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Gulabi GangThe Gulabi Gang stands up for female empowerment.In the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, men found to have abused, assaulted, or otherwise mistreated the women in their life could find themselves facing a group of women in pink saris wielding bamboo sticks. Theyre known as the Gulabi Gang. This vigilante gang encompasses hundreds of thousands of women across Uttar Pradesh, all devoted to combating violence against women and protecting womens rights. While many of their tactics for awareness are nonviolent, members are trained to use long bamboo sticks called lathis to thrash men who are violent toward women.Since its founding in 2006, the Gulabi Gang had grown to encompass hundreds of thousands of members. Take a deeper look at the gang of women dedicated to empowering women across India. Sampat Pal Devi, The Woman Who Started It AllJoerg BoethlingSampat Pal Devi, the woman who started the Gulabi Gang.According to the Gulabi Gang website, the idea for the organization originated with a woman named Sampat Pal Devi. One day, Devi saw a neighbor mercilessly beating his wife. Devi tried to intervene. But the man started attacking Devi as well. However, she wasnt done trying to fight back. Devi returned the next day, this time armed with a stick and five other women. They gave the rogue a thrashing. And before long, the story of what Devi and the other women had done to spread across the village and beyond. Women began to reach out to Devi, hoping to join her gang. With that, the Gulabi Gang was officially born in 2006. The word gulabi means pink, a nod to the pink saris that gang members wear. And they soon set out to protect women and punish oppressive and violent men. Gulabi GangMembers are trained on how to use a lathis to defend themselves and other women.Yes, we fight rapists with lathis [sticks]. If we find the culprit, we thrash him black and blue so he dare not attempt to do wrong to any girl or a woman again, Devi told Al Jazeera in 2014.In the beginning, the gangs primary function was to protect women from the violence they would all-too-commonly face from men. This even involved investigating crimes themselves when police refused to act. The Gulabi Gangs Goal To Prevent Violence Against WomenThe gang operates in some of Indias most impoverished regions it was born in the Bundelkhand region of India, a place with more than 40 percent of people living beneath the poverty line where crime rates are high. Members work to combat everything from violence against women, to child marriages, to fighting for basic rights for the poorest individuals. Gulabi GangThe all-woman group has hundreds of thousands of members.When a woman seeks the membership of Gulabi Gang, it is because she has suffered injustice, has been oppressed and does not see any other recourse, Suman Singh, the groups deputy commander, explained in 2014. She added: All our women can stand up to the men and if need be seek retribution through lathis.What the Gulabi Gang aimed to do is to support women to escape these cycles of poverty and violence, and more broadly ensure basic human rights for all peoples, no matter their socio-economic standing. On their website, their mission is to support and train women to enhance their basic skills to become economically secure and develop confidence to protect themselves from abuse through sustainable livelihood options.The gang has been known to organize demonstrations to protest instances of local corruption. For example, police in Atarra refused to log a complaint from a member of a low caste, so the gang organized a protest of over 200 women to try and shame the police into making changes. In another instance, they helped a 17-year-old who had been arrested after she told the police shed been gang raped. One of her rapists, a member of the local legislature, had arrived at the station first and requested she be arrested. When her father alerted the Gulabi Gang about this, they organized protests outside of the police station and the legislators home. Gulabi GangThe Gulabi Gang organizes demonstrations and sit-ins. The group also seeks to improve literary, help women establish financial independence, prevent child labor, and shield women from dowry demands. They frequently attempt to work within the confines of the system, by reaching out to police, or by using public shaming and protests. But the group has never forgotten their origin story.Members are trained on how to use a lathi to protect one another. And they will retaliate against violence towards women in their communities. The Gulabi Gang In Politics and The MediaIn the years since their founding in 2006, the notoriety and popularity of the Gulabi Gang has grown significantly. Now boasting hundreds of thousands of members, the group has become an influential political force. Since many of the gangs goals involve combating corruption, they tend to butt heads with government officials. However, with the rise of their popularity, members of the Gulabi Gang have also run for office. In 2010, 21 