AAEP Celebrates Volunteer Veterinarians Good Works

The American Association of Equine Practitioners’ (AAEP) annual “Good Works Campaign” is officially under way, and the organization is seeking nominations of member veterinarians whose volunteer efforts have had a positive impact on the equine community.

Each month, 1 veterinarian will be selected for special acknowledgment and featured on the AAEP’s website and social media. Monthly honorees will be considered for the 2019 Good Works Award, which will be presented during the 65th annual convention in Denver, Colorado, in December.

The AAEP defines “good works” as “selfless acts of giving back to the horse, for the sake of the horse and people they serve.” Results from the group’s 2017 volunteerism survey showed that 95% of members had donated their time, expertise, goods, or money, or otherwise assisted the equine community beyond their daily work responsibilities.

Examples of “good works” may include:

• Offering free or low-cost vaccinations or other veterinary services
• Volunteering at an equine rescue or retirement facility or therapeutic riding center
• Supporting an equine-related benevolent program
• Participating in educational programs for youth equine organizations
• Educating horse owners about proper equine health care
• Helping working equids locally or abroad

To discover the good work of AAEP veterinarians or nominate a Good Works candidate, visit the AAEP website. The deadline for this month’s nominations is January 31. For more information about the program, contact Michelle Behm, AAEP communications coordinator, at mbehm@aaep.org.