If I Were DIRECTOR OF AMBASSADOR PROGRAMS at CMI

I am honored to call myself an Ambassador for the Cesar Millan Foundation. As individuals can choose to do as much or as little as they want with this esteemed title, my choice is to reach for nothing short of the moon.

The Ambassador Program has unlimited potential as an engine of education and pro-action, but it is presently not altogether organized, in such a way that clearly defines what it means to do a CMI Ambassador’s work in the world. Today - September 20th, 2011 – I checked the Ambassadors forum on the CMI website, and noticed that nothing new has been posted since May 4th, 2011. Of the postings from months ago, none pointed specifically to the work of Ambassadors, except for individuals’ profiles.

Speaking in whatever "cosmic" terms may apply, I - in a sense - "submit" this as my APPLICATION to create and/or fulfill the envisioned role of DIRECTOR OF AMBASSADOR PROGRAMS at CMI. I have a heart, soul and mind dangerously close to bursting with ideas, energy and passion to do exactly this work; and I want and need nothing more in life than the RIGHT PROFESSIONAL PLATFORM from which to do it.

While I have found some success and fulfillment as a “lone wolf” in my Life’s Work with animals, I feel that – for it to ignite into a fast and furious flame – my personal spark needs connection with a creative, supportive pack of like-minded people, working together for a common purpose. I am certain that, within an organization like CMI, I would be an invaluable asset to the team’s collective mission.

IF GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO DIRECT THE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM AT CMI, I would see to it that Cesar’s Rules infiltrate animal welfare efforts around the globe, in tangible and productive ways. I would utilize social media to build a proactive network of CMI Ambassadors; whereby the sharing of individuals’ Ambassador efforts in online forums would have an exponential “ripple effect” throughout the Ambassador community. I would focus on creating a sustainable program, whose influence would deepen, and gain momentum over time.

 As the Director of Programs for CMI Ambassadors, I would:

• Work to get the Ambassador program much more exposure, and provide more structure and definition to those interested in getting involved.

* Work with the goal(s) in mind of (A) Sparking the general, dog-loving public's desire and willingness to VOLUNTEER at their local shelters and rescue organizations; by stressing that giving of oneself through SERVICE WORK is, in itself, integral to becoming a great Pack Leader. It is humbling and empowering, and NECESSARY. (B) Fueling this interest in people, through their desire to be connected with Cesar's powerful influence, and their personal allegiance to teaching CESAR'S WAY in their own communities. (C) Eventually seeing Cesar's influence infiltrate shelter volunteer work such that, over time, all SHELTERS will BECOME DOG PSYCHOLOGY Centers in their own right - places of rehabilitation and healing, (with emphasis on physical fitness/rehab programs). In other words, I would focus on "recruiting" more volunteers in all communities - in the one, "collective" community -  and help designate ways for these volunteers to put Cesar's Rules into action with their volunteer work.

• Maintain a bi-monthly e-newsletter, showcasing Ambassadors’ various projects around the world; sharing relevant articles and stories, etc.

• Moderate a Facebook group, linked to CMI, specifically for Ambassadors. This would be an easily accessible place to have forum discussions, and maintain an ongoing dialogue among Ambassadors.

• Create an Ambassador Incentive Program, which could be implemented in any animal rescue organization or shelter where people volunteer. I believe that simply having the “title” of Ambassador – being connected to Cesar and his work, if even indirectly – is itself an incentive to become an animal rescue volunteer. I believe if shelters had a structured program in place specifically geared toward CMI Ambassador volunteers, the ability to spread Cesar’s message, and initiate his practices in shelter settings, would be greatly enhanced.

• Design a handful of Ambassador Project “templates”, to further define – and refine - the goals of the program. One such template would help Ambassadors implement elements of the SHAPE. (I would also work on developing exercise programs for shelter animals that best reflect Cesar’s methods and practices. And I would reach out to large, health-minded pet food corporations, like Beneful, to fund these programs…to install treadmills, swimming pools and other such equipment in shelters).

• Propose Ambassador contests (To read about my idea for a contest called “Design the Dream Shelter of the Future”, please refer to this post on my blog: http://conversationswithdogg.blogspot.com/2011/08/ambassador-brainstorming.html), entitled AN AMBASSADOR'S BRAINSTORM, archived in July, 2011.

• Invite dog walkers and dog walking companies to incorporate/incentivize for their employees, walking shelter dogs.

 • CONTINUE MY OWN AMBASSADOR PROJECT, which is to get Cesar involved with Kona Humane Society’s new Animal Community Center. What we could begin in Kona could set a precedent, and serve as a PROTOTYPE, for shelters in the coming age. The possibilities are endless, and utterly thrilling to contemplate.

 • Create a JUNIOR AMBASSADORS program!

*  (With guidance from Cesar), I would create a program specifically for pet sitters, dog walkers and dog daycare staff; i..e. those who care for other people's dogs intermittently and on a temporary or infrequent basis.

 • Create a program (to be used in shelters) by which Ambassadors can “Save pets through Photography”, (such as Seth Casteel’s: http://www.secondchancephotos.org/index2.php#/home/)

• Contact any and all places whose mission revolves around FITNESS. Both a health and wellness revolution, AND an animal welfare consciousness revolution, ARE UNDERWAY in the world right now. The EXERCISE/ DISCIPLINE factions of Cesar’s Rule’s would be the perfect avenue for COMBINING THEM. Dogs and humans have co-evolved, since the dawn of our ancestral relationship, for the betterment of each other’s being. TODAY, we are meant to help dogs live healthier, happier lives. And Dogs are meant to help us do the same.

CESAR: If you are reading this…
And if you have read anything on my blog (since you received my letter and book, A Dog’s Life…in Paradise, back in March)…you have a pretty good idea of who I am and what I am capable of creating. I am a prolific writer, experienced (pet) photographer, digital artist and graphic designer. I have worked with dogs for many years – in dog daycares, as the sole proprietor of my dog walking business(es) in both Denver and Kona, and as a dedicated volunteer with the Humane Society.

I have EVERYTHING IN ME to give, and just need the opportunity and the platform to prove to you that you need my heart and mind in your pack!

Space bound,
Liz R. Kover

 720-329-8101