women from the Gulabi Gang were elected to panchayat positions. These positions oversee issues like road construction and water sanitation.Gulabi GangMembers of the Gulabi Gang have been elected to local government positions.The women have also became a media sensation. Their unique story and highly stylized look of pink saris and lathis were featured in a 2012 documentary entitled Gulabi Gang, as well as the 2014 Bollywood film Gulaab Gang, starring actresses Madhuri Dixit and Juhi Chawla. In 2013, a book which explored the groups origins and missions, called Pink Sari Revolution: A Tale of Women and Power in India, was also released.Devi took a step back from leadership operations of the gang in 2014, after allegations of financial impropriety, which she has denied. In her stead, Singh, formerly the assistant commander, was elected as head of the Gulabi Gang. But while shes no longer running things, Devi continues to be involved. And as the women who started the organization, her words are especially powerful. Men who commit these atrocities should be beaten by women, Devi told Al-Jazeera in 2014. They should be caught and have a tattoo of I am a rapist engraved on their forehead.After reading about Indias Gulabi Gang, discover the story of Phoolan Devi, the Bandit Queen turned politician. Then, learn about Mumtaz Mahal, the woman who inspired the construction of the Taj Mahal.The post The Incredible Story Of The Gulabi Gang, Indias Female Vigilantes Who Fight Crime Against Women appeared first on All That's Interesting.

A puppy adoption party brings together the joy of finding forever homes with community celebration. At DogingtonPost, weve seen firsthand how these events create meaningful connections between potential adopters and rescue dogs.Whether youre planning your first adoption party or refining your approach, this guide covers everything from venue selection to follow-up strategies that turn guests into advocates for dog rescue.Setting the Foundation for Your Adoption PartyTiming matters far more than most hosts realize. Weekend events in spring and fall draw the largest crowds because families have free time and weather cooperates. Saturday afternoons between 2 PM and 5 PM work best since parents can attend without rushing from work. Adoption event organizers report that weekend events see 30-40% higher attendance than weekday alternatives. Book your venue at least 6-8 weeks ahead, especially if you target popular seasons. This lead time allows shelters and rescue organizations to prepare puppies and coordinate volunteer schedules. Weather unpredictability demands indoor backup space or a weatherproof structure. A community center, local park pavilion, or pet store partnership provides climate control without the expense of renting a dedicated event space. Many pet retailers partner with rescues for free or low-cost venue access since adoption events drive foot traffic to their businesses.Guest List Size Shapes Your EventYour guest list size directly impacts logistics and puppy welfare. Smaller gatherings of 20-30 people allow closer supervision and less stress on young dogs. Larger events with 50+ guests require multiple volunteers and structured rotation systems to prevent overcrowding. Send invitations 3-4 weeks before the party through email, social media, and local community boards. Include clear adoption expectations so guests understand this isnt a petting zoo but an opportunity to find permanent homes. Specify the number of available puppies upfront to manage expectations and prevent disappointment. Many successful adoption hosts cap events at one puppy per 3-4 guests to maintain quality interactions and reduce animal stress.Invitations Set Clear ExpectationsWell-crafted invitations do more than announce a date. They communicate your mission and filter for serious adopters. Include details about puppy ages, breeds, and adoption fees so attendees arrive prepared. Mention any adoption requirements upfront to avoid surprises. Social media posts and community board listings reach broader audiences than email alone, so use multiple channels to maximize visibility. Local pet supply stores often post adoption event flyers for free, extending your reach without extra cost.Budget Reality Shapes Your ApproachAdoption party budgets typically range from $300-$800 depending on guest count and venue costs. Venue rental accounts for 40-60% of expenses, so securing free or discounted space through partnerships saves significantly. Food costs drop dramatically when you serve simple refreshments instead of full meals. Pre-packaged treats, bottled water, and bakery items cost $1-2 per person, while full catering runs $8-15 per guest. Many successful hosts use this approach: skip the elaborate spread and focus budget on puppy care supplies, volunteer coordination, and adoption marketing materials. Donations from local pet supply stores, veterinary clinics, and community sponsors often cover remaining costs. Frame sponsorship requests around the rescue mission rather than asking for cash, and sponsors frequently contribute supplies or