Book Illustration from "Lightfoot the Deer" (credit: Harrison Cady)

Their event, “‘Stories from the Wild’ at Central Library” will feature the classic children’s book, Lightfoot the Deer, written by Thornton W. Burgess and illustrated by Harrison Cady, which tells the story of a deer and his hunter, from the deer’s point of view. Storyteller Loretta-Lucy Miller will act as the storyteller at this event (an event which is making me wonder I should reserve a seat on the Bolt Bus — because the City of Brotherly Love is calling!). Artist Zipora Schula and dancer Lara Vracarich will be helping to lead the kiddies in the hands-on portion of the afternoon. It will take place on Saturday, February 18, from 2-4 p.m., at Story Hour Room of the Parkway Central Library Children’s Department, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. The event is free, and it is recommended that you make reservations, by emailing publiceyephilly [at] gmail.com.

For those of you not in the Philadelphia area (and if you’re not, you should probably find yourself there sometime soon, since the new vegan hotspot, Vedge, just opened), it is pretty easy to host an event like this all by yourself. You can either use Lightfoot the Deer, or you can browse around on VegBooks for other animal-friendly books. Be sure to include pro-animal themed activities that make the young ones not only engage in artistic expression, but also begin dialogue with their friends (and with you) about why animals are our friends — not our food.

Basically, what FreeAnimalVideo.org does is provides high-quality clips of animals in all kinds of situations — animals in entertainment, animals in sports and fashion, farm animals, laboratory animals, wildlife, companion animals — and allows anyone to download and use them for free. The videos you can download include everything from general footage that can be placed into a larger context (like a nibbling lamb or a close-up on a goose), to absolutely horrific stuff, like a white fox being anally electrocuted. There are promotional videos for animal advocacy organizations as well. The videos are made available in either HD (suitable for TV), or lower-quality that will suffice for “the internet machine” (I stole that term from Rachel Maddow — who, now that I’m thinking about it, should totally use some of this footage and actually cover an animal story on her show). You can also submit videos, either by uploading them, or sending in physical tapes.

This brilliant activist resource is the brainchild of founders Sandra Mohr and Patty Shenker.

Here is an example of how the footage has been used. The clip below shows our friend Jane Velez-Mitchell (who was on our podcast last year), of CNN’s HLN show, “Issues With Jane Velez-Mitchell.”

A pinup model... WHO KNEW? (We're on the top right.)

The calendar is not only a fun and accessible way to help change these stereotypes, but, you’ve gotta admit, it’s a wickedly creative campaign! I’ve long gawked at the calendar models — both the human and non-human ones — which is why, last year, I decided to take my chances, because what did I have to lose? Getting model and performer Bettina May to do my photos and make-up was icing on my cruelty-free cake, because not only is she a well-known modern-day burlesque superstar, but she’s also an outspoken vegan. She has even created vegan versions of burlesque gear that traditionally uses animal products, like boas made out of fiber instead of feathers, yet look just like the “real deal” (minus the exploitation). My Rose was a trooper that day, too, and thoroughly enjoyed the attention and spotlight.

This is Rose. She totally knows how gorgeous she is. (As she should.)

Pinups for Pitbulls is certainly a think-outside-the-box type of organization, which is another reason why I’m gaga for them. Indeed, it’s not just the attractive women (many of whom have tattoos — sigh…) that draws me in, nor is it the perfect pits who steal the show. PFPB was founded in 2005 by Deirdre “Little Darling” Franklin. Little Darling was increasingly saddened and frustrated by “shelters” euthanizing totally adoptable pit bull-type dogs, simply because of their breed. So she tapped into her experience, skills, and interest in modeling, fine arts, and education, and started this truly one-of-a-kind organization. 7 years later, I am basically ecstatic to be among the women and dogs who can call themselves “Ms. February.”

Photo by Bettina May

In addition to getting the calendar (quick! before it’s March!), and supporting this organization, there is also a lesson to be learned from this organization. A strong takeaway from PFPB is that nobody has to sit idly by and be frustrated by an animal issue. Much like Little Darling demonstrated when she grew this positive, accessible, and fun organization out of a desire to change the world — and a refusal to become complacent and accept a world where pit bulls are put down for no good reason — we can all plug our talents and skills into animal advocacy.

Another takeaway from PFPB? Rose is ridiculously gorgeous. And the 1940′s were a much more fashionable era.

Note to self: Don't be intimidated! Read this book!

That said, I am so intrigued — and slightly intimidated — by this new book by Kim Socha, Women, Destruction, and the Avant-Garde: A Paradigm for Animal Liberation. Though I haven’t read it (yet!), and it might very well be a tad too academic for the casual reader (eh-hem), I love where it’s going. All you need to do is see the book’s description to share in my excitement (and possible trepidation):

This interdisciplinary study fuses analysis of feminist literature and manifestos, radical political theory, critical vanguard studies, women’s performance art, and popular culture to argue for the animal liberation movement as successor to the liberationist visions of the early twentieth-century avant-gardes, most especially the Surrealists. These vanguard groups are judiciously critiqued for their refusal to confront their own misogyny, a quandary that continues to plague animal activists, thereby disallowing for cohesion and full recognition of women’s value within a culturally marginalized cause. This volume is of interest to anyone who is concerned about the continued — indeed, escalating — violence against nonhumans. More broadly, it will interest those seeking new pathways to challenge the dominant power constructions through which oppression of humans, nonhumans, and the environment thrives.Women, Destruction, and the Avant-Garde ultimately poses the animal liberation movement as having serious political and cultural implications for radical social change, destruction of hierarchy and for a world without shackles and cages, much as the Surrealists envisioned.

The comprehensive book will set you back whopping $81 on Amazon (though you can also buy it used and save about ten bucks in the process, or maybe just ask your library to get you a copy). Anyone who reads it, please keep us posted on your thoughts. I’ll keep you posted, too, since Women, Destruction, and the Avant-Garde is most certainly on my wish list — both in terms of books I wish I could afford, and books I wish I could devour. The subject-matter of violence against non-humans, and the many correlations between women and animals, clearly is near and dear to my heart. What Socha created here looks to be a manifesto (a “womanifesto?”) — one that even unacademics, such as myself, might want to read.

This girl is having a much better day than the summers I wasted at day camp. Woe is me...

Though I have tried, unendingly, to block it out, I still remember it all. Days were spent suffering through competitive contact sports like dreaded dodge ball (where I was, without question, chosen last for the team); or being mortified as I changed into my swimsuit, so that everyone — including my prepubescent campmates and snotty teenage counselors — could gawk at my early-to-bud body (blame it on the cow’s milk I guzzled all throughout the 1980′s); or, no matter what activity we were gearing up for, lagging behind the rest of the kids, dragging a stick through the dirt behind me, humming the score of “Gypsy” almost to myself, while the other kids just stared, — or, more accurately, uproariously laughed. On the bus ride home, as the other kids sang “The wheels on the bus go round and round…,” I listened intently to my walkman, thanking god for Ethel Merman, who single-handedly got me through many sad afternoons. Just call me Augusten Burroughs.

If you haven’t guessed, I would not wish day camp on anyone. Camp, as far as I’m concerned, should be reserved solely for song and dance, and, if you’re lucky, for frivolous fun. It’s not like camp could change the world… Could it?

Turns out that camp, shockingly, can be good for something other than a future prescription for therapy. Though, much to my dismay, I’m about 20 years too old to take part in the amazing Youth Empowered Action Camp that arms kids with the resources and creative prowess necessary to change the world, there is one other groundbreaking camp that I have my eye on. I’m not too old for it, nor too awkward for it, and the fact that I have breasts would most likely not come up in discussion. (If it did, I’d know enough now to slap someone silly.)

Note to self: Attend (or organize?) "Animal Advocacy Camp"

It’s called Animal Advocacy Camp, and it is headed up by our friends over at Liberation B.C. — including, of course, the brilliant and dashing Glenn Gaetz. Glenn, who we not only interviewed on our podcast (along with his equally-brilliant partner, Joanne Chang), has guest-blogged for Our Hen House about, among other things, the concept of Open Space as a model for a more effective movement. The thought process of Open Space is that it’s the attendees — not the organizers — of a conference/workshop/camp who set the rules and the agenda. That includes proposing topics for discussion. In the case of Animal Advocacy Camp, some possible suggestions might include how to talk to the public, how groups can better work together, discussions on tactics, and historical precedents. Sounds totally unhierarchical, fair, fulfilling, and timely. This camp, I must say, sounds up my alley. (MOOOOM? ARE YOU LISTENIIIIING?!)

