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| Start a Dog Owners' Group |
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When it comes to getting a dog run built, the cliché "there's strength in numbers" applies: if you want the city to take your request for a dog run seriously, you need to establish a dog owners' group. You want as many people as possible on this project; people with a range of talents, connections and resources.
To create your group, circulate a simple petition among dog owners in your neighborhood that states: "I support the creation of a dog run in our park." Collect names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses. As well, ask people to list relevant skills (landscape architects, publicists and lawyers are particularly valuable).
Once you have collected at least a few hundred (ideally, around a thousand) names on your petition, you may want to incorporate as a 501c3 non-profit organization. Becoming a non-profit takes time and money, but it makes it easier to raise money (because donors can deduct their donation). For help incorporating as a non-profit, request the manual "Getting Organized," from the Lawyers Alliance for New York. Another option is to set up a fund or an account through the New York Council of Dog Owner Groups (NYCDOG), through an existing "Friends of the Park" organization, or through the City Parks Foundation.
Once you create your group of dog owners, register with the person responsible for coordinating volunteer efforts at the Department of Parks and Recreation. While trying to get your run approved, you should become known as a member of the community by participating in city-wide park volunteer days; donating plants or bulbs to a community garden group; or arranging for the installation of poop bag dispensers or garbage cans in your park.
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