroadVolunteering with animals can be a global adventure. Wildlife and domestic animal populations around the world can benefit from volunteer efforts in a range of capacities, from caring for street dogs to making sure that newly hatched sea turtles survive the dangerous journey from beach to ocean. Because of the incredible breadth of ecosystems, animals, organizations, and needs around the world, international volunteers can offer specialized aid that they may not be able to provide in the U.S. Upon returning home, volunteers can continue spreading awareness of global ecological and animal welfare issues and apply their skills in local settings, too.You’re a good fit for this type of volunteering if …You have a passportYou are at least 18 years old or will be traveling with a parent or volunteer organizationYou are interested in ethical volunteerism abroad, not just social media cloutYou are flexible and adaptableYou can pay travel feesYou can get any requisite vaccinesYou can work in all weather conditions4 Rewarding Ways to Volunteer with Animals AbroadBecause there are so many ways to volunteer with animals abroad, you may find it helpful to narrow your focus to one of the following areas of interest before seeking volunteer positions.Wildlife Sanctuary VolunteeringWildlife sanctuary volunteers help care for sick, injured and orphaned wild animals. Volunteers can work with a wide range of indigenous wildlife in a single area, which makes sanctuary volunteering unique and exciting. Some sanctuaries focus on rehabilitation and release into the wild while others care for animals through the remainder of their lives. Australia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Costa Rica are popular wildlife conservation destinations.Volunteering with Street AnimalsMany areas around the world do not have the resources to care for and house homeless animals. International animal care volunteers typically provide care to street dogs, but opportunities to work with other animals may be available as well. Volunteers generally feed, wash and play with street animals and may help shelter staff with cleaning facilities and providing medical care to animals. Opportunities are common throughout Asia and South America.Volunteering with Marine LifeCoastal regions around the world need volunteers to help preserve and study turtle populations and collect data on reefs, fish and other aquatic life. Volunteers may go on deep dives, comb beaches or help in rehabilitation and care facilities. Marine life volunteer opportunities are common in Costa Rica, Seychelles, Thailand, Fiji, Sri Lanka and Mexico, but opportunities are available in many other island and coastal areas.Farm and Livestock CareThose who volunteer on farms abroad often do a combination of animal care and farming work. Volunteers may learn about sustainable farming practices and help ensure animals are fed and tended. Volunteers may herd goats, milk cows and gather eggs as well as build and repair farm buildings and infrastructure. Farm and livestock opportunities are available in Thailand, Kenya and Nepal.Examples of Animal Volunteering Abroad ProgramsAustralia – Wildlife Animal SanctuaryVolunteers help out at Walkabout Wildlife Park, a wildlife sanctuary and Aboriginal cultural site, for 1 to 4 weeks. Volunteers spend half their on-site time working directly with animals and half maintaining sanctuary grounds. They have weekends free to explore the surrounding areas. Living accommodations are provided on-site.Location(s): Calga, AustraliaGet more infoAnimal Care/Animal Rights in GuatemalaAnimal care volunteers are placed in high-demand facilities, including dog and cat shelters, exotic animal refuges and veterinary clinics, and may perform many basic care duties. The facilities commonly rely on volunteers to clean enclosures, help with vet care, bathe and play with animals and work on small construction projects. Volunteers live with host families during their stay.Location(s): Antigua, GuatemalaGet more infoElephant and Endangered Sea Turtle Coastal Conservation in ThailandVolunteers can have a direct impact on two endangered species: the green sea turtle and the Asian elephant. The program begins on Thailand’s southern coast, where volunteers work with turtle conservation groups, like turtle nurseries. Then volunteers head to northern Thailand to help trainers reintroduce Asian elephants to semi-wild habitats.Location(s): Chiang Mai, Thailand and Phang Nga, ThailandGet more infoMarine and Coast Conservation Volunteer Program in SpainThis volunteer opportunity involves working with marine wildlife as well as studying coastal plants and animals nearby. Volunteer work focuses heavily on gathering data and monitoring wildlife like whales, turtles, dolphins and seabirds. Volunteers also help improve wetland ecosystems and work on underwater and beach cleanups.Location(s): Denia, SpainGet more infoThe Little Farm Friendly ProjectFarm volunteers assist with both animal care and sustainable agricultural work. Animal-focused duties can be hands-on, like feeding, bathing and raising, but volunteers also help with building enclosures and cleaning up after animals. Simple living accommodations are provided along with two meals per day. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one week of work.Location(s): Ratchaburi, ThailandGet more infoHow and Where to Find Animal Volunteer OpportunitiesOnce you’ve decided how you want to volunteer with animals, it can sometimes be difficult finding organizations and programs that are located nearby and/or offer the exact type of volunteer work you’re looking for. Here are some tips and resources for tracking down the perfect animal volunteering opportunity.Look online for animal volunteering opportunitiesWhether going directly to an organization’s website to check their volunteer positions or searching through a volunteer database, looking online can be a great way to find a wide range of animal volunteer options. These websites can get you started in your search:Best Friends National Network: Find a Best Friends volunteer program in your area, or search for a Best Friends Network partner.The Humane Society of the United States: Search for over 60 types of Humane Society animal volunteer opportunities across the United States.Vet Set Go: Vet Set Go is a resource aimed at aspiring veterinarians, but anyone can use their volunteer opportunity search tool.Audubon Society – Audubon Near You: Ornithological enthusiasts may want to hone in on bird-specific volunteer opportunities. Local Audubon societies are a great resource.GoEco – Animal Volunteer Opportunities: Discover a range of opportunities to volunteer with animals abroad and read past volunteers’ experiences.Volunteer.gov: Get involved in government-sponsored wildlife and conservation volunteer projects through http://volunteer.gov.VolunteerMatch: VolunteerMatch is an extensive database of open volunteer positions. Narrow your search to find animal-focused opportunities in your area.GoAbroad – Animal Welfare Volunteer Programs Abroad: A popular resource for international teachers, GoAbroad also helps connect volunteers with animal welfare projects around the world.Petfinder: Unfamiliar with shelters in your area? Petfinder’s shelters and rescues search can help you find a place to volunteer.ASPCA: Learn about and find ASPCA volunteer opportunities by location and area of interest.International Volunteer HQ – Wildlife and Animal Care: International Volunteer HQ facilitates many animal volunteer opportunities abroad and provides helpful information to future volunteers.World Animal Net Directory: Search for animal protection agencies domestically and abroad to help narrow your volunteer opportunity search.Corporation for National and Community Service: This government resource helps volunteers find local opportunities in their area of interest.The Nature Conservancy – Volunteer and Attend Events: Find events and ways to volunteer with The Nature Conservancy, which has chapters around the country.Projects Abroad: Find international volunteering opportunities focused on conservation, animal care, marine life and more.Oceans 2 Earth: Oceans 2 Earth is a nonprofit organization that works exclusively with wildlife habitat conservation and animal welfare organizations around the world.Inquire in-person about volunteer needs near youStopping by an organization in person can often be the most direct way to get information about different volunteer positions. Staff or volunteer coordinators may even be able to give prospective volunteers more detailed information in person. Consider asking about opportunities by visiting a variety of places within your community, including:Animal sheltersWildlife sanctuaries and refugesVeterinary officesConservation organizationsFarm sanctuariesAnimal rehabilitation centersLocal fish and wildlife department or parks and recreation departmentHospitalsAnimal Volunteering ChecklistVolunteering with animals can be exciting and you may be eager to get started, but volunteers typically have to do some prep work before they can lend a hand. Specific procedures vary by organization, but these steps can help potential volunteers get ready to work with animals in need.Research the volunteer requirements and responsibilitiesBefore settling on an opportunity, prospective volunteers need to make sure they meet the position’s requirements and can fulfill all responsibilities. Volunteer coordinators can help potential volunteers find positions at their organizations that may be a good fit.Fill out a volunteer applicationVolunteer applications may be available online or at the volunteer organization. Applications often include requirements, codes of conduct and liability waivers, so be sure to carefully fill out and read through the form.Pay volunteer feesDepending on