Animal Advocacy Camp — happening this February 25 and 26 in Vancouver — will be using the Open Space format. According to the website:

There is a lot of room for discussion within the framework of this event. We all can learn a lot from each other. This is a great opportunity to tap into the collective knowledge of many other experienced people in your community. Bring along your tough problems, questions you’ve been struggling to answer, problems you’ve been trying to solve.

Though Open Space sounds — I gotta admit it — a bit crunchy, don’t let the hippie vibe fool you. The goal of this camp, which is also being called “Vancouver’s Animal Rights UnConference,” is to work and learn together so that activists can build a stronger community, and, ultimately, “make a greater difference in the lives of animals.” And there is indeed still structure to this format (including fantastic speakers, like Sarah Kramer and Camille Labchuck).

It sounds, to me, incredibly refreshing — especially when other conferences are sometimes too dense with speakers and information, to the point where you every time you attend one workshop, you miss a dozen others that you wanted to attend. That’s not to say that there’s not room for the more “generic” types of conferences, but seeing as how everyone learns in different ways, Animal Advocacy Camp might very well be on to something.

For those of you in the British Columbia area (and — sigh — lucky you, if you are…), check out this game-changing weekend. And if you’re too far away to be able to attend, perhaps it’s high time for a similar workshop, conference, or, hey, camp, in your neck of the woods. Even if you’ve never organized an event before, starting these kinds of dialogues about animal issues and activism, and letting attendees decide what is important to focus on, can sometimes be more empowering than a set itinerary, or someone else’s agenda. (Be sure to check out the Open Space User’s Guide, too.)

As for me, I have certainly moved on (for the most part, anyway) from the drama of being an oddball, ostracized child at day camp, and so perhaps it’s time to wipe that slate clean and start fresh. While, for my mid-1980 campmates, it was the wheels on the bus that went round and round, perhaps for us grown-ups in the 21st century, the way to change the world is to come together — all on the same damn team! — so that, through shared experience, pooled ideas, and delegated responsibilities, the wheels in our brains can go round and round, coming up with more and more new ways to change the world for animals.

Perhaps it was your childhood kitty companion, who slept on your pillow, right beside your head, all throughout those awkward middle school years. Or maybe it was a pigeon you rescued — the one who opened your eyes and heart to how glorious these birds are. Or it could have been a goat you met at a farmed animal sanctuary, who wanted nothing more than to head-butt you incessantly, which he clearly found hilarious.

We all have these stories — whether it’s regarding an animal who was (or is) part of our family, or one we read about, or saw in a film or a news story. If you’re alive, then you have, at some point, been influenced by an animal. Maybe it was even that very animal who led you down this path of activism, giving you the push you needed to devote your life to changing the world for our feathered and four-footed friends.

Me and Rocky, only moments after he came into my life. I was 11.

For me, there have been several animals who have become part of my heartbeat, but perhaps the most influential was my childhood cat, Rocky, pictured on the left. That photo was taken only minutes after my brother and I opened a box that my mother had carefully set in the middle of the living room floor, out of which popped this thoroughly wondrous cat! He was a friendly neighborhood stray, and our neighbors had taken him in, only to find that their kids were allergic to him. How lucky was I that Rocky found his circuitous way to our home, and my heart. Rocky was my constant companion from the time I was 11 until I was 24. Growing up in a home with a lot of love — but an equal amount of inconsistency, confusion, and my share of sadness — what a treasure it was to always come home to Rocky’s loud purr-squawk as he ran down the stairs to greet me. During the weekends I spent at my father’s house, I would miss my cat, and wait with bated breath until the moment I stepped back into my house, so that Rocky could, once again, be by my side. He was strong, loyal, and protective. When I think of unconditional love, I think of Rocky.

And what about you? Valentine’s Day is, to me, a perfect opportunity to fondly remember the animals who have touched our lives. And so, for our Valentine’s Day podcast episode, which will air on Saturday, February 11, we need your help.

In the comments section below, share with us your story of one animal who has touched you. Why was that animal important to you? How did she or he shape your view of the world? Be as specific as you can, and make sure to convey to us why that animal holds a special place in your heart.

For our Valentine’s Day episode, we will read some of your stories on the air. We also might invite some of you to be guests on our podcast and tell the story yourselves. And anyone who leaves a comment will be entered to win an Our Hen House tote bag. A randomly-selected winner will be announced on the Valentine’s Day podcast episode. In order to be in the running for both the tote bag, and the chance for your story to be featured on our podcast episode, you must leave a comment by midnight, EST, on Sunday, February 5.

By appealing to individual intellect, creativity and compassion, CAF believes we can awaken people to the plight and grandeur of kindred animals – and ultimately build a deeper understanding of human-animal relationships and a greater respect for basic animal rights.

Can we say “well put,” Tom and Nancy?

I admire Culture & Animals Foundation so deeply for their ongoing support of creative and academic projects that aim to change the world for animals. Foundations like this one, I believe, are among the unsung heroes of our movement. They are behind so much greatness.

If you have a project that you think is up their alley, you need to get on that immediately, because their deadline (the only one for the whole year!) is coming up on January 31. And you don’t need to be a non-profit to apply, either. Previous grants have gone to authors, composers, filmmakers, and performance artists.

Bonne chance.

"Vegans Are Cool" (and hot, apparently)

In addition to interviews with us, you’ll find interviews with Brazil-based designer Julia Harger, Australian entertainer Renata Halpin (who is “Teaching Kids to Go Green, the Musical Way“), as well as vegan activists from countries including Iran, South Africa, and Mongolia. There are also eye-opening articles written by movers and shakers from around the globe, including activist Leigh-Chantelle (who was on our podcast), dietician Amanda Benham, and environmentalists Gerard Wederburn-Bisshop and Lefkothea Pavlidis.

Though we’re clearly huge fans of using the internet to influence others to adopt a vegan diet and, what’s more, get involved with changing the world for animals, there is sometimes nothing more powerful than reading a real, live book. Plus, whip out a copy of Vegans Are Cool the next time you’re settling in for a soy latte at your favorite café, and you can bet people will take notice — especially once they see the sexy cover models, Noel Polanco (of “Noel Vegan Fitness Star“), along with the ridiculously cute pup, Bianquita.

Though I knew this before getting the book, it is clearer than ever before that vegans are, indeed, cool.

Photo at top of blog: Courtesy of Neil (photo called “Pig at sanctuary”), uploaded from Vegan Stock Photo.

Sally Tamarkin

First, Sally Tamarkin, whom you may know as our intern extraordinaire (and the brilliant, protein-packed voice behind the recent peanut butter review on our podcast), has graduated to a contributor here at Our Hen House. Sally, whose prolific voice has graced our blog time and time again since she joined us just over 3 months ago, will continue to provide insight and ideas — along with her trademark dry humor that makes me ROTFL at least 4 times a day — right here on our blog. Sally is a long-time activist, but is still on the new side to veganism and animal rights, and the freshness she brings to the (cruelty-free) table, mixed with her years of experience fighting for social justice in other arenas, such as LGBT rights, is nothing short of genius.

JL Fields

Next, I’m proud as a peacock (or a peahen?) to welcome JL Fields to our advisory board. JL, who is the wise and talented voice behind the blog, JL Goes Vegan (the tag line, which I adore, is “Food and Fitness with a Side of Kale”) joins advisory board members Carol Leifer, Dan Piraro, and Donny Moss. What does JL bring to OHH? Oh, you know, just decades of nonprofit experience — including leading three organizations as CEO, and teaching nonprofit management at a college here in NYC. You know, the usual… (!!!) JL is also on the board of Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary (co-founder Jenny Brown’s interview on our podcast remains, to this day, one of our faves), and is the editor behind Stop Chasing Skinny.  We’re honored to have someone as established and smart as JL advising us. (And she’s a blast to hang out with, too, which is a ridiculously fun side benefit!)

