Woofin & Hoofin began when I was invited to a People to People Leadership Conference at Stanford University in the summer of 2007. This unique experience not only introduced me to an incredible group of individuals from over 80 countries, it also put me in contact with a organization called Youth Venture. Youth Venture encourages young people (ages 12-20) to start and lead their own organizations for the betterment of their communities, (www.genv.net/ 2008). This organization held a seminar during the course of the leadership conference. The challenge for participants was to plan out a viable and sustainable community service project. I decided to enter a plan that combined my passion for running with my love for animals, and Youth Venture chose to support Woofin & Hoofin.
Our event is more than just a race; it is more than simply a fundraiser. Woofin & Hoofin is a passionate effort to engage and educate the community about a pressing issue, a time for people to come together and change their thinking. After I finished that eighth-grade race, my own thinking changed. I suddenly felt so ignorant and curious at the same time. I wanted to feel the confidence that would eventually come with having stranger give you their money in return for your word you would have a race ready for them weeks away. I was curious to see if just teenagers, with no legal expertise or credit cards, could register as a 501(c)3 and plan out two races for a Sunday in June, (and actually have anyone show up). I knew that the DuPage County Animal Shelter, a organization I have volunteered for when I was younger, was the stereotype of shelters that needed every possible penny. Having seen its fantastic work, I knew I wanted my vision to further theirs. I hope that my curiosity will keep W&H expanding; from the online guide to a younger board to non-profit workshops, I’ve always tried to keep our non-profit going and growing.
Woofin & Hoofin is strongly dedicated to the categorical eradication of animal cruelty. Our group actively awaits the day when no animal will be euthanized, lack a proper home, or in any other way receive less than the utmost dignity it deserves. We will continue to expand our base of race participants, educate our community and others about the problem, and support the efforts of local shelters. While the members of Woofin & Hoofin undoubtedly focus their strongest efforts on the solution of our chosen issue, there is something much greater at the core of our organization: empowerment. Not only is this the empowerment of local shelters and the rights of animals, but the empowerment of individuals, especially young people with passion and ambition. We aspire to be an enabling force not just in our community, but also the country at large. Already we have had a number of people begin to use our guide in order to enact change in their own communities around the country and even internationally. In three years, we hope that every person, young or old, will be able to look at our guide or attend one of our seminars, gaining the skills and insights they need to make their vision a reality. We hope that our example and ability to communicate what we have learned and are continuing to learn from our own experience will inspire and empower youth everywhere to support a cause and seek justice in their own way.