the organization, volunteers may have to pay a fee. For local organizations, this may cover training and supplies. International volunteering fees may be greater but can cover room, board, and extracurricular activities.Complete a background check, if requiredSome organizations require background checks. Background checks can take a while to process and may require an additional fee, so be sure to inquire about this when researching volunteer requirements.Attend any required volunteer trainingMost organizations require volunteers to attend training sessions before letting them help out. These training sessions are essential in preparing volunteers to provide the best help they can.Get ready to volunteer!Depending on how you volunteer, this can be as simple as putting on animal-friendly clothes or considerably more involved. Fosters, for instance, need to prepare their house for their new animals. International volunteers may need to get passports and vaccines squared away. Careful research and planning can make for a smooth and rewarding volunteer experience.IAdditional Resources and Reading for Volunteering with AnimalsVeterinary Volunteer: 4 Great Ways to Start Volunteering with Animals TodayHumane Society of the United States: What to Know Before You VolunteerWhy We Need More Animal VolunteersSo You Want to Be a Photographer in an Animal Shelter?How to Get Your Dream Job Working in Animal ConservationHow Animal Rescue Volunteers Create Happily Ever AftersAfter that… read through all these articles that I wrote on related subjects. You should find some helpful info in at least a few of these.Stefan Pociask's answer to How can I learn more about nature?Stefan Pociask's answer to Would volunteering at wildlife/nature centers improve my chances of getting a job working with birds?Stefan Pociask's answer to How hard is it to get a job in wildlife conservation? (US)Stefan Pociask's answer to How do you start a career in wildlife conservation?Stefan Pociask's answer to Where can I interact with animals in the wild, and contribute to their well-being?Stefan Pociask's answer to What is it like to be a birds-of-prey rehabilitation specialist?Take any job you can find, even the dirty ones that aren’t as popular… like cleaning trash from a river or riparian area. You will get a good reputation that way, and more and better things will come your way. Good luck!EDIT: ARRGH! I just checked google maps, and this is what has become of my beautiful wilderness full of Bald Eagles and endangered Gopher Tortoises and Indigo Snakes:Ah, well… we gave them a couple of extra decades I guess : (Some final excellent suggestions for you:Wildlife Rehabs. Do some research in your area, and I’m sure you can find at least one of several types of Rehabilitation Centers. Near me I have a Waterfowl Rescue, a Raptor Center and several Wildlife Rehab Centers. There are all sorts of Rehabs specializing in many different things, depending on where you live. You will get to interact with wild animals when they need you most, and when the time comes for them to be set free, you will interact with them when you go to release them into the wild. It’s very satisfying.BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Contact your local office and ask what types of field work opportunities they might have that you can volunteer your time to.Your State Wildlife agency. Same as above. Ask about volunteer opportunities.USFWS. Again, ask for volunteer opportunities.Local Universities. There are often grad students looking for volunteers to help them with projects. Check Natural Resources departments, or Wildlife Biology departments.Call these places and put your name on all their lists. Someone will eventually call you. Enjoy!Now… all you have to do is stop just reading about it, follow up on these websites… … contact them until you find one in your area that needs you… get up off your quarantined butt… and DO something!SO… THOSE ARE A FEW THAT SHOULD GET YOU STARTED!! GOOD LUCK!

Five years of Russian military intervention against Ukraine exposed vulnerabilities in the international security systemNECESSARY FORWARDIt has already been four and a half years since the cynical occupation with the subsequent annexation by Russia of the Ukrainian Crimea took place and Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine in the Donbass began.The vast majority of leading international and domestic political scientists, military-political experts, military experts and analysts share the view that within the framework of the realization of insidious neo-imperial"hybrid politics"Russia has been resolved and now continues the so-called"hybrid war"against Ukraine,ie a full-fledged war - "hybrid" in form and "asymmetric" in content.Its distinction is characterized by the conduct of aggressive hostilities under cover of illegal (informal) armed formations and the simultaneous use of a wide range of political, economic (including energy and trade and economic), as well as information and advocacy measures, of which, as rule, and this "hybrid war" begins and accompanies it throughout the whole period of hostilities.A number of leading experts from the West call it"war of a new generation"or"war of a new generation".The Russian strategy for such a war is directed, first of all, against the weaknesses of Ukraine and the West (US / NATO), not against their force.The new generation's war differs from most expert opinions-assessments of the "... hybrid conflict by the fact that it combines the indecisive, concealed support by the aggressor state of illegal armed units with its direct, complete, and even elementary pursuit of interference at all its stages and in all forms "(identification of experts from the American Research Foundation" Potomak ").Some aspects of this strategy have been manifested earlier in Chechnya, Moldova and Georgia, but in Ukraine, Russia simultaneously tests and improves this strategy.At the same time, for a sufficiently long time (4.5 years) neither in Ukraine nor in the West there has been a thorough research on the analysis and evaluation of the conclusions and lessons of this "hybrid war" that should form the basis for sector building. security and defense of individual countries and coalitions of countries in the context of the"wars of a new generation" ("wars of a new generation").A pleasant exception was the study "The War of the New Generation of Russia" by theAmerican Research Foundation "Potomak" under the leadership of its president, a leading expert on international security and military strategy - Dr.Philip Carber,where the ten most important military-strategic and tactical lessons were given, "... what the US Army should take from this Russo-Ukrainian conflict, ... the largest conflict in Europe after the end of the Second World War."And it is not surprising, since this world-famous scientist-internationalist and military expert, about two dozen times personally visited the Donbas, including directly in the military order in the conflict zone.Incidentally, the shortened version of the study by Dr. Philip Carber co-authored with military expert Joshua Tibold "The War of the New Generation of Russia"provided by them specifically for the Borysphen Intel Center, was published in the magazine of geopolitical analysts "BINELEL" No. 2.Experts from the Independent Analytical Center for Geopolitical Studies Borysphen Intel completed in April 2016 an interim analytical study on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict for the first two years (2014-2016) on the topic"Armed aggression of Russia against Ukraine: peculiarities of preparation and conduct;new challenges and threats ",the results of which were tested both in Ukraine and abroad, and found recognition and support.Today, we will continue this study on the main conclusions and lessons of Russia's "hybrid war" against Ukraine, which in our opinion may be useful for improving and building the security and defense sectors in terms of planning, preparation and holding of "new generation wars" against united Europe (the European Union), the United States / NATO and other countries, including in the post-Soviet space.GEOPOLITICAL CONCLUSIONS AND LESSONSBeginningwith the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Russian Federation, in violation of the existing norms and rules of international law, frankly continued the practice of its "hybrid policy" in relation to international organizations and other countries, including post-Soviet.Among other things, this was reflected in the abolition of the State Duma of the Russian Federation in December 2015 as a primacy of international law (the basic principles of international law, which are imperative norms) in the national legislation of the country.That is, from now on, Russia will "legitimately" not adhere to its obligations (in accordance with international treaties and agreements), its signed and ratified commitments, as well as the norms and standards implemented in its internal (national) legislation "... which will be contrary to her national interests ".The above is fully confirmed by a number of geopolitical conclusions and lessons learned from the results of Russia's "hybrid war" against Ukraine over the past two and a half years, namely:non-fulfillment(neglection) by Russia ofinternational treaties and agreements on maintenance of international security, preservation of statehood, protection of the independence and territorial integrity of sovereign states (UN Charter / circular I, Ch. VI, Ch. VII, Ch. VIII / Helsinki Final Act / 1975; Memorandum on security assurances in connection with the accession of Ukraine to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons / the so-called Budapest Memorandum of December 5, 1994 /) and, as a result, the loss of international authority and trust;non-fulfillment (ignoring) by