Carrie Forrest

You probably have already read Carrie Forrest‘s health-oriented book reviews here on Our Hen House. Did you catch her take on Healthy Eating, Healthy World? Or maybe Super Immunity? Her guest reviews have given us such a well-rounded look at these books, which focus on the benefits of a plant-based diet, that we asked her to join our flock. Carrie already has two more book reviews in the works. In addition to being the voice behind one of my go-to food blogs, Carrie On Vegan (her healthy and delectable concoctions are responsible for a large chunk of my recipe collection), Carrie is currently working on a master’s degree in public health (MPH) in nutrition, and finishing the coursework to become a registered dietitian. So you should listen to her. Even though her background is in health, like JL, Carrie brings a revitalizing (and incredibly important) perspective to her discussions of plant-based food, in that she relates it back to her animal advocacy. And, as Mariann and I won’t stop chirping about, in order to be the best activists we can, our own health and well-being should be amongst our priorities. So keep an eye out for Carrie’s reviews. Like us, you’ll probably learn a thing or two.

Danielle Legg

Lastly, we have a part-time coordinator! I last squawked about Danielle Legg last year, when I told you about her Buffalo, New York film screening that brought in the veg-curious, and paid non-vegetarians cash money so that they could eat delicious vegan food, and watch Mercy for Animals’ short film, Fowl Play. Danielle has stayed on our radar, and I find myself constantly enamored by her positivity, dedication, and passion. We’re elated to have Danielle on board, helping us out with, among other things, our Etsy page, as well as some of the day to day happenings here in Our Hen House.

We are, to say the least, lucky hens. These new chicks are helping us to build our nest, not to mention our voice. Read more about these women, and the rest of our team, as you Meet Our Flock.

You’re also extremely integral to the work we do. With our mission being to mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, it is indeed up to each of us to do our part. It’s not my hen house or her hen house or your hen house, it’s Our Hen House — and that’s because we hope that Our Hen House is a place to find our way to change the world for animals. Hens, of course, are the most hideously exploited animals of them all. When you speak of animal rights, you are mostly speaking of chickens — because over 9 of the 10 billion land animals killed in the U.S. each year are birds. They are among our icon animals, too, showing bravery, humor, and strong social ties. With these precious beings representing, to us, the huge massive world of animals, and with each of our voices speaking up for them in a way that makes sense for us, we can change the world for animals. So thank you for being a part of this movement, and for using your voice to speak up for those who don’t have one.

As always, if you would like to help us grow our flock, and spread our voice, we would be ever so grateful for anything you can afford. Donations are, or course, tax deductible as allowed by law. In any case, thanks for being part of our flock.

The full-length one-act ride is actually comprised of three short plays, by three different playwrights, all interwoven into one — giving the audience the opportunity to delve into the work that groundbreaking primatologists Goodall, Fossey, and Galdikas did with, respectively, chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans.

Animals were never seen the same way again.

The origin of the title, Leakey’s Ladies — which was the one part of the play that I intensely disliked (more on that later) — is in the fact that all three of these women were inspired originally to do their work by anthropologist and game-changer, Louis Leakey. Beyond just a professional relationship, the personal connection that Leakey shared with all three women — the fondness they had for him, the mentorship and friendship he provided — was abundantly clear (and incredibly touching) throughout the play.

However, though Leakey had the foresight to get them started on their paths, his underlying goal was for the three women to study these animals in order to shed light on the human condition, and human origins; the animals themselves, and their sentience, were not his focus. In fact, the work of Fossey, Goodall, and Galdikas ended up going far beyond Leakey’s original mission.

As visualized throughout the play, frequently through the use of moving and effective puppetry, the women connect deeply to the animals — each in different, yet equally profound, ways. The women also become enmeshed in the political situations that surround, and often threaten, them and their work. Not surprisingly, the reality on the ground is far distanced from the “Ivory Tower” research project that was imagined prior to their beginning their projects.

It was particularly interesting to see the contrasts among the three women, and the way they approached their journey. The tender but fiercely determined Goodall was by far the most scientific, and was devoted to simply observing — even though even she was criticized vehemently in the scientific community for supposedly interfering with and anthropomorphizing the animals. Of course, the scientific community has always been quick to play the “anthropomorphizing card,” rather than taking the time, and the infinite patience, needed to see the animals as real. Perhaps more than anyone in history, Goodall saw the animals fully, and even when it became painful, refused to look away. She recognized the chimpanzees as individuals with unique personalities, and reported on them as such. Because of this, her contributions are incalculable — both to our understanding of chimpanzees, and of animals in general.

Tatiana Pavela as Dian Fossey (Photo by Shell Sheddy)

Dian Fossey was a much more emotional character who found herself in an extremely dire situation. At one gripping point in the play, there’s a brief but heart-wrenching retelling of how she had been captured and raped when she was in Congo. Fossey’s later work, in Rwanda, was also fraught with political nightmares — both in dealing with the government that wanted to exploit her work, and fighting the poachers, who, of course, ultimately ended her life.

Birute Galdikas, who came across as a bit of a hippie, was depicted as having enculturated herself much more into the Indonesian world in which she was living. Galdikas left her mark with, among other things, incredibly important observational research. What’s more –presented with a crisis situation in which, because of the trade, there were enormous numbers of orphaned orangutans — she founded a sanctuary, saving thousands of lives.

Through stunning puppetry, which was really beautifully done (just as in the play, War Horse, I forgot I was looking at puppets), as well as costumed actors and video projections, the audience was given the unique theatrical experience of seeing the animals themselves. Not only did this effectively show the intense relationship of the women to these animals, but it also displayed the tragedy of some of the animals’ lives, and gave us a glimpse into their sometimes funny, complicated, social, anti-social, and brave personalities. This was epitomized both in Galdikas’ relationship with TP, a male orangutan with whom she formed a real relationship, and in the truly heartbreaking story of Flo and Flint, which, for anyone who knows Goodall’s work, is all too familiar. The puppets also let us see into Dian Fossey’s relationship with one of her orphaned gorillas and witness up close her struggle about whether to take him in and raise him, knowing she might eventually have to turn him over to the government for life in a zoo.

Just as charming as the play itself was the space where it came to life. Dixon Place, the non-profit theatre that aims to, among other things, “contribute to the community” by making itself available “as a meeting place for social change organizations,” has, as one of their focuses, a bent toward LGBT issues and other issues affecting minority groups. Given that, it was refreshing to see a play focusing on the greatest underdogs of all — animals. And the fact that this work also highlighted the stories of three powerful women was icing on the cake for me (my cake, of course, was vegan). That is why I had issue with the title, Leakey’s Ladies. Though not to undercut the revolutionary work of Louis Leakey, and the primary role he played in fostering the work of Goodall, Galdikas, and Fossey, these truly extraordinary women stood their ground on their own, forging ahead despite nearly insurmountable obstacles. True, before anyone else believed in them, Leakey did. But why lump these women into a subsidiary role as this title seems to do? To me, it undermines the independent and trailblazing work of three pioneer women, at a time (late 60′s and early 70′s) when the women’s rights movement was only beginning to grow into a revolution.

But I digress. Silly name or not, Leakey’s Ladies is well worth a trip to the Lower East Side. For the most part, the main actors portrayed their characters with the necessary depth and emotion that the story demanded, but it was Tatiana Pavela’s masterful interpretation of Dian Fossey — complete with Pavela’s commanding presence, powerful voice, and surprisingly unabashed vulnerability — that stole the show. That, and the puppets, who were designed meticulously by David Valentine. It was all I could do to not “adopt” one of them on my way out of the theatre, when no one was looking…

In the history of Our Hen House — which is 2 years old almost to the day — we have only had a small handful of opportunities to cover theatrical productions that implicitly or explicitly dealt with animal rights issues. To name a few, there were: The Tragical-Comical Trial of Madame P and Other 4-Legged and Winged Creatures, which covered the medieval animal trials; the one-woman play, I’m Sorry: How a People-Pleasing Apologist Became an Animal-Loving Activist; and Dead Pile, a play that followed the story of an undercover investigator inside a dairy farm. The impetus for the Art of the Animal section was, of course, to highlight such work — as well as provide ideas and inspiration for others to get involved in the powerful arts/advocacy union. As someone with a background as an actor, this merging gives me fever-like chills. There is nothing greater than using the huge capacity of even the tiniest stage, and making it a tool to create change. Directed and designed by Gretchen Van Lente, Leakey’s Ladies, which we will further discuss and review this weekend on our podcast, has the wherewithal to change hearts and minds about animals. If it’s true that all the world’s a stage, then perhaps compassion is more within reach than we think.

Intern with VegFund!

