Sure, there's a great manual that is produced. Have you read it? I mean since the first time? Is that the resource you think of referring to when you have a rabbit question? And there are pamphlets, too. Again, there are no answers to the questions I have in those pamphlets.
But there's the Domestic Rabbit Magazine, isn't there? Sure there is. How many information articles are there in there about rabbits? We get a great history lesson. There's information about how to operate in our hobby (shows, registrations, etc.), but do you feel that you know more about rabbits when you read an issue? Not so much.
I think it's a great idea to have Rabbits 101 in there. But we also need Rabbits 401.
That leaves us with the website. There's lots on there. But again, it's mainly shows, rules, judge and registrar contacts, specialty club links, and so forth.
I realize that there some planned changes already. Here's what I wish would be on that plan:
- The interface would change to address the public and help establish ARBA as THE resource for rabbit information - pet, fancy, fiber, fur, and meat - to every visitor.
- Information only of interest to members would be put in a section off the main page - sort of a secondary main page for the in-crowd.
- The site would include basic descriptions of all breeds - fur type, weight, varieties, etc. No, it's not giving away the Standard of Perfection. But it would help pet owners to pick their favorite. We are supposed to serve the pet population, too. And it would show that ARBA establishes what a rabbit breed in the USA is.
- The Domestic Rabbit would include information articles on diseases, breeding, care, physiology, and much more practical information that leaves members more educated about rabbits after reading it. There would be plenty of room if we removed everything that starts with "Well, we've had a hot summer here . . . . "
- The Domestic Rabbit would have a column dedicated to all legislation pending or even rumoured that might affect our hobby. That's another way that breeders need to be educated and stay informed.
- More indepth rabbit care information and standards should be written and published by ARBA. We're the ones with the rabbits and with the rabbit experience. The whole country should look to us for the right information.
There's probably a lot more, but I think you get the idea. ARBA should establish itself as the unequivocal expert on rabbits, and it should teach it's membership constantly and in different ways.
So how is this all going to happen? First of all, those who submit articles and information for the Domestic Rabbit need to have a change of attitude. Yes, we need to brag on winners, announce shows, and so forth. But everyone involved in the DR needs to see education as a priority.
Those of you who have expertise in rabbits should volunteer to write articles. Even if you are not a great writer (or hate writing), you can provide the information for someone else to write up.
If the DR has objectives and goals, educating the membership should be one of the main ones. I checked my recent copy of the DR, but I didn't see goals or objectives listed. Maybe that would be a good starting place.
There's so much good, reliable information in the ARBA membership. But it's a shame that so much of that information stays compartmentalized. So much of it is spread around without the chance for others to challenge or support it. Why should only some people know how to take care of a problem or the best way to handle a situation? And we need protection against misinformation, too. Misinformation won't stand the test of being published.
The first step is for the membership to decide that rabbit education is important. Let your directors know that you want more education on rabbits. Use your vote to choose leaders who believe in education, too. And be willing to do your part.
Laurie
¶ 11:07 AM