Russia ofinterstate treaties and agreements with Ukraine (Agreement between Ukraine and the Russian Federation on the status and conditions of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine dated May 28, 1997; Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Partnership between Ukraine and the Russian Federation of 31.05 .997; Treaty between Ukraine and the Russian Federation on the Ukrainian-Russian state border of 28.01.2003) and, as a result, the loss of international credibility and credibility of the CIS member states;lack of effectiveness(influence) of international global and regional security institutions (UN, OSCE, EU, Council of Europe, CIS) or their failure (or reluctance) to intervene in solving contemporary international (interstate) conflict situations, armed conflicts and local wars, and as a result - the loss of their international prestige;the resolution of the Russian Federation ofinterstate contradictions by the inadequate and excessive use of military force outside the existing mechanisms of international security.The transfer of attention in military conflicts to the asymmetrical use of military force by illegal (informal) armed formations, as well as shifting the emphasis in the conduct of war conflicts on the comprehensive use of military and non-military instruments (political, economic, information and psychological, etc.), which fundamentally changes the nature of the classical armed struggle .ECONOMIC CONCLUSIONS AND LESSONSWithin the framework of the hybrid war Ukraine faced the following factors:The breakdown of scientific and technical and defense-industrialrelations between Ukraine and Russia (in the context of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine), under which the main and basic types of weapons and military equipment - By way of updating the technological infrastructure on existing ones and the creation of new defense enterprises, including in cooperation with Western and other countries.The spread of the facts of the criminal"state looting" of the Russian Federation in the occupied territories of the Crimea, certain regions of Donetsk and Lugansk regions for the export to Russia of equipment and technical and technological documentation of high-tech (science-intensive) defense enterprises and objects of the electrical, metallurgical and chemical industries, as well as transport and energy.Russia's use of awide range of problematic issues concerning the supply of energy resources to Ukraine, primarily natural gas (volumes, timing, price policy, bonded conditions of prepayment and payment) as a factor of pressure on Ukraine, as well as the supply of energy carriers to Europe through Ukraine (volumes , transit policy, supply routes) as a factor in the pressure on Europe and Ukraine.Strengthening trade and economic pressureon Ukraine as one of the forms of Russia's economic war against Ukraine through:- a systematic violation by the Russian Federation of the rules and regulations of the Free Trade Agreement of the CIS, signed on October 18, 2011, and from 2016 on the abolition by the Russian Federation (in violation of the provisions and requirements of the World Trade Organization - WTO) of the free trade zone regime with regard to Ukraine;the introduction by the Russian Federation against Ukraine of a food embargo and a ban on the transit of Ukrainian goods to other CIS countries on the territory of Russia;- Violation by the member countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Byelorussia and Russia itself) of the rules and regulations of the WTO during anti-dumping and special defense investigations.MENTAL CONCLUSIONS AND LESSONSThis group of problems is characterized, first of all, by the following factors.Increasing the number, modernization and reforming of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation through the creation of new "strike operational forces" (consisting of renewed and new strike military formations - motorized infantry, tank, airborne / assault / assault divisions and special forces) in the West and South-West Strategic directions, as well as the adoption of new weapons and military equipment, complexes and intelligence and REB, systems and means of secure communication, automated control systemstroops and weapons.Here it is important for us all to understand and remember that intimidation of force has always been an important element of Russian politics (today's "hybrid policy" of Russia), which should be taken very seriously.Especially considering the current realities that arise from thecomparison (comparison) of the military force of theRussian Federationin the West and South-West strategic directionswith the military capabilities of NATO countries in Europe, which is now not in the benefit of the Alliance.First of all, it concerns the main battle tanks, armored combat vehicles (BMW), rocket launchers / RCCs / and artillery systems (including self-propelled ones).Focusing on major effortsin planning and conducting operational and combat training of the headquarters and troops of the Russian Federation during the development ofthe Western and South-West strategic directions(as a rule, in the context of the sudden checks of the readiness of troops and forces in cooperation with other security forces and central and local authorities, as well as SCNS of the type "West" and "Caucasus") offensive (including by means of deep raids operations / actions / on the territory of a contingent opponent), the transfer of troops and equipment to all types of transport and its long distance (including from the Central and Eastern military districts) in order to increase the offensive capabilities of its troops to the most successful operationstheir directions, deployment of combat management bodies and comprehensive provision in field conditions, etc.In the case of Ukraine, such kind of sudden inspections and training were used for the operative masking of mass movement of military formations of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in the framework of their preparation for the illegal annexation of the Ukrainian Crimea and cynical aggression in the East of Ukraine.That is, at the time when the Army of the United States, the NATO member states and the EU, during the last two decades, worked on the task of participating in their national and united military contingents in international peacekeeping operations, the Russian Federation was currently engaged in modernization and reformation for verification and the practical implementation of new concepts for the creation and use of "strike operational forces" by Russian troops in the context of preparing and conducting "new generation operations" ("new generation operations") - that is, so-calledx "hybrid warfare".The radius of defeat ofthe Russian anti-aircraft and anti-ship defenseweaponsdeployed on the Crimean peninsula, as well as planned missile launches of the Iskander-M operational-tactical missile complex (OTRK) and long-range Tu-22M3 bomber missiles planned in the Crimea, according to Western estimates and domestic military specialists, will be able to cover more than 90% of the Black Sea area.Under such circumstances, Russia, if desired, can block the Black Sea Straitsin the Southwest strategic direction(this task was constantly being worked out before the Crimea was occupied), using forces located on the Crimean peninsula, supported by troops and forces of the Southern Military District and the Black Sea Fleet of the Armed Forces The Russian FederationSimilarly, Russia can block the Baltic Straitsin the West strategic direction, using forces located in the Russian enclave-Kaliningrad region (taking into account the deployment of Iskander-M missiles in the enclave of the OTRK), supported by the forces and forces of the Western Military District and the Baltic Fleet of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation .According to estimates of leading western specialists, which coincide with the results of the analysis of the experts of the Borisphen Intel Center, the latest version may precede the beginning of the military aggression of the Russian Federation against the Baltic States and Poland using the Suwalki Gap phenomenon.And indeed, it is very threatening and very real.Also read:That is, if Russia was to prepare for a major war with the West (NATO / US, EU), then the newly formed 1st Guard Tank and 20th Guards Common Army of the Western Military District of the RF Armed Forces (including two newly formed divisions / tank units in Boguchar Voronezh the region and motorized rifle - in the city of Yelnya, Smolensk region)in the West strategic direction isa rather convenient tool for their application in the large-scale (ordinary) war.Thus, this may be one of the likely options for Russia to resolve a major war that remains relevant - against NATO and the united Europe (EU), that is, the Third World War with unpredictable consequences.As for the peculiarities of the situationin the South-West strategic direction,according to experts from the Borisphen Intel Center, the threat of a possible start of a large-scale Russian war against the West (US / NATO, EU) is gradually "sliding" into the southern flank of NATO.Also read:It is here that there is a knot of strategic contradictions between Russia and the West (US / NATO) and Ukraine related to problematic issues that require urgent resolution, namely: Russian occupation and the subsequent annexation by Russia of the Ukrainian Crimea;an unprecedented increase in the military potential of the Russian Federation in the South-West strategic direction (including the newly formed motorized rifle division in Novocherkassk, Rostov region, including the Crimean peninsula and the Black Sea and Mediterranean seas, Russia's constant encroachment on the Black Sea Straits, Russia's plans regarding the placement