Now, with this part-time, work-from-home volunteer position (roughly 15-20 hours per week), you can have the opportunity to work with this groundbreaking organization, which was named the “Non-Profit of the Year” in 2009 by VegNews Magazine. Among other duties, the internship gives you the chance to train and coordinate volunteers, maintain and grow VegFund’s resources for grassroots activists, and conduct at least one outreach event per month. You’ll be working with and learning from VegFund’s Director, and for those of you who are students, you might even be able to get class credit. Their ideal candidate for this 3-month position has grassroots experience, strong writing skills, and, obviously, a passion and interest in farmed animal advocacy.

Check out the full listing for this internship, and spread the word to your passionate vegan friends and colleagues.

Internships can, needless to say, be important inroads for those interested in pursuing a career in animal rights. Most people working in the movement had, at one time or another, an internship position. But even for those of you who don’t want to quit your day job, opportunities like this one can utilize your skills and passion, allowing you to grow and learn, all while strongly and effectively working to change the world for animals. I honestly can’t think of many better places to start — or step up — your AR journey, than to work with the visionaries behind VegFund. Have I mentioned I’m a fan?

And head’s up: Stay tuned for a not-to-be-missed interview with VegFund’s co-founder, Zia Terhune, which you will be able to find on our podcast in the coming weeks.

Picture of top of blog: Courtesy of VegFund

As most of you already know, Vegan Mainstream not only “provides marketing solutions” to vegan businesses, but also empowers and supports an eager and thriving vegan community (such as through their Facebook page, which is interactive and full of current AR happenings). The upcoming webinars are one hour long, totally free, and — if you ask me — a much more productive way of spending your lunch hour than playing Snood (which, okay, I also thoroughly enjoy).

Another set of upcoming animal-themed webinars come to us thanks to the ASPCA, are also one hour long and offered at no cost, and focus on the subject of animal abuse, with an emphasis on animal law. They include “The AniCare Approach for Treating Animal Abuse: What it is and how you can use it,” “Non-Human DNA in Criminal Cases,” “The Psychological Aspects of Maltreated Animals,” and “Common Issues Law Enforcement and Prosecutors Confront When Investigating and Litigating ‘Puppy Mill’ Cases.”

Also on the webinar circuit is Julie Lewin, the passionate activist behind the book Get Political for Animals. Though not yet up on the website, we hear through the grapevine that she will next be offering her series of webinars on that same topic starting later this month. On January 21, at 1 pm EST, you can view “Get Political for Animals and Win the Laws They Need in Your Town, City, County or State”; on Sunday, January 29, at 1 pm EST there’s “How the Lawmaking Process Really Works — and How Your Political Group for Animals Impacts Each Step”; and, on Sunday, February 5, at 1 pm EST, you can see, “How to Launch and Run a Political Organization for Animals in Your Town, City, County or State — and the Simple Steps It Takes to Do It.” These sound like the perfect next step for those who were intrigued by what our intern Sally so eloquently talked about last week – changing the law for animals. In addition to the above scheduled webinars, Julie even offers private ones, all as part of the National Institute for Animal Advocacy. To register, first email Julie at jlewin[at]nifaa.org and, once she tells you there’s still an opening, donate what you can afford on the website. Don’t forget to join her email list to stay up to speed about current webinars.

We at Our Hen House have talked about using Webinars for Animal Rights before. Beyond just attending the ones that Vegan Mainstream, the ASPCA, and Julie Lewin are offering — and ones that other advocacy groups have offered in the past, sometimes even as online conferences — maybe you want to go further into webinar world. If you are a person with a unique skill set that can be plugged into changing the world (and we all have one, folks, as we discussed in our recent workshop on activism that is now available online), perhaps its time for you to dust off your webcam and start your own webinar. These can include subjects such as vegan nutrition, using art to speak up for animals, Leafleting 101, animal law, and about a bzillion other pro-animal themed subjects.

Another plus? You don’t have to leave your living room. You can even be naked from the waist down, and no one would know. Which gives me an idea: “Change the World Wearing No More than a Necktie?” Perhaps…

Now, you can view the entire workshop for free on the Lewis & Clark website (just fyi — viewing it requires that your computer be up to date with Silverlight). It’s a good workshop to even have on in the background as you do house chores or the likes. In other words, you only really need to hear it.

Even more exciting for us (since we did, in fact, already attend our own workshop) is that the vast majority of the workshops presented throughout the weekend are now up on the Lewis & Clark site. We are pretty stoked to catch up on some of the ones we missed, and revisit the workshops we already attended. Some highlights include “Drawing Connections Between Animal Law and Other Disciplines” by Taimie Bryant and Maneesha Deckha, “Developing New Legal Theories to Help Animals: Benefits and Limitations” by Kathy Hessler and Matthew Liebman, and “Where Did Your Food Really Come From? A Guide to Food Labeling,” by Carter Dillard and Will Fantle.

Whether or not you’re into New Year’s resolutions per se, early January — the time when the holiday mayhem is over (and yes, that was me shouting it from the rooftop this morning) — is the perfect time to size up our pro-animal projects, and perhaps get out the drafting paper for some new ones. Or revamp the ones we’ve got. It’s time to take stock and act accordingly.

I am also a big fan of reassessing. I think an ongoing discussion we should all be having with ourselves is: “Self, what are my life goals? In what ways am I working toward them? Through my job? My volunteer work? Both? Is there anything I need to adjust in order to better work toward my life goal?”

With all of this in mind, the post-holiday season is ideal for reevaluating our animal activism, and figuring out where we can and should step it up. Tied into that is, of course, the sustainability factor — and I’m not talking about hemp socks or hybrid cars. I’m talking about our own sustainability. The animals need us to be in this for the long run. Are we positioned to stick around? While the fact that in the U.S. alone, 286 chickens are killed every second, may make this a life-threatening emergency that must be addressed RIGHT NOW, are we nevertheless fighting the good fight in a way that takes care of our own needs, too?

Below are 10 questions that might help you take stock of where your advocacy is as we start 2012. As always, check in daily with Our Hen House (and weekly with our podcast) for ideas and opportunities to change the world for animals.

10 Questions Animal Advocates Should Ask Themselves 

1. Am I effectively doing what I can in my life to change the world for animals?
2. Am I appropriately putting my talents and skills into use with regards to my animal activism?
3. Am I feeling fulfilled in the process? Is there anything I can do to feel more fulfilled?
4. Even though working in animal rights can be hideously depressing and infuriating, am I noticing the tiny victories along the way? Am I seeing the good stuff?
5. Is my activism sustainable or am I on the fast-track to burnout? If it’s not sustainable, why not? What do I need to do to change it up? Perhaps that means temporarily shifting my focus, whether to a different animal issue, or a different tactic?
6. Do I have a safe space around me — through my romantic relationship or my social circles, or even online — in which to express my fears and desires as they pertain to my animal activism?
7. Is there a dream I have for promoting animal rights that I am ready to work toward?
8. Am I taking care of myself? Do I have enough energy? Am I getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and getting enough exercise?
9. Am I learning something new every day that will further enrich my own knowledge and insights regarding animal issues?
10. Am I remembering that, just as I have mentors, I am probably a mentor to someone else — even if I don’t know to whom? Therefore, am I setting a good example?

There are dozens and dozens of job openings at PETA.

As for me, though it was my friend Marisa Miller Wolfson (of Vegucated) who, 8 years ago, showed me some footage of factory farming, effectively turning my long-time vegetarianism into full-fledged, passionate veganism — it was the subsequent week-long volunteer trip I took to PETA that brought my activism into full-swing.

If you’re in the market for a job in animal rights, there are currently 41 openings with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals in the U.S. alone. They fit every category you can think of, including administration, media, communications, campaigning, science, and investigations. And the domestic openings span the country — from NYC, to Washington, DC, to Norfolk, VA, to Los Angeles, to even a few telecommuting positions. There are also ample PETA positions overseas, such as in Asia, Australia, India, and the UK.

In browsing around, some of the highlights of these positions included, for me anyway, Media Officers, both in NYC and in DC, a Production Artist in Norfolk, a Celebrity Marketing Coordinator in PETA’s brand-spanking new office in LA, a Translator for PETA Asia, and a Campaign Coordinator in either PETA India or in Japan. There are literally dozens more.

