Building a TNR Movement Part 1: The Roots of a TNR Revolution featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director at Neighborhood Cats

The Community Cats Podcast

"Success attracts donors and grantors, and just provides that foundation for expanding into the wider community."

This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund.

In Part 1 of this recorded webinar, "From the Backyard to the Front Page: Building a TNR Movement," Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director for Neighborhood Cats, presents a compelling behind-the-scenes look at how one of the nation's most impactful TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) efforts got started. Originally presented live, this session offers listeners a chance to hear how a single encounter with kittens in a Manhattan lot sparked a grassroots movement that helped reshape New York City’s approach to community cats.

Bryan walks viewers through the early years of Neighborhood Cats—what worked, what didn’t, and how starting small with a focused colony led to scalable, measurable success. He emphasizes the strategic principles that shaped the organization’s growth, including the power of targeting, the role of data, and the importance of community involvement.

Press Play Now For:

• The story that sparked a citywide TNR movement
• What makes a “model colony” and why that matters
• How to work smart with limited surgeries and resources
• The power of strategic targeting vs. “first come, first served”
• Building support through community participation
• Real-world impact: dramatic reductions in NYC euthanasia rates
• Why tracking and storytelling are essential for growth

Resources & Links:

• Neighborhood Cats Handbook (https://www.neighborhoodcats.org/learn-more/books-guides)
• TNR Certification Workshops (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/community-cat-care-training-education/)
• Cat Stats: Colony Tracking Tool (https://www.catstats.org/)

Sponsor Links:

• Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies613)

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