In this morning’s email there was a link to a mud-slinging contest between two large and powerful organizations focused on animal issues.  The sender of the message asked whether or not a public response is the best option to take when being publicly attacked.  That reminded me of something that happened to us a while back. 

A few years ago we assisted an animal control agency in impounding more than a dozen horses from a property where conditions had deteriorated drastically over a three-year period.  The local citizens in the area had become increasingly agitated about the condition of the property and were concerned about the horses’ welfare.  The passion of those citizens did serve to escalate the seizure of all the horses; however, a few citizens were not satisfied even with the removal, and took it upon themselves to launch a two-year smear campaign against both the county agency and Hope For Horses. 

The Internet is an extremely powerful tool.   Information travels at the speed of light, and reaches people around the world as fast as it reaches a next-door neighbor.  Never before in our history have we had a tool as powerful or available.  Anyone, anywhere, anytime, with access to the Internet can talk virtually about anything.  Sometimes that’s good.  Sites like Stumble Upon or TED are not only entertaining but can be highly educational.  Social network sites like Care2 offer a place where people can exchange information and share their passion.  Special interest blogs and forums can also be terrific tools where like-minded people can share and sometimes vent their frustrations. 

But sometimes venting can have unintended consequences.  So can staying silent.  An unanswered charge can quickly become “truth” if not countered.  But a public response also runs the risk of drawing attention, or even giving credibility, to your opponent. 

At HFH we believe the best response to criticism is to treat it as an opportunity to either change what we do, or  educate the public on the truth of the matter. 

We urge you to ask questions and contact us any time.  Charitable organizations are held in trust for the public’s benefit.  There’s no such thing as a private owner of a non-profit organization.  That means that you have a right to ask questions and receive answers to those questions.  If we don’t know the answer, we’ll help you find someone who will.