November 2-8, 2008
In 1996, The HSUS launched National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week (based on an idea from the Capital Humane Society in Lincoln, Nebraska). This campaign was designed to acknowledge and promote the invaluable role shelters play in their communities and to increase public awareness of animal welfare issues and shelter services. During National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, the first full week of every November, The HSUS promotes and celebrates animal shelters across the country through media and public outreach.
http://www.animalsheltering.org/programs_and_services/nasa_week/The local shelter may not be perfect, but it may be the only "storefront" unwanted/stray companion animals have, so it's important to support/promote them in any way you can.
As a former member of the Board of Directors, volunteer, website developer and volunteer coordinator for my local Humane Society, I can tell you that the local animal shelter is a fantastic place to be involved with, spend some time and maybe make some positive changes for the animals. If not for my local shelter, I'd likely not be running my rescue. I was indeed inspired by their shortcomings.
Also, your local shelter can be an absolute hotbed for meeting potential, fledgling activists.