of Iskander-M on the territory of the Crimea and the deployment of the long-range Tu-22M3 bomber rocket launchers;According to a number of assessments of Russian military experts, not Poland and not the Baltic states, namely Bulgaria and Romania, are the most vulnerable members of NATO.According to their estimates, the Balkans is the most vulnerable region in Europe.In addition, according to some independent experts, as a result of the continuation of Russia's genocidal policy towards the Crimean Tatar people, whose resistance is steadily increasing, Crimea may expect a precedent for Kosovo.And how much is the likelihood that Russia will try to use the "Crimean" and "Balkan" factors in their confrontation with the West (US / NATO, EU)?Extremely large and this factor is not completely unlikely!After two and a half years ago, no one in the West also thought that the Ukrainian Crimea would be captured and annexed by Russia.No one in the West did not even expect anything like that!At the same time, this issue is the subject of a separate study, the results of which will be published by experts of the Center "Borisphen Intel" in the near future.TheUkrainian Crimea and certain Donbass regionsoccupied by the Russianoccupation forces (Russian-terrorist forces) have actually been transformed into a testing ground for testing and testing both modernized and new Russian armaments and military equipment, and for the use of forbidden (non-conventional) weapons, as well as for testing new concepts of the creation and use of Russian troops, including information and special operations.Thus,among the currently identified modernized and new weapons and military equipment of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, it should be noted:- T-72B3 tank;- RSZV Grad, Smerch, Hurricane, Tornado;- armored vehicles "Rys", "Tiger", Ural-63095 "Typhoon";- Self-propelled mortar 2C4 "Tulip";- heavy flame-throwing system TOS-1 "Buratino";- anti-aircraft missile complexes "Tor", "Buk-M1" and "Buk-M2";- anti-aircraft rocket-gun complex "Pantsyr-C1";- complexes of radio-intelligence "Zoo-1M", 1L222 "Avtobaza", 1L267 "Moscow-1";- automated monitoring complex "Thorne-MB";- complexes of electronic warfare "Mercury-BM", "Shipnov-Aero", "Ler-2" (VAT), 1L269 Krasuga-2, 1RL257 "Krasuga-4", ICTC-1A "Judoist";- unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) "Tachyon", "Forpost", "Orlan-10", "Eleron-3SV";- portable anti-aircraft missile system 9K333 "Verba";- jet infantry flamethrower "Shmel'-M";- radar stations 1L271 "Aisthenok" and PSNR-8M.At the same time,among the forbidden samples of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in the East of Ukraine, the following were discovered and identified:- cassette combat part of the jet projectile RZZ 9K58 "Smerch";- a combat element 9Н235 of the cassette combat part of the jet projectile РСЗВ 9К58 "Смерч";- anti-personnel mines PMN-2 and MON-50.Among themost important operational-tactical and military-technical lessons in the context of theuse of modernized and new Russian armaments and military equipment, the following deserve special attention:-widespread use of forces and means by Russian occupation forces (including new samples) of electronic warfare (RBE)Russia is using the radio warfare in the Donbass to achieve four main goals: the primary destruction of the control and communications units by massive rocket-artillery fire at the work of any sources of electromagnetic radiation, the characteristics of which can be specified using unmanned aerial vehicles or radio-electronic intelligence (RER );blocking of any means of electromagnetic communication;the suppression of unmanned aerial vehicles by obstructing the management or transmission of GPS signals;creation of obstacles for the use of enemy artillery and mortars due to the failure (by means of preliminary detonation) of artillery or mortar shells equipped with electronic blowers;-active use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) on both sides of the frontAt the same time, Russia effectively uses UAVs for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance;the determination of the coordinates of targets for the task of massive rocket-artillery strikes in real-time mode, and more recently, as mini-bombers, including inflammable ammunition aimed at places of storage of fuel and ammunition.The combination of small size UAVs, their limited radar profile or infrared characteristics, as well as the difficulty of detecting UAVs (usually directly above or beyond the target) makes the use of ground-air missile systems unlikely and expensive;-intensive use by Russian occupation forces of massive rocket-artillery bombardmentsImproving the effectiveness of airborne surveillance systems based on UAV combined with massive artillery shell fire and MACS have led to a new level of intensity of the modern traditional battle.Russia successfully uses a combination of improved conventional ammunition, remote mine clearance, cassette munitions (for top damage) and thermobaric munitions that have catastrophic consequences when used in massive fire strikes.The results of the conflict in the Donbass indicate that rocket-artillery fire is responsible for about 80% of all victims.At the same time, the combination of unmanned aerial vehicles with artillery systems and the growing role of counterbalanced radar and counter-tank fire on the battlefield reduce the potential of the opposing side to cause fire strikes, forcing the enemy to constantly change positions;-Increase the role and place of heavy armored vehicles on the battlefieldThe role and place of the main battle tanks (OBT) remain decisive in the current battlefield, provided the equipment is equipped with anti-tank missile systems (PTRK) and manual infantry rocket launchers (RPGs).Thus, the modern Russian T-72B3 has modernized armor equipped with dynamic protection system, a new version of the 125-mm gun and, most importantly, an advanced computerized fire control system with improved optics and modern night / all-weather vision devices.The T-90 main battle tank also has all these improvements, but its most important attribute is an integrated active defense system.Using a radar to detect an approaching missile, this system of defense shoots, like a shotgun, a dense curtain of a "cartier" (aerosol grenades) that interfere with the operation of the anti-tank guided missile homing head.Taking into account the experience of the war on the Donbass, Russia has also developed modular active protection systems for their use for the TT-80, T-72 and T-64 OBTs;- vulnerability of light armored infantry combat vehiclesLightweight armored infantry fighting vehicles (BMPs), mobility and firepower of which have priority over survivability, are vulnerable to anti-tank weapons, automatic guns of medium (30 mm) caliber, artillery cassettes and thermobaric munitions.When inflicted, crews of infantry fighting vehicles tend to suffer significant losses from being killed or severely injured; therefore, they also need equipment with integrated active protection systems;- The importance of gaining superiority in the airRussian occupation forces have set up today the densest network of mobile air defense in Donbass.The combination of integrated and united in a single network of self-propelled air defense systems with portable anti-aircraft missile systems (MANPADS) actually supplanted Ukrainian aviation from its own sky.That is why Ukraine faces the most urgent task of gaining superiority in the air by adequately suppressing and destroying enemy air defenses, as well as their protected bases and positions.INFORMATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL CONCLUSIONS AND LESSONSThe main conclusionand lesson of the information-propaganda war of against Ukraine as an important component of the "hybrid war" is its unprecedented character in its content, scope and direction:first, the information war began long before Russia's military aggression against Ukraine and continues to accompany it at all stages, adapting itself to the current goals and objectives;secondly, advocacy and disinformation projects, operations and measures aimed at all strata of the population and all regions of Ukraine, as well as the population of Russia and the West - respectively, with different target entities and tasks;Thirdly, the main goal of the information war in Ukraine is the elimination of the statehood of Ukraine;in Russia - receiving public support to justify the actions of the Russian leadership;for Western countries, discrediting the actions of the leadership of Ukraine and its Armed Forces.Cartoon Serhiy YalkinWith the onset ofUkrainianresistance tomilitary aggression in the territory of Donetsk and Lugansk regions, as well as the occupation and annexation of the Ukrainian Crimea, the information policy of the Russian Federation was transformed into a total military disinformation aggression aimed at demonizing in the eyes of Russian and world society the current leadership of Ukraine.It is possible to confront Russian disinformationonly in close interaction with information resources of democratic Western countries, directing and coordinating joint work not only on the explanation of current Russian information actions, but also on their bias and active opposition.Thus,five and a half years of Russian military intervention against Ukraine exposed vulnerabilities in both the security and defense sectors of Ukraine, the united Europe (EU) and the US / NATO, as well as in the international security system as a whole.Taking into account the lessons of Russia's "hybrid war" in Ukraine, which must be brought from the Russo-Ukrainian conflict on the Donbass Army of Ukraine and the leading Western countries, will clearly contribute to the development and strengthening of the security and defense sectors of both individual countries and coalitions of countries in the context of "new wars generation "(" wars of a new generation ").Russia's further "hybrid war" against Ukraine on the scale and forms of the current year will lead to the gradual exhaustion of Ukraineagainst the background of the possible cessation / weakening of international sanctions against Russia.Under such circumstances, the settlement of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict will require the search for new and much more rational options.Delaying in the time of resolving the conflict will definitely lead to a "frozen" situation, which almost automatically and to the joy of the Putin Kremlin "puts a cross" in the European and Euro-Atlantic prospects of Ukraine indefinitely, as well as the possibility of losing statehood in Ukraine . In general Russia Testing the West,the World Defense System ,in other words Russia does Like to “Shake the Guns” Note . Ukraine is just a peaceful country having so Aggressive Russia, and it could be any country instead of Ukraine ! Moreover ,Here is the Main mistake that Ukraine did in the Past, Ukraine did destroy All Nuclear Weapons but the West did Not appreciate that ! Otherwise Russia would Not start “ the Fire “ so to-speak with Ukraine.

