The Greatness of a Nation...

This is a short article I wrote for the Northern California Return Peace Corps Association about my experience with the VSPCA.

Gandhi said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” This philosophic statement became real for me after recently assisting a Peace Corps Volunteer serving in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). Kiersten Anderson and a group of community members created the first and only animal welfare organization in SVG, the Vincentian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (VSPCA). The VSPCA began as a secondary project, but soon it transformed into Kiersten’s primary project as more members got involved and the movement expanded. The much needed organization is beginning to plant seeds with Vincentians, hoping to one day completely transform attitudes and actions towards those who cannot speak for themselves; becoming a great nation by Ghandi’s standards. The VSPCA’s two biggest initiatives are humane education programs in schools and endlessly advocating for, and financially assisting spay and neuter operations to control the non-human animal population.

I volunteered on this small Eastern Caribbean nation working with the group and fostering dogs with hopes of finding forever homes. I was amazed by the passion displayed by members, and the appreciative animals they were protecting. Not a day goes by, that I don’t think about my four legged friends that remain homeless and owner-less. I continue to assist the VSPCA from the States through enhancing their social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.  It is an amazing project and while trying to be a voice for animals they are also bringing up topics such as family planning, the golden rule, empathy, and compassion. Please check out the VSPCA website  and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Nick VSPCA Social Media Strategist & RPCV Uganda 08-10