I am, to say the least, in absolute awe of the amount of materials PETA produces, and, as is evidenced by our first paragraph, the amount of  influential changemakers it has created (superstar phenomenon Maggie Q is one of thousands of celebrities who also attributes her animal rights and vegan awakening to PETA). Even though many of them have gone on to have their own spin on their activism and outlook, there is no question as to who was at the root of their awakening.

All of this said, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again (and again and again): You do not need to work for an animal rights organization, or a vegan restaurant, or a vegan PR firm, in order to create change for animals. Truly, one of the most powerful things you can do for animals is to spread the message of non-violence and compassion in your everyday lives in a way that works for you. That is clearly the essence of what we talk about here in Our Hen House. Changemakers come in all shapes and sizes. We hope that the multimedia tools and resources we offer daily help you to figure out what shape and size you are, and how to plug that into animal activism.

But for those of you whose hearts desire nothing greater than a job in animal rights — I get that. I spent years working for AR organizations, including as the campaigns manager at Farm Sanctuary (by the way, they are also hiring) – a job I held very close to my heart, and a position that allowed my activism to grow by leaps and bounds. And, of course, I am lucky enough to write for my favorite publication on the planet, VegNews Magazine (shameless plug: keep an eye out for my article, “Veganism Saved My Life,” in the February 2012 issue). And, as you can see, I started my own advocacy organization. So if there’s one thing I understand, it’s the unrelenting gnawing at your heartstrings that leaves you no other choice but to pursue a career in vegan advocacy and animal rights. Just know that you don’t have to go down that road to change the world for animals. But if you do, I hope that some of the resources we highlighted this week are helpful to you. And I wish you the best of luck in your search, and a happy, healthy, compassionate, changemaking New Year.

With vegan restaurants popping up throughout the country (and beyond), prospects for chef jobs are, too. Anyone who is interested in creating cruelty-free cuisine should be developing this delicious skill. Not only will it help you to make a mean vegan roast at your family’s holiday meal (well, a kind one, actually), but perhaps that dream of yours — to turn your savvy knife skills and propensity toward made-from-scratch seitan into a career — is not as far-fetched as you’ve been convincing yourself.

Listen closely... Your computer is telling you to become a vegan chef!

Though you should continue to make it a point to consistently search your nearest Craigslist‘s job openings for the word “vegan” (you’ll be surprised by what comes up) — as well as the resources we told you about yesterday, which frequently list chef jobs — here are three possibilities for talented food-lovers who are interested in extending their skills in a compassionate — and paid — direction:

In perhaps what is the most coveted position for anyone looking to become a vegan chef, bestselling vegan cookbook author, powerhouse Isa Chandra Moskowitz (who was featured on our 100th podcast episode), is not only opening a vegan restaurant in her new hometown of Omaha (!), but is looking for a chef to help execute the seasonal vegan menu. The opportunity to work with Isa is one that most compassionate-minded cooks can only dream of. It could definitely be worth a move to Omaha, which, as Isa discussed when she was on our 100th episode, is way cooler than that shocked look on your face implies. (Incidentally, my two previous associations with Nebraska are the thrifting excursion I took there when I was 16 and performing in a play in Lincoln — I got a really cute vintage jacket — and the mention of Omaha in the incredibly depressing but intensely moving Bette Midler song, “Hello in There.” Though these two already put us at 2 for 2 in Nebraska-positive associations, adding a new Isa-flavored vegan restaurant to the mix is nothing short of a vacation-waiting-to-happen.)

For the Canadians among us, there is also a vegan restaurant in East Vancouver searching for a vegan chef (neat, eh?). One thing that struck me about the posting for this job, in addition to their strong leaning toward the organic, sustainable, and natural health realms, was that the employer specifically asks that those interested in the position include in their application their ”motive” (as well as, of course, their “experiences with organic, vegan, and raw foods cuisine”). Though the posting doesn’t explicitly state this, it seems to me that an interest in the ethical and environmental motivations for pursuing this kind of work would only help your chances of getting hired — as long as you can also offer a deep understanding of the healing properties of healthy, vegan food (and, needless to say, talent for cooking). By the way, Vancouver is one of my favorite places on earth, as is evidenced by the journal I kept almost 3 years ago, during my vacation there. I still have dreams of Kitsalano Beach. And with the emergence of new vegan stores like Nice Shoes, you basically can’t go wrong with making British Columbia part of your future.

For those of you in the Chicago area, there is an opening for a cook at a “juice bar/vegetarian restaurant.” The position is part-time (with the possibility of becoming full-time), so it’s perfect for you midwesterners who are still trying to figure out if a future as a vegan chef is your speed. Plus, you’ll almost certainly need something physically-exerting (which being a cook is) to distract you from the blustery cold winters there (ah yes, I remember it well).

I can’t tell you how many times my friends have confided to me their lingering dreams to be a vegan chef. “If only…” they say, the end of their sentence almost always trailing off into another direction, the one that “reality” so frequently squelches.

Maybe 2012 will finish that sentence for you… and maybe you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the outcome. Perhaps you can indeed have your vegan cake and eat it too — after you bake it, of course.

Good luck!

Thank you thank you thank you… And don’t forget to subscribe to Dr. Mary MD.

ONCE AGAIN, HERE IS THE LINK TO VOTE! IT WILL LITERALLY TAKE YOU 3 SECONDS.

Antennae rocks my world

I, for one, am nothing short of stirred and tickled to learn about this incredibly in-depth and thought-provoking resource, and I’m already wondering how I’m going to finish my Christmahanusolstikwanzikuh shopping, when I have all of these back issues to catch up on! I know that many of you will also be titillated, since my inbox is frequently bursting with emails from you wondering how to get further involved with speaking up for animals through the arts. Well, lucky for you, Antennae is seeking submissions for publication.

And in the interest of shameless self-promotion (’tis the season, right?), I wanted to point out a few pieces that Our Hen House has created for our Art of the Animal series, focusing on some of the same creative activists that Antennae is also shedding light on. Last year, we made a video about visual artist Jonathan Horowitz, and his “Go Vegan” exhibit. Two weeks ago, we featured Peter Singer on our 100th podcast episode (which is also available, as always, on iTunes). And, in what is perhaps the video I am most proud of, a couple days ago we brought you our newest installment of the Art of the Animal video series, this time featuring one of our heroes, Sue Coe. Our Art of the Animal series, which is hardly as academic as Antennae (I’m not sure anything I’ve ever written can be described as such), features artists who speak up for animals through their art form, and you can you learn more by browsing that section of our website.

Vegan scholarships make me happy.

If you’re a high school student and you’re reading this, I realize that compassion is your driving force. But this scholarship is a sweet impetus for stepping up your advocacy, and making sure that your fellow students are being reached with the reasons to go vegan and change the world for animals (there are so many countless ways to do that, even if you’re in school).

Do they have a spot in the yearbook for “Most Ethical?” You’ve got that pegged, young friend…

Queenie Poster by Sue Coe

Our video-short takes you on a journey narrated by Sue herself, and features selections from her vast body of work. In it, she describes the impetus behind her life’s work – growing up next door to a hog farm and hearing the hogs’ screaming as they were led to slaughter. These experiences left an indelible mark on her. In turn, she leaves her own mark on the hearts and minds of anyone who views her images, which have been shown in galleries and museums all over the world. The unapologetically graphic nature of her work results in us, the viewers, bearing witness to suffering – a fate that began for Sue so many years ago – yet also leaves us feeling inspired to create change. For Sue Coe, and for many of us who take in her images, complacency is no longer an option. Though many vegans and animal rights advocates are already aware of these realities, even seasoned activists will be moved and inspired by Coe’s artistic explorations of animal suffering.

Now, we invite you to experience the revelatory images that document the reality of animal exploitation, and to learn first-hand from Sue Coe how her journey into this oftentimes dark, but very real world, manifested.

UPDATE:

Keep your eyes open for Sue Coe’s book, Cruel, which will be available from www.orbooks.com in Spring 2012.

But despite the good intentions, there’s almost always the dark underbelly associated with making any film that centers around animals — the inherent exploitation therein. So, while I love to see people being informed about, say, the indescribably cruel treatment of circus animals, don’t even get me started on the horrific irony of taking a book that is so right on in terms of its messaging — I’m talking about Water for Elephants, which I loved reading — and turning it into a huge, massive exploitation festival, Hollywood-style.

Unless you’re going to put dogs in a film and not direct them — like the brilliant filmmakers behind Bold Native did when they filmed around where the dogs walked and what the dogs did (they used their own dogs, by the way) – you can basically bet your tofu dinner that the animal actors in that big Hollywood movie are being misused, and that their natural needs are being put second to the producers’ unnatural ones.