Considering that Mario Lopez himself thinks his own prior statements were “… ignorant …”, quote:“… The comments I made were ignorant and insensitive, and I now have a deeper understanding of how hurtful they were. I have been and always will be an ardent supporter of the LGBTQ community, and I am going to use this opportunity to better educate myself. Moving forward I will be more informed and thoughtful ...”Let’s see if other responders here at Quora follow that “… better educate myself …” imperative.So, let’s all better educate ourselves.Again and again, I will repeat this and expand this until this is old news that everyone knows well and understands implicitly and teaches to their children.For those willing to learn what being ANY sex / gender is, and for those unaware of, or with presumptions of what being trans* sex/gender is all about, here’s a summary, please note how many “SAME” definitions there are for cis sex/gender and trans* sex/gender people alike, and please watch and read autobiography videos, movies, posts, blogs, and books for more:In the womb before birth, our various endocrine subsystems develop their sex / gender under hormone presence, receptivity, and resistance, and where our brain, and our gonads / genitals, which develop at different times, may develop different sex / gender from each other, all naturally, all in the womb, all before birth.Birth-certificate-witness-doctors can only see our genitals, and they assign and register our sex / gender for us accordingly.However, we all self-identify our own sex / gender around 3-years-old according to our own growing self-awareness of the sex / gender of our own brain ( we need no review of our birth certificate assignment, no understanding of future reproductive sexual correlates, no DNA test, no Bible, no liberal indoctrination, no peer pressure ).And, if our brain is a different sex / gender than our genitals, then some of us change our sex / gender assignment through new legal registration with our federal, state, and local self-governance — and that's the same and equal for all of us, the same for cis sex/gender people, and the same for trans* sex/gender people alike.A transition process, if any, is personally variable, and may or may not include any of the following, some of which have absolutely no impact or effect on the sex / gender of one’s body, including the ability to eventually procreate ( parent our own child ):Presenting as one’s own self-identified sex / gender - hair, shoes, clothes, makeup, and so on,Changing one’s name,Registering one’s own self-identified sex / gender with any territorial self-governance ( no surgery necessary in the US ),Hormones ( now we enter the realm of possible interference with reproduction ),Surgery, including:top ( secondary sex / gender endocrine subsystems ),bottom ( primary sex / gender endocrine subsystems ),face and voice ( safety, as well as self-identity, especially for trans* sex/gender females ).We can all search the web and our local libraries and educate ourselves with something new and so important to understand, try these keywords:in womb brain sex gender development for reports of 20+ years settled and continuously evolving science, biology, medicine, endocrinology, psychiatry, and law, the same for cis sex/gender people and trans* sex/gender people alike.age of trans* sex/gender self awareness for self-testimony on self-identification, legally equal, the same for cis gender people and trans* sex/gender people alike.Spack trans* sex/gender thrive for the applied life-saving endocrinology support for people worthy of equal happiness, equal participation, equal success in our society, in their own society.register sex gender SSA and sex gender visa passport to see how to register our own self-identified sex / gender with our Social Security Administration at the federal, state, and local level, and secure national and international visa and passports that accurately present our own self-identified sex / gender identification, again, same for cis sex/gender people and trans* sex/gender people alike.trans* sex/gender 101 and trans* sex/gender stories books autobiographies for expansive exploration of real people’s experience, testimony, and references, and to connect us with the wonderful and challenging worlds of people who have incredible and inspirational stories to share.And let's all watch and listen to trans* sex/gender people's own stories on TED and YouTube.… and PLEASE let's all grow some informed empathy.And our own confusion about trans* sex/gender people will be relieved as quickly as we learn new things.Look stuff up with me — let's all enjoy learning.And never forget to treat others with the dignity and respect that they would like, equivalent to what we would like for ourselves.These are life lessons for ourselves, and for our parents and grandparents, for our siblings, children, friends, neighbors, folks we work with, and so on.No more second class citizens, ever, please — thank you.- - - - - - - - - -^ Illustration: Courtney and Mario Lopez welcome their newborn child, Santino Rafael, wrapped in a trans* sex/gender-flag color blanket.- - - - - - - - - -In response to others:Thanks for sharing your speculations from your imagination of what it must be for other people, so you think it must be that way for other people.Your sharing illustrates for me that you self-identify as male and had reinforcement for that through other-identification all your life long, so all was well for you.Your story about playing with toys marketed to girls is telling ( behavior has nothing to do with sex/gender self-identification, by the way ), in that as soon as your father recognized that you were playing with them in a boy’s way, all was good.However, if you went to your day and said:“… Dad, I’m a girl …”… your sharing so far tells me that your father might not have said:“… Cool, tell me more … and I’m going to learn all I can about this, read books, talk to others who have this experience, because I really don’t know a thing about being different inside than outside …”.Correct me if I’m wrong, and please ask your father, if he is available, to confirm his potential acceptance or rejection of you being a girl in spite of him seeing you as a boy.Perhaps, as other reluctant and recalcitrant fathers have, he might have said things like:“… Don’t be silly, and don't be a sissy, and don't even go there, don’t bring this up again, you’re a boy, and that’s that, and if you do bring it up again, I’ll give you what for, and if you persist, I will throw you out of this house and deny that I ever had a son, and you can fend for yourself out there on your own, now get out of my sight until you can be a man …”.I dunno, you tell me.- - - - - - - - - -We forget that “sex”/gender is considered even before someone is born, “sex”/gender is the first thing anyone says about someone - “… is it a boy or girl? …” - and “sex”/gender is learned about at every opportunity and interaction - “female” mother nurtures and feeds, “male” father plays or goes away, “boy” brothers and “girl” sisters, and so on.Preschoolers know about “sex”/gender already.If - and this is becoming a less sure “if” - a baby has correspondence and confirmation with those around them, then the baby’s self-identification is reinforced, they find acceptance, and they thrive.If - and this is becoming a more recognized “if” - a baby has dissonance and differences and lack of identification with those around them, then the baby’s self-identification is diminished, they find rejection, and they fail to thrive.And worse, if everyone in society also rejects and diminishes that baby, that child, that young adult, that adult, then their inborn unalienable equal rights to their own life, to their own liberty, to their own pursuit of their own happiness, is not secured, especially by the self-governance that we-the-people established to do so, and we assigned our self-governance to be responsible for public education for every one of us, no exceptions.In other words, if other people, and our government, do not treat a “different” person equally, then we all are responsible for diminishing that other person’s equal humanity, and in so doing, we all are also diminishing our own humanity.