services worth more than direct funding.Venue Partnerships Reduce CostsPet retailers and community spaces offer partnership opportunities that slash expenses. A pet store provides foot traffic, climate control, and existing customer bases interested in adoption. Community centers offer affordable hourly rates and built-in amenities like restrooms and parking. Parks with pavilions work well for spring and fall events when weather cooperates. Each venue type requires different preparation-indoor spaces need less weather contingency planning, while outdoor venues demand backup plans and weatherproof supplies. Contact potential partners 8-10 weeks ahead to negotiate terms and secure dates before peak adoption season fills available slots.With your foundation set, the next step involves preparing the physical and logistical elements that transform your vision into a functioning event.Preparing for the EventCreate Safe Spaces for PuppiesSafe puppy spaces demand more attention than most hosts expect. Puppies under 16 weeks need separate areas from adult dogs and boisterous guests to prevent stress and injury. You should create a quiet zone with blankets, water bowls, and minimal foot traffic where puppies rest between interactions. This space requires one dedicated volunteer who monitors puppy behavior and removes any dog showing signs of anxiety like excessive panting, trembling, or hiding. Puppies need 15-20 minute play sessions followed by equal rest periods, so you must rotate animals through activity zones every 30 minutes. You should set clear guest guidelines at the entrance: no picking up puppies without volunteer permission, no chasing or loud noises, and immediate hand-washing before contact. Many successful adoption hosts use temporary fencing or pen setups with barriers to define puppy zones and reduce accidental overcrowding. Soft flooring like yoga mats or washable rugs prevents slipping and provides comfort for young dogs. Temperature control matters significantly-puppies overheat quickly above 75 degrees Fahrenheit, so you must ensure adequate shade, fans, or air conditioning. Water stations should be available every 10 feet for both puppies and guests.Stock Supplies and Coordinate with RescuesSupplies separate successful events from chaotic ones. You should stock at least 50% more materials than you think necessary because shortages force activity cancellations mid-event. Essential items include food and water bowls for each puppy, puppy food matching each animals current diet, cleaning supplies for accidents, first-aid kits for minor injuries, adoption certificates, volunteer badges, and signage for activity stations. You must coordinate directly with rescue organizations 4-6 weeks before your event to confirm puppy availability, health records, and any behavioral notes. Request that rescues provide written puppy profiles including age, breed mix, temperament, and special needs so volunteers can answer adopter questions accurately. Establish clear communication channels with shelter contacts-phone calls work better than email for urgent questions. Ask rescues to deliver puppies 30 minutes before the event starts and collect them within 15 minutes after closing to minimize time away from shelter facilities. Transport carriers should be climate-controlled vehicles with adequate ventilation, and rescues should provide travel records documenting each puppys medical status.Train Your Volunteer TeamYou must confirm volunteer assignments two weeks ahead: adoption counselors, puppy handlers, registration staff, and cleanup crews all need specific training. Each volunteer should receive a printed guide covering adoption requirements, puppy care basics, and emergency protocols. Successful adoption events assign one volunteer per 8-10 guests to maintain quality interactions and ensure animal welfare remains the priority. This staffing ratio allows volunteers to answer questions thoroughly and respond quickly if a puppy shows stress signals. You should conduct a brief training session one week before the event to walk volunteers through their roles and address questions. Clear role assignments prevent confusion on event day and help volunteers feel confident in their responsibilities.With supplies organized and your volunteer team trained, you can now focus on the interactive elements that transform your adoption party from a simple gathering into an engaging experience that connects guests with their future companions.Making Your Adoption Party Interactive and MemorableActivities Keep Guests Engaged While Puppies RestInteractive activities separate forgettable events from ones guests discuss for months. Cornhole tournaments with puppy-themed boards, relay races, and simple games keep both children and adults engaged while puppies rest between interactions. These activities serve an essential function: they occupy guests during downtime so they dont overwhelm puppies with constant handling. Set up a dedicated game zone at least 15 feet from puppy rest areas to contain noise and excitement. Adoption events with structured activities keep attendees