While it’s probably true that not all animal handlers involved in Hollywood films, or all productions using animal actors, are equal, the way I see it, there is basically no way around the exploitation. And, in case you haven’t figured it out yet, for those of us who care about ending animal cruelty, the American Humane Association’s stamp of approval (“There were no animals harmed during the making of this film”) is about as reliable as a meat-eater tossing around labels like “humane certified” and “free-range,” and thinking that means that there’s nothing more to worry about.

Still, though… There is something to be said about the huge mainstream movie-going audience sitting in front of their favorite stars and learning that animals have feelings, too. So, although in my ideal world I don’t want any animals to appear on the big screen, when they do, I want to believe in the message that the film is trying to convey. I suppose it’s the lesser of two evils, and I think that the potential reward — the possibility of awakening someone to animal issues — can have profoundly positive implications.

Take yet another upcoming animal-themed Hollywood film, Big Miracle, starring — yup — Drew Barrymore, as a passionate, whale-loving activist who is trying her darnedest to save three trapped gray whales. Big Miracle is based on Operation Breakthrough, an international effort in 1988 to free several trapped whales from ice in Alaska’s Beaufort Sea. Set to be released in early February, this film has been reportedly made “ethically,” according to The Humane Society of the United States. I don’t have more specifics than that on the treatment of the whales used in the film, and, while that does ease my concerns more than an American Humane Association sign-off would, I doubt I will be paying money to see this movie. My bottom line is that whales were used, period.

Or take War Horse, which I can without question say was the best Broadway play I’ve ever seen (and I’ve seen hundreds). We discussed the power of this theatrical production on our podcast a few months ago. It was one of those pieces of art that changed our lives, that touched us in ways that are almost beyond description. The Lincoln Center production of War Horse – which, happily, uses puppets in extraordinary, expressive ways instead of actual animals – was not only a powerful social justice story about an animal who prevailed against all odds, but was proof positive that you don’t have to exploit animals in order to effectively tell their story. (Another recent example of the ability of artistry to portray animals authentically without exploiting them is, of course, the use of computer generated apes in The Rise of the Planet of the Apes.)

But now, the film version of War Horse — a Spielberg production – is about to be released, and this powerful story will be told using real horses. The trailer makes Mariann weep copiously. Still, despite our deep love for this story, we won’t be seeing War Horse. Our podcast’s Hollywood correspondent, the brilliant Ari Solomon, was given free tickets to a screening of the film, and will give us his take on this movie — as well as his thoughts on the use of animals in film — on this Saturday’s 102nd podcast episode. So don’t miss that.

This is not all cut and dried. I do see the other point of view. I get that you might want to take your kid to see Big Miracle or War Horse, and that, as a result, she might gain understanding that these precious beings are indeed sentient and deserve to live free of exploitation and suffering. And, indeed, it’s undeniable that the role that animals have played in film has, in many ways, helped to shape our attitudes for the better. As eloquently discussed by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau — whose recent talk, Animals in the Arts, was both fascinating and thought-provoking — viewing our relationships with animals through the lens of a filmmaker, or the brushstroke of a painter, can inform and inspire our views in powerful ways. We can watch old movies like The Misfits and Lassie Come Home, and from those, we can grow.

But as our culture, and our technology, have evolved to understand that it is possible to share positive stories of animals — minus the demoralization — at what point do we as a society move on from animal exploitation? And at what point does Hollywood catch on?

Here’s the short version of how this venture started: Writer and filmmaker Lucy Cooke fell in love with Taz, a baby sloth who (get this!) she first learned about while watching a Youtube video! So Cooke traveled 5,000 miles to Costa Rica to meet him, which is when she got to witness, first-hand, the extremely touching stories of the world’s only sloth orphanage. According to Cooke, as reported on her website, at this orphanage, “Orphaned baby sloths whose mothers have been zapped by power lines or hit by cars are brought to the sanctuary to be cared for by legendary sloth whisperer Judy Arroyo.” Inspired and moved (duh!), Cooke made a short video called Meet the Sloths, which immediately became a huge success — so much so that it was covered in major media outlets worldwide, including making it into New York Magazine’s much revered ”Approval Matrix.” The next steps for Cooke in her quest to raise awareness about these glorious (and off-the-radar adorable) sloths was clearly a book deal (hello, Simon and Schuster!), and a full-length documentary based on her original short video, which is airing on Animal Planet in the United States tomorrow, Saturday, December 17, at 8 p.m. EST.

Is this an Our Hen House dream story, or what? Here you have a woman who was touched and moved by an animal story, so she took it upon herself to create smart, independent media about it. Awareness was raised (um, understatement of the year), the media caught on, and now, I’d imagine that The Sloth Sanctuary in Costa Rica will have a few donations coming in for the holidays (speaking of which…). And, most importantly, people (like me!) are learning about these precious creatures (prehistoric sloths stood up to 7 meters tall!). By the way, if you’re starting to think about your 2012 vacation, you might consider offering your services at the sanctuary’s volunteer program, which provides both room and board (not sure about the veganness of it, but obviously if they’re not there yet, that’s obviously something that you could bring to your conversation with these sloth-heroes).

Check out the trailer for Lucy Cooke’s sloth documentary… But make sure you turn your computer’s cute-meter off, because the needle might break your screen:

Since we are now enmeshed in the holidaze — and so much of the holiday season is centered around food — it’s important to use any opportunity to turn this “giving season” into one that is truly compassionate. We can do this by educating the masses about delicious vegan food! Two more ways we like to spread the vegan message is through restaurant outreach and vegan cooking classes.

As for restaurant outreach, this is something Mariann and I discussed on episode 100 of our podcast (which you can also hear on iTunes), and I hope you listen to that, because let’s just say I was able to put my BFA in Acting to the test (think: skits!). But, lucky for us, Unny is joining us again to tell us about the successful campaigns of Compassionate Action for Animals, today focusing on restaurant outreach as well as organizing cooking classes.

***

OHH: Thanks for joining us for a second day in a row, Unny! Today, I’m dying to know: You’ve worked with community restaurants and university cafeterias to make vegan dining more available. What kinds of successes have you had in that area?

UN: We’ve worked with dozens of restaurants that serve excellent vegan food. We created VegGuide.Org, a worldwide guide to veg-friendly restaurants and shopping, and our volunteers have written many reviews to highlight the excellent veg choices in Minnesota and beyond. We’ve received donations and gotten discounts at restaurants, and we’ve done dine-outs, fundraising events, and a chili cook-off at restaurants as well. All of this, and more, has led to a vegan-friendly Twin Cities. I hope that we’ll have more successes to report about in the future with regard to restaurants carrying new vegan foods because of our efforts!

OHH: Regarding approaching restaurants or cafeterias, do you have any tips for an activist who might want to get more vegan options introduced?

UN: The most important thing is to show that there is a market for the products. This can be done by getting people out to a restaurant by publicizing its offerings, and also by showing the restaurants statistics and anecdotes that demonstrate the popularity of veg eating. Secondly, providing ideas and resources — such as mock meats and dairy alternatives — as well as ideas on labeling and marketing, can help restaurants take steps in the right direction. Remember that the operators of restaurants and cafeterias are busy people, but want the business, so be prepared to be persistent.

[For more on restaurant outreach, including how to approach a restaurant where you'll be dining for the holidays to make sure they will offer vegan fare, check out episode 100 of the Our Hen House podcast.]

OHH: Compassionate Action for Animals has also organized cooking classes in the community. I love this idea as a form of activism. Who has led these classes, and what sort of dishes did you prepare?

UN: We’ve had great successes with cooking classes. Our classes have been taught by volunteer chefs, most of whom are people who are part of our group, or somebody we know. We find people who have made great foods for a potluck or other event, and ask them to teach classes. The classes have been interactive, and our chefs are knowledgeable and have a lot to share. We’ve had an incredibly diverse set of classes we’ve taught: Thanksgiving foods, cooking on a budget, soy foods, vegan baking, beginning vegan cooking, and more.

OHH: For someone who is interested in organizing a vegan cooking class, what sort of logistics should she/he consider?

