>International Otter Survival Fund
http://otter.org/Public/Events_OurCurrentEvent.aspx
>WE ARE THEIR VOICE! We must spread the word and encourage others to become involved and aware of the situation for otters in the environment and the delicate balance of their survival.
Now that's the problem I have with IOSF.
"Spreading the word" is a code-word for doing nothing.
It's the mentality of "I'm gonna go tell people and someone else will take action for me, so I don't have to do anything myself."
Indeed there isn't a word on that page about what it actually means "to become involved", or how one would go about it.
At best it'll end up as an endless chain of people telling other people to get involved, who then go and tell yet other people to get involved.
And none of these people will actually become 'involved' in anything.
Well, lets say we succeed and everyone is aware of the problem. Then what? Will anything change? Probably not.
The masses are passive and docile. If the message reaches them one day it will be forgotten the next morning, in favour of the more mundane things. It is a waste of time to try and get them on our side. At best, they are good for a few donations.
There is no strength in numbers. The decisive strength is in those few that are willing to take action.
The ones determined to fight and toil for the Otter are the ones that make a difference.
It's not people whose idea of activism is clicking Like on Facebook, or using a hashtag, or buying £10 T-shirts.
IOSF however, don't seem to encourage any other kind of activity than that.
I've read through their website and under the "How You Can Help" section, all they tell you to do is give them money, and nothing else.
Every category boils down to the same thing.
>Adopt an otter
Give us money!
>Donate
Give us money!
>Raise funds for us
Give us money!
>Visit the Otter Shop
Give us money!
Even the part where it says "there are many other ways in which you can help", only leads to a page with more instructions to give them money!
Of course they're doing some fantastic work with sanctuaries and projects all over the world, so giving them money should certainly be encouraged.
But is that really enough? Isn't there more that could be done?
Let's discuss ways we can actually take action and help our local Otter population.
