Final Research Project

Overview:

For your final research project, you are tasked with creating marketing and fundraising collateral for an international animal conservation organization. The goal is to create a compelling presentation promoting the organization’s work and enticing potential donors.

Directions:

1. Choose one of the following animal issues:

1. Trophy Hunting—every year, thousands of wild animals around the globe are killed by hunters targeting, often endangered, animals for trophies and bragging rights.
2. The Exotic Pet Trade—though largely illegal, the exotic species trade has flourished in recent years, often with detrimental results for the owners, the animals, and the environment.
3. Poaching—all around the world, illicit markets exist specializing in the trade of poached species, such as elephants and tigers.
4. The Cetacean Trade—cetacean transactions happen through an intricate, often shadowy, marketplace designed to match these animals with anyone who can afford them.
5. Release of circus animals—animals that are charged with entertaining humans are often animals that suffer, especially in circuses.

2. Find one major (and reputable) organization associated with animal welfare—this will be the organization for whom you will create a presentation

3. Thoroughly research both the organization and the specific animal issue, including counter positions

4. Create a 12-slide multimedia presentation designed to persuade potential donors

Your presentation must:

• Have a cohesive design, including illustrations—how does the overall design support the goal?
• Introduce the organization, including history and mission statement—what is this organization and what do they do?
• Contextualize the issue—what does this organization do for animals and why should we care?
• Present 2-3 case studies—what are specific examples that might persuade donors?
• Address “common myths”—illustrate commonly misunderstood points associated with this issue
• Conclude with a persuasive argument—what is your closing argument to potential donors?

As the goal is a professional presentation, it is important that:

• The mission and needs of your organization be clear
• The spelling and grammar be impeccable
• Your argument be persuasive (without relying on fallacies of logic)

Project Timeline:
Week 13: Wed 4.17- Due: RESEARCH PROJECT OUTLINE (BRING 2 HARD COPIES)

Week 14: Mon 4.22/Wed 4.24- RESEARCH PROJECT (DRAFT 1—BRING ELECTRONIC VERSION)

Week 15: Wed 5.1- RESEARCH PROJECT (DRAFT 2—BRING ELECTRONIC VERSION)

Week 16: Wed 5.8- RESEARCH PROJECT (DRAFT 3—BRING ELECTRONIC VERSION)

Week 17: (Finals Week 1) Mon 5.13- RESEARCH PROJECT (FINAL DRAFT—EMAIL BY 5 P.M.)