By Jasmin
On a consistent basis, I’m moved and inspired by the ACTivists with whom I correspond. So many of my volunteer colleagues are creating real change in their communities, and yet, oftentimes, they remain unsung heroes. From time to time, I will be featuring ACTivists like these in Making Hay. Today, I bring you the story of two women who are raising awareness in their communities, enlightening people about issues of animal cruelty and working with them to create a lasting impact.
Vehicle of Compassion
Houston ACTivist Jacki L. has a very special vehicle of change. For the last seven years, as part of Houston, Texas’ Art Car Parade, Jacki has decorated her car with messages of compassion for all animals. This year, she focused on farm animals and brought her truck-gone-barn to Gene Baur’s Houston book-signing.
“When I saw Jacki’s vehicle,” Gene said, “I was impressed, to say the least. Jacki’s car was parked directly in front of the bookstore where I was speaking, and it was a perfect complement to my talk. People couldn’t help but notice the car, which was full of accessible information. It’s really inspiring to see such innovative, grassroots activism!”
In addition to “Stop Factory Farming” signs, Jacki’s car had a rack of brochures attached to the back. These brochures included information on the cruelties inherent in animal agriculture, ways to effectively spread awareness about these issues, and how and why to go vegan for life.
“The vehicle got a lot of people asking questions,” Jacki told me. “I talked about the cruelty – that was what my focus was on. And I had the vegan information on hand, on the rack on the back of the vehicle. People were talking about that and very much interested. They wanted to learn how to stop animal cruelty.”
Jacki is a shining example of how getting creative with activism, and really thinking outside the box, is an exciting way to truly raise awareness – and eyebrows! Blending your talents, interests and skills to be an effective farm animal advocate is something that the Advocacy Campaign Team is passionate about. Judging from Jacki’s success in Houston, the results speak for themselves.
“I had a great response. I'm hoping it helps the cause,” said Jacki.
Decorate your own vehicle! Check out our posters as well as our bumper stickers and license plate holders.
Tofu Dogs: Food for Thought
As part of Pioneer Middle School’s Environmental Fair in Cooper City, Florida, ACTivist and humane educator Susan H. handed out 200 soy dogs (with some vanilla soy milk to wash them down). At her feed-in/information table, she had a homemade sign that read “Go Green – Go Veg!” As both adults and children feasted on the cruelty-free food, they were encouraged to take away some fliers about the links between factory farming and the environment, or some fun activity booklets for the kids.
Susan was moved by the experience: “The act of placing in someone's hand a practical directive – in the form of a complimentary veggie dog – to save animals and the planet, re-energized me. On the drive home, I was filled with the warm knowledge of making a real, positive difference.”
Susan used delicious vegan food as a way to promote compassion, and it was effective in opening eyes, hearts and taste-buds! Other ideas for using food as a way to educate others about farm animal issues include: hosting a vegan potluck, baking yummy vegan cupcakes for your office (with copies of the recipe right beside, and maybe some information about the cruelties of the dairy industry), and bringing a delicious vegan dish to share at your next family get-together. You can always order literature to go with your food samples.
Susan added: “There were numerous people of all ages who said that they were inspired to go veg after tasting the food, looking at the product item boxes, talking with me, and taking fliers ... All in all, this event served to boost my enthusiasm and reaffirm that I am on the right road: humane education combined with scrumptious food choices.”
Way to advocate for farm animals, Jacki and Susan! Keep fighting the good fight.
Are you active for farm animals in your community? Let me know and you might just find yourself in an upcoming Making Hay entry.
Veganize the World with VegFund.Org
Hi, I just wanted you to know about our new non-profit group http://VegFund.Org. We help vegan
activist fund food, literature and tables/booths.
Please check us out and spread the word :) Thanks, JC
Posted by: JC | June 23, 2009 at 08:32 PM