In this issue:

 

1) An important message from the Committee to Restore the Dove Shooting Ban's Endorsement Committee
2) Thank You Endorsement Points Club Members

1) An important message from the Committee to Restore the Dove Shooting Ban's Endorsement Committee:

We need to secure Endorsements in December for Michigan's Official Bird of Peace! Why this is important: Endorsements = Votes on Election Day!

Endorsements are the best way to show the prevailing widespread support to reinstate the continued protection of the Mourning Dove as a traditional backyard songbird in Michigan.  Endorsement lists are often what undecided voters - the people who will ultimately decide this issue - use to gauge the level of support an issue has.  More public support through endorsements means more voters will VOTE NO Shooting Doves on the 2006 mourning dove referendum. 

If you work for, own, or patronize a business, belong to any organization or club - no matter how large or small - please try to bring in an endorsement for the doves!  The people of the state of Michigan are truly the driving force of saving their doves.  This grassroots citizen effort of participation involves everyone who cares in all the ways they can be involved and everyone can bring in an endorsement. Your name NEEDS to be on the list below - the doves NEED YOUR PARTICIPATION!

» Click here to download the Endorsement Form (PDF format).
» Click here to download the Endorsement Form (MS Word format).
» Click here to download this factsheet (PDF format).
» Click here to download this factsheet (MS Word format).

To download forms and fact sheets from our website, go to http://www.stopshootingdoves.org/endorsements.html or http://www.stopshootingdoves.org/facts.htm or call 517-321-DOVE to request an endorsement packet and forms if you need them.

Here are a few steps to get started:

• Print off several copies of the endorsement form, write your name and phone number at the bottom or the top of the form, tri-folded and carry them to hand out when you shop this holiday season or go to holiday parties. 
• As a patron of the business, organization or faith-based entity, simply ask for the endorsement as a volunteer. There is no financial obligation or any further action required by entities that endorse the campaign. Their name of endorsement is important in-and-of-itself and most will be able to sign it on the spot or while you wait. Time saver suggestion: all they need to do is sign on the "Yes, we endorse" line and you can fill in the rest for them. 501c3 organizations CAN legally endorse the campaign.
• If they need more information, ask for a business card so that you may follow up with the information request. Let us know if you need an endorsement packet or any help in talking with prospective endorsers.

• Any (every) business you shop at this holiday season - no matter how large or small.
• The wildbird or nature store in your area.
• Your veterinarian or pet sitter.
• Your hair dresser or barber.
• Local artists, art gallery, photo studio, or frame shop (NOTE: we have an enormous amount of framing to do for our Celebrity/Fine Art Galas and we do business with endorsers).
• Any local groups you belong to: clubs or associations (garden, health, sporting, student, etc), food co-op, foundations, humane society, nature center, pet or animal rescue, trusts, etc.
• Any national advocacy group you belong to: child protection, environmental protection, human protection, wildlife protection, etc.
• Any faith-based organization: your church, bible study group, peace group, prayer group, etc.
• Any foundation or trust - personal, corporate, local, national, large or small.
• Your attorney or local law firm.
• Your local restaurant or cafe.
• Your local office building, mall, markets, etc.
• Your local flower shop or greenhouse.
• Your art, dance, piano, or vocal studio, etc.
• Your child's classroom or teacher - kids are very much invovled in this campaign!
• Your doctor, dentist, chiropractor, physical therapist, professor, etc.
• Your insurance agent or company.
• Your centenial farm, working farm, farm organization or association.
• State legislator or congressional member (DC).

Please remember to write your name at the top of each form before handing them out so that we can track and include you in the wonderful list below. And do contact us if you have questions or need help. We want to provide you will all the assistance you need to Save the Doves!

2) Thank You Thousand Endorsement Points Club Members!

To be inducted into the Thousand Endorsement Points Club, simply get any 5 businesses, organizations or legislators to officially endorse the Campaign (each worth 200 points).  Endorsement form attached in pdf, additional material available upon request. It's so easy...once you get started you'll love it and won't be able to stop.

Note: Please let us know if any numbers seem off...we hope nothing gets lost in the mail. Endorsements can also be faxed to 517-659-6000. Please make sure your name is also written on the Endorsement form.
 
A special thanks to those of you working on endorsements and working towards joining the 1,000 Endorsement Points and $1000 Clubs!  It takes local individuals within their own communities to make our cause strong -- our mourning doves are not safe without your participation!!