- - - - - - - - - -Prior post:“… Why can we not encourage people to be happy with what they are, and to do those things that make them happy, even if they are not traditionally associated with the gender that they are born? …”That’s exactly what we all want for our own selves, including trans* sex/gender people who simply want to be happy as who they are.Not as who someone else tells them who they are.But as we all do, legally equally, tell ourselves who we ourselves are.How can someone, anyone, pursue their own happiness if they must get other people’s review and approval for their own pursuit of their own happiness, a different route than other get to pursue?Do you need someone else’s permission to pursue your own happiness?Than why do you think that some other people do need someone else’s permission to pursue their own happiness?- - - - - - - - - -Prior post:“… There is plenty of time to ponder that after they undergo puberty …”Again with the pursuit of happiness permission door slammed in the face of only some people.Why?That reveals a severe lack of understanding of what a trans* sex/gender person experiences going through the puberty of the wrong sex/gender, developing physical structures and features averse to their own identity, development that daily increases the stress of existence, and the expense and struggle of undoing those changes.Changes which, through puberty blockers, could be entirely avoided.There is absolutely no need for anyone to go through a puberty that is physically and mentally and emotionally and financially annihilating.- - - - - - - - - -The prior post is full of many many words that do not come from the people being spoken about - trans* sex/gender people.I suggest reading biographies and autobiographies of trans* sex/gender people and let their words speak for themselves:Becoming A Visible Man by Jamison Green, Ph.D.: Combines candid autobiography with informed analysis to offer unique insight into the multiple challenges of the female-to-male trans* sexual/gender experience, ranging from encounters with prejudice and strained relationships with family to the development of an FTM community and the realities of surgical sex reassignment.Sex/Gender Born, Sex/Gender Made: Raising Healthy Sex/Gender-Nonconforming Children by Diane Ehrensaft, Ph.D: Ehrensaft offers parents, clinicians, and educators guidance on both the philosophical dilemmas and the practical, daily concerns of working with children who don’t fit a “typical” sex/gender mold, debunks outmoded approaches to sex/gender nonconformity that may actually do children harm, offers a new framework for helping each child become their own unique, most sex/gender-authentic person.Sex/Gender Outlaw: On Men, Women and the Rest of Us by Kate Bornstein: Part coming-of-age story, part mind-altering manifesto on sex/gender, and sexuality, drawn directly from the life experiences of a trans* sexual/gender woman.Helping Your Trans* Sex/Gender Teen: A guide for parents by Irwin Krieger: If you are the parent of a trans* sex/gender teen, this book will help you understand what your child is feeling and experiencing. Irwin Krieger is a clinical social worker with many years of experience helping trans* sex/gender teens. This book brings you the insights gained from his work with these teenagers and their families.He’s My Daughter: A Mother’s Journey to Acceptance by Eve Langley: Lynda’s account of how she adjusted to the reality that her eldest son had decided to physically become a woman is the story of a family. Tears and laughter, support and withdrawal, accompany Toni–now the eldest daughter–as she maps out her new life. And with her all the time is Lynda, her mother. Helping to select her wardrobe, guiding her in the subtleties of speech and behavior, and supporting her, especially in the early stages of her new life as a woman.The Last Time I Wore A Dress by Daphne Scholinski: This memoir recounts the author’s three years spent in mental institutions for, among other things, Sex/Gender Identity Discomfort. Because she was a tomboy who wore jeans and T-shirts and didn’t act enough like a girl, her treatment, in addition to talk therapy, isolation, and drugs, required her to wear makeup, walk with a swing in her hips, and pretend to be obsessed with boys.My Husband Betty by Helen Boyd: Author Helen Boyd is a happily married woman whose husband enjoys sharing her wardrobe. Boyd gives a thoughtful account of their relationship ( as well as the relationships of other crossdressers she knows ) in this forthright and revelatory book.On the Couch with Dr Angello: Raising & Supporting Trans* Sex/Gender Youth by Dr. Michele Angello: When a single child comes out, their entire family will transition, along with their community. This is an eye-opening guide to navigating social spaces when most don’t quite understand the process of changing sex/genders.Queerly Beloved by Diane and Jacob Anderson-Minshall: After fifteen years as a lesbian couple, Jacob came out to Diane as a trans* sex/gender man. Eight years later, the couple not only remains together, they still identify as queer, still work in LGBT media, and remain part of the LGBT community. The authors delve into their relationship to reveal the trials and tribulations they have faced along the way.Raising My Rainbow: Adventures in Raising a Fabulous, Sex/Gender Creative Son by Lori Duron: A frank, heartfelt, and brutally funny account of Duron and her family’s adventures of distress and happiness raising a Sex/gender-creative son.Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More by Janet Mock: In 2011, Marie Claire magazine published a profile of Janet Mock in which she stepped forward for the first time as a trans* sex/gender woman. Those twenty-three hundred words were life-altering for the PEOPLE.com | Celebrity News, Exclusives, Photos, and Videos editor, turning her into an influential and outspoken public figure and a desperately needed voice for an often voiceless community.The Right To Be Out: Sexual Orientation and Sex/Gender Identity in America’s Public Schools by Stuart Biegel: Biegel begins with a cogent history and analysis of the dramatic legal developments concerning the rights of LGBT persons since 1968, turns to what K–12 schools should do-and in many cases have already done-to implement right-to-be-out policies, examines recent legal and public policy changes that affect LGBT students and educators in the K–12 public school system, underlying all of these issues is an implicit tension about the right to be out, a right that is seen as fundamental within LGBT communities today and, legally, draws on both the First Amendment right to express an identity and the Fourteenth Amendment right to be treated equally. Biegel addresses the implications of asserting and protecting this right within the hotly contested terrain of America’s public schools.She’s Not the Man I Married: My Life with a Trans* Sex/Gender Husband by Helen Boyd: As Boyd struggles to understand the nature of marriage, passion, and love, she shares her confusion and anger, providing a fascinating observation of the ways in which relationships are sex/gendered, and how we cope, or don’t, with the emotional and sexual pressures that sex/gender roles can bring to our marriages and relationships.She’s Not There: A Life in Two Genders by Jennifer Finney Boylan: This bestseller is the winning, utterly surprising story of a person changing sex/genders. By turns hilarious and deeply moving, Boylan explores the territory that lies between men and women, examines changing friendships, and rejoices in the redeeming power of family.The Social Justice Advocate’s Handbook: A Guide to Sex/Gender by Sam Killerman: A book about sex/gender with no mention of the word “hegemony,” but plenty of references to Star Wars, The Matrix, Lord of the Rings, and Star Trek - with less of a focus on overwhelming scholarship and more of a focus on enjoyable learning. A couple hundred pages of sex/gender exploration, social justice how-tos, practical resources, and fun graphics and comics, it offers clear, easily-digested, and practical explanations of one of the most commonly misunderstood things about people.Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg: Published in 1993, this brave, original novel is considered to be the finest account ever written of the complexities of a trans* sex/gender existence.Stuck in the Middle with You: A Memoir of Parenting in Three Sex/Genders by Jennifer Finney Boylan: A father for six years, a mother for ten, and for a time in between, neither, or both, Boylan has seen parenthood from both sides of the sex/gender divide. When her two children were young, Boylan came out as trans* sex/gender, and as she transitioned from a man to a woman and from a father to a mother, her family faced unique challenges and questions. In this thoughtful, tear-jerking, hilarious memoir, Boylan asks what it means to be a father, or a mother, and to what extent sex/gender shades our experiences as parents.Supporting and Caring for Our Sex/Gender Expansive Youth, a report from Sex/Gender Spectrum and the Human Rights Campaign: This report examines the experiences of survey respondents whose sex/gender identities or expressions expand our conventional understanding of sex/gender. It is designed to provide adults with a better understanding of these youth and to help adults find ways to communicate with and support all youth in their lives. The report also provides information and suggestions for those seeking to increase their comfort and competency with the evolving landscape of sex/gender identity and expression.Trans Bodies, Trans Selves: A Resource for the Trans* Sex/Gender Community edited by Laura Erickson-Schroth: A comprehensive guide written by, for, and about trans* sex/gender and sex/gender queer people.The Trans* Sex/Gender Child: A Handbook for Families and Professionals by Stephanie A. Brill and Rachel Pepper: The Trans* Sex/Gender Child is a comprehensive guidebook that, through research and interviews, provides insight on how to raise trans* sex/gender and sex/gender nonconforming children with love and compassion.Trans* Sex/Gender Family