T-Town PAWS is pleased to partner with The University of Alabama on a collaborative project application in partnership with local schools, the juvenile justice system and other local nonprofit organizations. The project’s focus is to promote youth civic engagement in animal welfare and protection. Project members share T-Town PAWS’ belief that involving youth in advocacy and educational activities related to animal welfare is likely to be of great benefit not only to animals, but to the youth themselves.

If funded, the project would provide Tuscaloosa adolescents with opportunities to reflect on their involvement and interact with civic and political institutions as advocates for neglected and abandoned animals. The youths would be trained, then provided extensive hands-on animal welfare volunteer experiences such as organizing local supply drives, educational programs and presentations at local schools and businesses and even coordinating advocacy with civic leaders. In addition to serving as a key volunteer site, PAWS would engage students and their mentors in TNR (Trap, Spay/Neuter and Release) efforts. If funded, the three-year project will begin this September.

T-Town PAWS is Tuscaloosa’s Animal Welfare Organization. By expanding the 2011 programming, T-Town PAWS strives to make the greatest impact on the pet overpopulation problem in Alabama. As leaders of a coalition of local animal welfare groups, T-Town PAWS is working toward a no-kill Tuscaloosa community. T-Town PAWS exists because of the kind contributions and volunteer efforts of our local community.