UN: You’ll need to work with your chef to figure out what kind of equipment they have and what kind of equipment is provided at the venue. You’ll also want to consider what works best for a demonstration, and how audience participation in cooking is going to work. Cooking classes usually do not provide enough time to make everything from scratch and serve it, so we’ve had instructors do some prep work in advance. Give the instructor a clear time-frame and have them practice beforehand.

Besides that, advertising and running a smooth event includes welcoming people, giving them literature, having them sign up on your list, filling out evaluation forms, and thanking the instructor afterwards. This will all ensure a successful event.

OHH: What are your favorite kinds of food activism? Do you find that one is more effective than another, or is it a case of different strokes for different folks?

UN: My favorite kind of food activism is the kind that blends together great vegan food with lots of fun, and engages people about the ethics of the way we eat. When we can find the kind of activism that is participatory, and engages people where they’re at, we gain momentum for animals. Weaving together our different activities – food giveaways and potlucks, leafleting and camping trips – gives people lots of opportunities to find the resources, the human connections, and the worldview that helps them move towards a plant-based diet.

OHH: What kinds of projects does Compassionate Action for Animals have up its sleeve for the coming months, and how can people learn more?

UN: This is the hardest question! We’re hoping to do a veg festival in the summer of 2012, and we hope to decide soon. We’ll continue to do many of the same events and projects I described above, but I’m quite uncertain as to what’s next. It would be so much easier to plan if we knew what we’re doing next, but we try to make plans based on what our volunteers are interested in within the framework of our values and strategy. We’re committed to being a volunteer-led organization, and we’ve found that we’ve evolved in ways that weren’t predictable. The best way to find out what we’ll be doing next is by volunteering with us and making it happen! Or, if you don’t live in Minnesota, please do something that inspires us and we’ll copy you! You’re welcome to contact me, Unny at 612-276-2242 or via email at unny[at]exploreveg.org. 

***

Special thanks to Unny Nambudiripad and to Compassionate Action for Animals, for changing the world for animals in Twin Cities, Minnesota! 

If you listen to our podcast (which hopefully you do, otherwise you have 100 past episodes to catch up on), then you know that Mariann and I travel pretty much non-stop. The Midwest is frequently where we land, and we have found that — despite what some may say — vegans are everywhere, as is vegan food. And animal rights activists are everywhere, as is activism focused on ending animal cruelty and raising awareness about compassionate alternatives. Sure, maybe it’s not as concentrated in the Big Apple, but then again, what is? One of my favorite vegan restaurants, FÜD, is in Kansas City, MO. One of my favorite events of 2011 was the Mad City Vegan Fest in Madison, WI (check it out in our VegFest Mash-Up video). And one of my favorite animal rights organizations, Mercy for Animals, was indeed founded in Ohio (we visited them in Chicago last year).

More and more, the great changemaking in our movement is happening in the heartland. Compassionate  Action for Animals, a volunteer-run animal advocacy organization based in Minnesota, is no exception. They are changing the world and starting with their community, engaging in grassroots activism like feed-ins, restaurant outreach, and community-wide vegan cooking classes.

Today and tomorrow, we will be focusing on a Q&A with Compassionate Action for Animals’ co-founder and Executive Director, Unny Nambudiripad. Today, Unny will give us the skinny on feed-ins — free events held in public where free samples of vegan food, along with animal rights literature, are distributed.

My reason for focusing on this form of activism today is because, well, ’tis the season. Food activism like this — specifically, feed-ins — is a terrific form of outreach around the holidays. People are shopping, so you’ve got well-populated areas, and they are usually making far more eye contact than normal, because they are eager and excited. Not to mention, they’re hungry, and they want free food. Why not use this season of self-reflection and giving to enlighten people to the deliciousness of compassion?

For those of you who are intrigued, Unny has some incredible tips and insights for how to implement a successful feed-in. And be sure to check back in with us tomorrow, when we’ll talk to Unny about restaurant outreach and organizing cooking classes — both of which also pack a punch this time of year.

***

Our Hen House: Tell us about Compassionate Action for Animals. What is your mission?

Unny Nambudiripad: First, thank you for asking! I appreciate the excellent work that Our Hen House does. You have been doing a great job to empower activists with the resources and tips they need to be more effective.

OHH: Why, thank you. We’re huge fans of Compassionate Action for Animals, so I guess we’re even.

UN: My name is Unny Nambudiripad, and I’m a co-founder and Executive Director of Compassionate Action for Animals. We’re based in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, and we host (mostly) local events and projects to advocate for animals. Since 1998, we’ve been advocating for animals using a nonviolent approach. We believe that by treating everybody with respect, including fellow activists and people in animal industries, we can maximize our change.

We do our work by conducting outreach and education, and also by building community. Our outreach work is focused on bringing in new people who are generally unaware but potentially interested in our perspective. We target young adults; we’ve handed out leaflets, tabled at events and colleges, and conducted many food giveaways. Educational efforts are aimed at getting interested people to the next level: giving them resources on vegan-friendly restaurants, vegan nutrition, cooking tips, and raising the ethical question. Finally, we do community-building, work to keep people engaged, have fun, keep the momentum going, and build social networks so that people support each other in their changes.

OHH: That’s very cool! Now, I know that Compassionate Action for Animals has done its share of food activism in Twin Cities. What have you done in the realm of feed-ins and food giveaways?

UN: We’ve been doing feed-ins for several years, mostly at college campuses, but also at city parks and events. Our feed-ins have been very successful. We have found free vegan products that companies want to promote, and the people who eat the samples are happy to get free food and are open to talking to us about moving towards a plant-based diet. Volunteers also have a great time.

OHH: Sure — what’s not to love about free food?! So what happens during a feed-in? 

UN: During our feed-ins, we hand out Vegan Outreach‘s excellent literature about factory farming and veganism. We don’t require that people read the literature to take the food, and we understand that a certain percentage of the people who take our samples just want the free food. But, the positive atmosphere that we provide is very conducive to folks taking the literature and talking to us. Activists are sometimes accused of being negative and not having solutions, and doing feed-ins provides a great counter-example.

OHH: Can you tell me a bit about your biggest annual feed-in, which takes place at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities? 

UN: We do this one in conjunction with our Veg Week event, and at the feed-in we sign people up to take the Pledge to Be Veg. In the atmosphere of the feed-in, it’s easy to sign people up. Veg Week events have included a speaker, more free vegan food samples, dine-outs, potlucks, and a tour to a local farm animal sanctuary. In short, the feed-in is a great way to bring people into our fold and engage with them further.

OHH: Did you find your food giveaways were difficult to organize? And do you have any tips for someone else who might be interested in organizing a food giveaway?

UN: When we first did food giveaways, we asked restaurants and groceries to donate food samples. We later found it more effective to go straight to the producers of the food products. The logistics of food giveaways includes refrigeration, food preparation, cooking, food permits, volunteers, and lots of hauling. There’s nothing too technical about it besides creating check-lists and following them. VegFund has great resources on how to do food giveaways, and they offer funding. I recommend starting out small, and working towards bigger giveaways. Other tips include:

• Have a lot of volunteers. This work is labor-intensive.
• Relatedly, this event is so much fun for volunteers, so it’s easy to recruit! You can be sure they will have a great time.
• Don’t announce the event publicly. You want to reach people who aren’t looking for you, not the ones who are narrowly focused on getting free food.
• Ask for food donations at least three months in advance, and be prepared to follow-up with companies.

The level of difficulty of organizing a food giveaway is proportionate to its size. That is, small giveaways are easy, but large ones can be more challenging.

OHH: What has been the reaction of the passersby?

UN: People are enthusiastic about free food! I’ve done all kinds of events – protests, leafletings, speaking events, potlucks, etc., and food giveaways are certainly the events where we get the most positive feedback.

***

Here’s some more helpful information on how to organize a feed-in. Special thanks to Unny and Compassionate Action for Animals. Don’t forget to check back tomorrow for information from Unny on restaurant outreach and organizing cooking classes! 

Although many sanctuaries have adoption programs, Animal Place has a unique center, located in Vacaville, CA, only an hour outside of San Francisco, specifically devoted to animal adoption and placement. Animal Place stands at the forefront of the movement to save the lives of farmed animals, while moving them into the homes of a growing nationwide movement of vegan advocates, who not only provide these animals with loving homes, but can demonstrate to friends and neighbors who these animals really are and why they deserve to live. One by one, these animals can go out into the world and change people’s hearts and minds.