Law: A Guide to Effective Advocacy by Jennifer Levi & Elizabeth E. Monnin-Browder: This book provides a comprehensive treatment of family law issues involving trans* sex/gender persons. Various experts have written chapters that provide practical advice on providing effective representation for trans* sex/gender clients. Family law practitioners representing this community often encounter challenging issues unique to trans* sex/gender individuals. Some of these topics include legal recognition of post-transition name and sex/gender registration, parental rights, relationship recognition and protections, divorce and relationship dissolution, custody disputes involving trans* sex/gender children, legal protections for trans* sex/gender youth, intimate partner violence, and estate planning and elder law. This book serves as a resource for those practicing in this emerging and constantly changing area of law.Trans-Kin: A Guide for Family and Friends of Trans* Sex/Gender People by Dr Eleanor A Hubbard, Cameron T Whitley, editors: a collection of stories from significant others, family members, friends and allies of trans* sex/gender persons ( SOFFAs ). Powerful, thought-provoking and enlightening, this collection will provide for the head and the heart of anyone who has ever loved a trans* sex/gender person, also an essential read for allies of the trans* sex/gender community and anyone who wishes to become one.Trans* Sex/Gender Employment Experiences: Sex/Gender Perceptions and the Law by Kyla Bender-Baird: Brings together the workplace experiences of trans* sex/gender people with an assessment of current policy protections, using personal interviews, legal case histories, and trans* sex/gender theory.Trans* Sex/Gender History by Susan Stryker: a chronological approach to trans* sex/gender history from the mid-twentieth century to its publication in 2008 by examining movements, writings, and events.Trans* Sex/Gender Warriors: The Making of History from Joan of Arc to Dennis Rodman by Leslie Feinberg: author of Stone Butch Blues, examines historical notions of sex/gender, how they have shifted over time, and how societies that celebrated sex/gender creativity and variance were structured.Trans* Sex/Gender Workplace Diversity: Policy Tools, Training Issues and Communication Strategies for HR and Legal Professionals by Jillian T Weiss, JD, PhD.: Explanation and how-to for HR and legal professionals on trans* sex/gender policy development, training and communication strategies for the workplace.Transitions of the Heart edited by Rachel Pepper: The first collection to ever invite mothers of trans* sex/gender and sex/gender variant children of all ages to tell their own stories about their child’s sex/gender transition. Sharing stories of love, struggle, and acceptance, this collection of mother’s voices, representing a diversity of backgrounds and sexual orientations, affirms the experience of those who have raised and are currently raising trans* sex/gender and sex/gender variant children between the ages of 5–50.Two Spirits, One Heart: A Mother, Her Trans* Sex/Gender Son, and Their Journey to Love and Acceptance by Marsha Aizumi with Aiden Aizumi: In this first of its kind, illuminating new book, PFLAG mother, educator and LGBT activist Marsha Aizumi shares her compelling story of parenting a young woman who came out as a lesbian, then transitioned to male. The book chronicles Marsha’s personal journey from fear, uncertainty, and sadness to eventual unconditional love, acceptance, and support of her child who struggled to reconcile his sex/gender identity.Whipping Girl: A Trans* Sexual/Gender Woman on Sexism/Genderism and the Scapegoating of Femininity by Julia Serano: A collection of personal essays that debunk many of the myths and misconceptions that people have about trans* sex/gender women, as well as the subject of sex/gender in general.Red by Michael Hall Michael Hall tells the story of a crayon who is having an identity crisis. His label says red, but everything he tries to draw comes out blue! The other crayons insist that Red try harder, apply himself more, and really focus on being red. It isn’t until someone asks Red to draw a blue ocean, that Red realizes what he truly is: a blue crayon in a red wrapper. Red, who had been downtrodden after failed attempts to create red images, is now joyous! He draws blue jeans, a blue whale, and blue birds. His new identity is accepted by the other crayons, though a few try to claim they knew it all along. This is one of our editor’s favorite children’s books. The inspiration came from Hall’s own experiences with dyslexia, but the narrative has also been widely embraced by the trans* sex/gender community. It’s a wonderful story about being true to who you are that any child can relate to, and it’s particularly poignant for a reader who feels as though they too have been labeled incorrectly.Introducing Teddy by Jessica Walton and illustrated by Dougal MacPherson Errol and his teddy bear are best friends. They ride bikes, play in the park, have tea parties, and more. Every day is a new adventure… until Errol realizes that his friend is quite sad. This bear’s fluffy heart is burdened with a secret: Her name is Tilly, not Thomas. She confesses that she was afraid to tell Errol. What if he didn’t want to be friends anymore? Errol assures her that their friendship is more important to him than anything else, including whether she’s a girl or boy teddy bear. Of course he accepts her for being who she is! Tilly happily removes her bowtie and places it atop her head, and Errol races to call their friend Ava so they can go to the park and play. This picture book, inspired by author Jessica Walton’s father’s transition from male to female, acknowledges the very real fear in coming to loved ones with a secret that they may not accept. It also shows readers that true friends want you to be happy and will love you no matter what.Rough Tough Charley Charley Parkhurst’s life was legendary, ran away from an orphanage at age 12, learned to work with horses, traveled to California during the Gold Rush, and later became one of the bravest and fastest stagecoach drivers on the coast … after death, it was discovered that Charley had been born a woman. Little is known about why Charley presented as a man. Maybe that is the sex/gender that felt true to him, or maybe he saw the limits of being a woman at that time and wanted the freedom to work, vote, and do as he pleased. What we do know is that he was a talented and brave human being. His story should inspire all readers who strive to be true to themselves. Readers interested in a more modern biography should check out I Am Jazz by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings.George by Alex Gino A middle grader named George learns to stand up for herself in Alex Gino’s debut novel. When she learns that this year’s school play is Charlotte’s Web, 10-year-old George is determined to win the coveted role of Charlotte. But her teacher doesn’t even allow her to audition because, like everyone else, she believes that George is a boy. But George isn’t ready to give up just yet. Both hopeful and heartbreaking, George’s tale about asking the world to see her for who she is will resonate with readers and stay with them long after they’ve turned the final page.The Other Boy by M.G. Hennessey Twelve-year-old Shane Woods is keeping a secret. He hasn’t told his baseball team, his best friend, Josh, or his crush, Madeline, that he’s about to start taking testosterone so that his growing body can keep up with other boys his age. His friends have only ever known him as a boy, and he isn’t sure how they’d react if they knew the truth. Before he can work up the nerve to tell them, a bully learns his secret and decides to spread the word. The aftermath is brutal, and Shane isn’t sure if he’ll be able to survive it. Thankfully, he isn’t alone; through a support group he meets a trans* sex/gender girl named Alejandra. M.G. Hennessey’s middle grade novel doesn’t shy away from tough moments, but it still leaves readers with a hopeful ending.Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky In Grayson’s dreams, she’s a girl wearing beautiful dresses. She keeps these thoughts from those around her, fearing what they might say, but when she’s given the chance to audition for the school play, she decides to take the risk. The Greek goddess Persephone is the lead role, and Grayson relates to her captivity in a profound way. Through the play, Grayson begins to find the support she needs from the director (a teacher) and her fellow cast members.If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo It’s an understatement to say that representation is important; it’s vital to creating accepting and understanding communities. This is why we’re particularly excited about this book, which uses a trans* sex/gender model on the cover. After living with her mom while she transitioned from Andrew to Amanda, high school senior Amanda Hardy transfers schools and moves to Lambertville, Tennessee to live with her estranged father. Being the new girl is always a challenge, but things start to look up when Amanda meets the charming and handsome Grant Everett. Inspired in part by author Meredith Russo’s own experiences as a trans* sex/gender woman, this is a beautiful and genuine coming-of-age story about being yourself and falling in love.The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson Lisa Williamson’s novel about two trans* sex/gender teenagers was inspired by the individuals she met while working at the Sex/Gender Identity Development Service in London. The story revolves around Leo and David. Their friendship begins with math tutoring, but really takes off when David learns that Leo is trans* sex/gender. David, who has longed to be a girl for years, is amazed