engaged while waiting for puppy interactions. A collar-making station where guests craft custom dog collars using paracord and beads costs under $50 in supplies and produces take-home keepsakes that reinforce the adoption experience.Dog ear headbands and temporary tattoos add theme participation without requiring volunteer supervision. The key insight most hosts miss: activities must run simultaneously with puppy interactions, not before or after. When guests rotate through activities while waiting for their turn with puppies, the entire event flows smoothly and no one stands idle. Assign one volunteer per activity station to manage supplies and prevent bottlenecks.Information Stations Help Adopters Make Informed DecisionsAdoption information stations positioned near activity zones allow interested adopters to review puppy profiles and ask detailed questions without interrupting play. Provide printed puppy bios listing age, breed mix, temperament, and any special needs so adopters make informed decisions. Many successful hosts laminate these bios and attach them to each puppys pen so information stays accessible throughout the event. This approach ensures adopters understand each puppys personality and requirements before committing to adoption.Photo Opportunities Extend Your Reach Beyond Event AttendeesPhoto opportunities drive social media engagement that extends your adoption reach far beyond event attendees. Set up a dedicated backdrop using balloon garlands in coordinated colors with paw print accents and simple signage reading Adopt a Puppy. Social media documentation of adoption events successfully promotes animals available for adoption and reaches friends and family of attendees. Assign one volunteer specifically to photography who captures candid moments of families with puppies and posts photos in real-time to your event Facebook page with a dedicated hashtag.Encourage attendees to share their own photos by announcing the hashtag at the beginning and offering a small prize for the best submission. This strategy transforms attendees into marketing ambassadors who amplify your message across their personal networks. Consider creative ways to announce your adoption through these shared images, which create lasting visual records that potential adopters find compelling when they research your organization later.Adoption Certificates Create Ceremony and LegitimacyCreate an adoption certificate station where new adopters fill out official paperwork immediately after selecting their puppy, adding ceremony and legitimacy to the moment. Print certificates on cardstock with blank spaces for puppy name, adoption date, and adopter information so each document feels personalized. This 2-minute process transforms a casual puppy selection into a formal adoption milestone that guests photograph and share. The certificate becomes a keepsake that families treasure and display in their homes, reinforcing their connection to your organization.Follow-Up Communications Build Long-Term RelationshipsFinalize the experience by sending follow-up emails within 24 hours thanking attendees and sharing photos of their adopted puppies with their families. Include resources about puppy care, training, and veterinary services so adopters feel supported beyond the event itself. Post-event engagement transforms one-time attendees into ongoing supporters who recommend your organization to others and potentially volunteer for future events.Final ThoughtsA successful puppy adoption party extends far beyond the event itself. The real impact emerges in the weeks and months after guests leave with their new companions, as follow-up communications transform one-time attendees into lifelong advocates for dog rescue. Send personalized emails within 24 hours, thanking families for attending and sharing photos of their adopted puppies alongside practical resources about puppy training, nutrition, and veterinary care. Request updates from adopters at the 30-day and 90-day marks to track how puppies adjust to their homes and identify which matches succeeded.Encourage adopters to share their puppys progress on social media using your event hashtag, since user-generated content from real families proves far more persuasive than any marketing material you could create. Host quarterly adoption parties rather than one-off events so your organization becomes known for reliable opportunities to find forever homes. Partner with local veterinary clinics, pet supply stores, and community organizations to expand your reach and share costs while building sustainable community support that extends well beyond individual events.Collect email addresses from all attendees and send monthly newsletters featuring adoption success stories, upcoming events, and volunteer opportunities. We at DogingtonPost believe your puppy adoption party plants seeds that grow into a stronger rescue community, as each family you connect with a puppy becomes an ambassador for adoption. Visit DogingtonPost for comprehensive resources on responsible dog ownership and adoption stories that inspire your next event.