Love is a Verb: My time at CARE's The Gathering

This past weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to attend The Gathering in Philadelphia, hosted by Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE). For those unfamiliar, CARE is an organization that stands at the intersection of human and animal wellbeing, advocating for true equity within the animal welfare sector and beyond. Their mission, their drive, and their innovative approaches to transforming the industry really resonate with me, especially as we at Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS) work towards a more inclusive and impactful future.

The Need for Diversity in Animal Welfare

Animal welfare has long been a space that, while filled with passionate individuals, hasn’t always reflected the full diversity of the communities we serve. CARE’s mission highlights the undeniable truth that animal and human wellbeing are interconnected, and in order to achieve equity in both realms, we must first ensure that the voices of underrepresented communities

are not only heard but actively uplifted and incorporated into the solutions we implement.

During the conference, it was clear that diversity isn’t just a buzzword for CARE—it’s a foundational value. The conversations at The Gathering centered around the critical need for representation in every level of animal welfare, from shelter staff to leadership, from advocacy groups to policy-making bodies. It’s only through diverse perspectives that we can truly reform outdated systems and create environments where both people and animals thrive together.

A Transformative Weekend at The Gathering

CARE’s annual conference, The Gathering, wasn’t just an event—it was an experience that left a lasting impression on me. The weekend was filled with dynamic panels, workshops, and networking opportunities that not only inspired but challenged us all to rethink how we approach equity in our work.

One of the most powerful takeaways for me was the realization that change can—and should—start from within our own organizations. The weekend fostered a sense of shared purpose among all the attendees, whether they were from animal welfare, social services, or community advocacy groups. There was an overwhelming energy of collaboration, with everyone focused on how we can create more inclusive spaces, not only for the people working in animal welfare but for the communities we serve.

I was especially moved by the stories shared about how communities of color, in particular, have been historically underserved and underrepresented in this field. This is something that’s deeply personal to me as I look at the work we do here at ACPS. It’s vital that we engage all segments of the community if we are to make a real, lasting difference.

The CARE REDI Program

A standout moment from the conference was learning about the impact that CARE’s REDI (Race, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) program is making. This initiative provides tools and training for organizations to truly integrate equity into their work. The program is designed to not only educate but actively transform the way animal welfare organizations or as CARE calls operate, ensuring that diversity and equity are embedded into the core of what we do.

Here at Animal Care and Protective Services, we’re excited to begin incorporating the CARE REDI program into our work. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive space, but the REDI program takes this to the next level by giving us the framework to challenge implicit biases, broaden our outreach, and deepen our connections with underserved communities in Jacksonville. The training provided through REDI is not just about checking boxes; it’s about making long-term, sustainable changes that will allow us to better serve both the animals and the people who rely on us.

A Sneak Peek at Brown and Bonded

One of the biggest highlights of the weekend was the exclusive sneak peek we got of CARE’s upcoming documentary, Brown and Bonded. I don’t want to give too much away, but let me just say this—this film is going to change the way we talk about and approach human and animal well-being. The documentary dives deep into the lived experiences of people of color working in animal welfare, exploring the unique challenges and barriers they face, while also highlighting the powerful bonds that form between animals and people in diverse communities.

Brown and Bonded promises to shine a light on the untold stories in our field, stories that have long been overshadowed or ignored. It was emotional, it was raw, and it was deeply inspiring. I believe this film will be a catalyst for much-needed conversations in our industry and beyond, opening the door for more inclusive and equitable practices. I can’t wait for the broader public to see it—it’s going to be a game changer.

Moving Forward

Attending The Gathering reinforced my belief that equity must be at the heart of everything we do in animal welfare. The work of CARE is a reminder that the journey toward reform and inclusion is ongoing, but it’s one we must all take together. As we begin to incorporate CARE’s REDI program here at ACPS, I’m excited about the new possibilities it opens up for us to grow as an organization and, more importantly, for us to better serve our entire community.

I encourage everyone to learn more about CARE and the incredible work they are doing. Whether you’re in animal welfare or another sector, their focus on true equity and inclusion is something we can all learn from. And keep an eye out for Brown and Bonded—you won’t want to miss it.

For more information about CARE, visit careawo.org.