to meet someone who understands those feelings and is passing. Together, they learn to rely on each other for support. Halfway through the novel, David chooses the name Kate, though he continues to use he/him pronouns. His journey shows that the transition process can be slow and steady, often moving forward a step at a time. With David and Leo, Williamson wanted to convey the different experiences that trans* sex/gender men and women go through. She told the Guardian about the teens she met with: “Some encountered bullying and prejudice, others overwhelming support and kindness. There is no universal experience and I wanted to communicate this.”Beast by Brie Spangler Who doesn’t love a modern fairy tale adaptation? Brie Spangler’s Beast is about a 15-year-old boy named Dylan who doesn’t quite fit in. As a specimen, yes, he’s intimidating: He’s a towering 6’4” and hairier than a “throw rug.” Girls are afraid of him; guys mock him. When Dylan slips and falls from the roof, his mother worries that it was intentional and signs him up for group therapy. That’s where he meets Jamie. She’s smart, beautiful, and trans* sex/gender. On the first day of therapy, she told the group that she’s a trans* sex/gender girl, but Dylan wasn’t paying attention. This is an enchanting and insightful tale about breaking stereotypes and accepting people just as they are.When the Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore Readers looking for just a touch of fantasy should pick up Anna-Marie McLemore’s tale of friendship and magical realism. She tells the story of Miel and Sam, best friends who would do anything for each other. Sam has lived as a boy for most of his life and finds solace in the Pakistani practice of bacha posh, where a daughter in a family without sons is raised as a boy until she’s of marriageable age. Sam has wondered if he’d grow up and want to be a woman, but in his heart feels like he truly is meant to be a man. This is a sensitive and rich tale that readers won’t soon forget.Beyond Magenta by Susan Kuklin Through interviews and photography, author Susan Kuklin captures the lives of six American teenagers. Some identify as trans* sex/gender, others as sex/gender queer, and all provide valuable insight into the lives of young adults who are breaking free of rigid sex/gender stereotypes. In a starred review, Publishers Weekly says, “Readers will gain a real understanding of sex/gender as a spectrum and a societal construct, and of the challenges that even the most well-adjusted, well-supported trans* sex/gender teens face.”The Sunlight Pilgrims by Jenni Fagan In this novel by Jenni Fagan, readers will meet Constance and her pre-teen daughter, Stella, a trans* sex/gender girl. Constance and Stella are living in Scotland in 2020, battling extreme weather and natural disasters that seem to suggest that the end of the world might be close at hand. When a newcomer named Dylan comes to town, their lives will become entwined in ways they could not have foreseen. For readers who enjoy apocalyptic fiction, this novel is sure to hit all of the right notes. We even called this book one of the must-read novels of this summer.This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel Rosie thought that she had four sons until the day that her youngest, three-year-old Claude, told her otherwise. Claude expressed a desire to be called Poppy, and Rosie and her husband Penn began to adjust to the challenges of raising a trans* sex/gender girl. This revelation, of course, had a big impact on Poppy and her family, and led them to move across the country to find a more accepting community to live in. Laurie Frankel’s forthcoming novel delves into the joys and trials of parenting a trans* sex/gender child, and the experiences chronicled here will resonate with all readers—not just those who are in Rosie and Penn’s shoes.Bad Boy by Elliot Wake Elliot Wake (formerly known as Leah Raeder) writes about the life of a trans* sex/gender male YouTube vlogger in this exciting new romantic thriller. Renard Grant has two lives: a public life as an internet personality, and a hidden life as a member of Black Iris, a vigilante group that specializes in taking down rapists. When Renard is accused of rape, however, it turns his world upside down—particularly because Renard himself has been the victim of assault, albeit in a female body. Wake’s new novel hits shelves on December 6.Full Fathom Five by Max Gladstone If you’re looking for a legal thriller set in a fantasy world, check this book out. It takes place on the tropical island of Kavekana. Kai, our trans* sex/gender heroine, is a priest who creates gods. Her creations accept sacrifices and protect worshipers from other gods, but they lack self-awareness… or so Kai thought. When she attempts to save one of her creations from dying, she’s injured and put out of work. With free time on her hands, she starts to investigate why her gods are dying and is shocked to uncover a conspiracy. This is the third book in Max Gladstone’s Craft Sequence series. Each novel can be read as a standalone, though the tales all take place in the same universe and dedicated readers will see some characters pop up in more than one book.Transcendent edited by K.M. Szpara This collection’s subtitle is “The Year’s Best Trans* Sex/Gender Speculative Fiction,” and we think you’ll agree. These stories take on sex/gender and identity in fascinating and thought-provoking ways, sometimes directly, sometimes through metaphor. Kirkus wrote, “The speculative scenarios match with trans* sex/gender perspectives in such complementary, productive ways that one wonders why it hasn’t been done more often. Traditional boundaries of identity and structure are blessedly absent, as this anthology challenges readers’ expectations in ways that few have managed to do before.”Man Alive by Thomas Page McBee While beginning his transition from female to male, Thomas McBee found himself examining masculinity in a whole new way. He begins his memoir by recalling two vivid memories: In one, a mugger threatens his life and then lets him go free. In another, he comes clean to his mother about the abuse he suffered at his father’s hands. This kickstarts an insightful examination of what is means to be a man in the biological and cultural sense of the word. In a starred review, Kirkus writes, “This is quite a story, masterfully rendered.”In the Darkroom by Susan Faludi After undergoing sex/gender reassignment surgery at the age of 76, Stefánie decided to reach out to her daughter. The two had barely spoken over the last 25 years, and the email came as a shock to Stefánie’s daughter, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Susan Faludi. The exchange prompted Faludi to travel to Hungary to visit Stefánie and examine who her father had become during their long absence from each other’s lives. This book not only examines Stefánie’s identity and her complicated relationship with masculinity, it also explores the existing prejudice in Hungary and the reforging of a bond between parent and child.A Murder Over a Girl by Ken Corbett It’s reported that one in two trans* sex/gender individuals are sexually abused or assaulted at some point in their lives. The Human Rights Campaign notes that “it is clear that fatal violence disproportionately affects trans* sex/gender women of color.” This makes psychologist Ken Corbett’s book about a 2008 murder more vital than ever before. Fourteen-year-old Brandon McInerney shot and killed Larry King, a classmate who had begun to explore sex/gender identity and had recently started going by Leticia. Corbett, frustrated by the media’s avoidance of the role sex/gender and race played in the crime, traveled to California to attend the trial. This is a challenging and heartbreaking read, but an incredibly important one.Becoming Nicole by Amy Ellis Nutt While some individuals realize that they are trans* sex/gender later in life, others know it from a very young age. Nicole knew it from the time that she was little, always insisting that she was female, while the rest of her family referred to her as Wyatt. Nicole’s family reexamines their rigid views about sex/gender in this book by Pulitzer Prize-winning science reporter Amy Ellis Nutt. Nicole’s twin brother Jonas says he always knew that she was a girl. Her mother, Kelly, realizes that loving and supporting her child is more important than anything. But Wayne, Nicole’s father, is a Republican and Air Force veteran who struggles with the transition. Readers will watch him evolve into a passionate advocate for trans* sex/gender rights. Coming out as trans* sex/gender to one’s family can be incredibly stressful, but this book offers great insight and hope that sometimes love really does conquer all.Trans Bodies, Trans Selves This massive tome is written by and for trans* sex/gender individuals. With over 200 trans* sex/gender or sex/gender queer contributors featured in this book, readers are sure to find a voice and a story that they relate to. The book explores sex/gender, race, religion, mental health, parenthood, and so much more. Advocate, who named it one of the Best Trans* Sex/Gender Nonfiction Books of 2014, said, “At over 672 pages, Trans Bodies, Trans Selves looks to be the most comprehensive trans* sex/gender resource ever published.” It also serves as a reminder that there is no right or wrong way to be trans* sex/gender because each experience and expression of sex/gender is wholly unique.- - - - - - - - - -Let’s get busy reading!- - - - - - - - - -Answer requested by and Question added by Daniel Agudelo “… What do you think about Mario Lopez's statement saying that 3-year-olds can't decide their gender? (What do you think about Mario Lopez's statement saying that 3-year-olds can't decide their gender?) …” #790688148 · Thank · Report · 1 Aug 2019 7:58 AM.