Now, Animal Place — under the direction of Kim Sturla — is hiring someone to head up their marketing, fundraising, and campaigns. The job — which looks like a dream job for anyone who has been longing to work in the animal rights movement (assuming you already live in, or are willing to move to, Northern California) — is for someone who is comfortable wearing many hats. It includes everything from media outreach, to social networking, to managing the organization’s fundraising campaigns and corresponding with donors.

Check out the entire job description, and pass this on to your talented and savvy vegan friends who, like so many of us, can imagine doing nothing else other than spending our lives advocating for farmed animals.

Photo at top of blog courtesy Animal Place

I first met co-founder Tracey at last month’s Our Hen House’s Hen Party. Synchronistically, Tracey was the lucky winner of the much-desired Vaute Couture designer vegan coat, which we were offering as our one and only raffle prize. Seemed an appropriate winner, all things considered.

Since I’m a big fan of “for-profit activism,” and of making vegans look and feel gorgeous — and since it’s the season of giving — we are excited to team up with Compassion Couture for a giveaway. They are offering a $50 gift certificate to one lucky winner. For your chance to win, simply comment below and tell us how you respond when someone says “Oh, I could never be vegan…” 

To double your chance of winning, tweet this: “I just entered to win a $50 gift certificate to @CompassionCtre #vegan boutique to support @ourhenhouse. http://tinyurl.com/773gpk2″ And be sure to let us know your Twitter handle in your comment below so we count your additional entry!

Make sure you enter by midnight, EST, on Tuesday, Dec. 13. The randomly-selected winner will be notified by email within 1 week of the contest ending. Good luck!

This holiday season, don’t forget to patronize companies like Compassion Couture, who provide ethically-sourced, vegan goods. When giving a product as a gift that was specifically picked out because of it’s cruelty-free-ness, we also like to include a “Why Vegan?” brochure, so that the recipient has an opportunity to learn the ethical benefits of shopping vegan.

According to Humane Research Council, “By putting professional research services within reach of groups with limited resources, HRC’s Grassroots Research Fund helps small animal advocacy organizations appreciate the importance of research and directly improve their programs and campaigns with a pro bono project.”

Cool, right? The deadline is coming up on January 1. So get crackin’.

Knowing that Bonnie had her hands in many baskets – baskets that I’m sure she wove herself – I recently asked her to tell me about her activism, because I only had a vague idea of all she was doing for animals. She replied and told me that she doesn’t think of herself as an “activist” – haha, funny that I would call her that – but here are the twelve projects she is currently working on…

Uh, okay, you’re not an activist.

Now, I’m not in the business of putting labels on people that they haven’t chosen for themselves. As long as you are using your power to change the world for animals, call yourself whatever you want. Or call yourself a cab, because there’s a demo, or a fundraiser, or a rescue, to get to.

I know that the topic of labels, particularly as it applies to activists, is hotly contested. It is my intention here to provoke thought and possibly conversation – as long as that thought and conversation does not keep any of us from going out there and changing the world for animals. It is neither my intention nor desire to alienate anyone. For newer activists, changemakers, advocates, peoplewhocareaboutanimals, thinking about how you identify might help you to find your groove that feels authentic and useful – thus making you more effective.

I’m coming to realize that some of us use the word “activist” when some others of us wouldn’t. Much like many people’s initial hesitance to try the word “vegan” on for size because WHAT WOULD THAT MEAN ABOUT MY LIFE AND MY IDENTITY?!?!, “activist” carries meanings beyond those encompassed in the word itself. If you’re someone who is uncomfortable applying that word to your own efforts, maybe it’s time to rethink. Embracing and owning “activist,” and following through by speaking up and out for animals in a way that makes sense for you in your life, might be just the attitude adjustment you need to work toward a more just, compassionate world.

Or maybe not. Don’t worry, I get it. Labels can be heavy to carry around, especially when society places too much meaning on them and attaches unwarranted associations to them. I sometimes giggle a little (to myself only) when people call me a lesbian, even though I’m in a long-term relationship with a woman and I have no desire to ever be with a man again (no offense meant, boys). It’s not that I don’t identify with being a lesbian – I do! But it just seems so… defined. So, in a box. That’s Jasmin. She’s a lesbian. That word, in and of itself, doesn’t define me. I am, indeed, a lesbian, but I’m a lot more than that too. (Like, I’m also a vegan and an activist, but I digress…)

Don’t get me wrong, I’m never ashamed of it (god no – it’s part of who and what I am and I love to sing it loud and proud). I also know that I am greatly privileged to even have the ability to talk about who I am. There are parts of the world – some of which are even in this country and even in the very city where I live – where singing your lesbianism for all to hear would get you beat up, or worse. (My privilege [it should be everyone’s right, not anyone’s privilege] to be able to be proud of who I am is something I spoke about in a recent article I wrote for The Scavenger.) So when I say that I find it funny to be called a lesbian, all I mean is that I’m not made up solely of my lesbian-ness. Or my vegan-ness. Or my activism-ness. Or my I-love-brussels-sprouts-ness. And I don’t necessarily have all of the characteristics that other people will put on me once I use those labels.

Truthfully, I see labels as something that can both help and hinder us. I think they can be over-thunk and can give us unnecessary fear or expectations. Just as there is nothing wrong with a 19-year-old girl having a fling, or a love affair, with another girl her age – and that doesn’t necessarily mean she’s gay (though maybe she is! In which case, welcome to the team!) – there is also nothing wrong with trying on labels, and the behaviors that go with them, for size and seeing how they fit. Maybe you’ll be uncomfortable with their gravity, or with the looks you get from your church group, or your fetish community – or maybe you’ll feel liberated and inspired and ready to embrace your newfound gayness, or activism, or veganism, or whatever.

A label might also change with time. As you evolve, it’s possible that so will your labels, and your outlook on them. A label is, after all, not that dissimilar from a kombucha culture (I’m vegan – I’m allowed to make kombucha metaphors). It needs to ferment a little before you can totally enjoy it, reap its health benefits, and get a little tiny bit drunk on it.

My point is: Be like Bonnie. If the labels help you and your work, take them on. If they don’t, leave ‘em on the side of the road. Call yourself what you want, but don’t spend too much time thinking about it, because rather than getting overly caught up in discussions of whether or not you’re this or that, there are 286 chickens dying each second in the United States alone. And they need you on their side, pronto, no matter what you call yourself.

Photo of "Kids Cook for the Holidays!" which is a project of Public Eye Philly. Photo from http://www.publiceyephilly.org/.

“Kids Cook for the Holidays” was organized as part of Public Eye’s Kids Club. During the hour-long session taught by Chef Christina Martin, kids ranging in age from 3 to 10 learned how to make healthy, fun, vegan Thanksgiving meals and got to eat their cruelty-free concoctions for lunch. Following the hands-on lesson, the kids participated in an entertaining art project designed to instill compassion for animals. Another cool thing about the art project is that it resulted in a hand-made objet d’art for kids to take home to spread the word.

Using the creaminess of cauliflower mash or the sweetness of apple pie to foster a discussion on why we don’t eat animals — during the holidays and beyond — is a recipe for a merciful, kind kid with a respect for all beings. ‘Tis the season, so if kids are your thing, perhaps you should be thinking about hosting a formal or informal vegan cooking class.

Of course, if you have kids in the house today and tomorrow, you can start putting this together right now as part of your Thanksgiving Feast. Hopefully, you have on hand Nathalie Van Balen’s Happy Thanksliving! Coloring Zine to help out with the entertainment, but if you don’t, never fear, you can just print out her veggies coloring page.

But, of course, Thanksgiving is just the beginning. Christmahanukwanzasolstikah is in just one month. Before it whizzes by, how about hosting a vegan cupcake-making party for your kids’ class? Be sure to have your talking points ready, too, along with some kids-themed pro-animal stickers.

Got additional suggestions and tips for inspiring compassion in kids? That’s what the comments section is for! Do tell!

In today’s episode, Jasmin will tell you about her vegan whirlwind trip to San Francisco, including the food, the rad, and smugly. Meanwhile, back in New York City, Mariann attended an eye-opening talk about the Non-Human Animal Rights Project given by Steve Wise, and she’ll tell us about that. We’ll also talk Thanksgiving, including how to survive it as a vegan.

Kim Stallwood (pic from www.kimstallwood.com)

Joining us today is longtime animal activist, Kim Stallwood. Kim, who joined us from his home in England, will talk politics with us – specifically as it relates to animal rights. He’ll also discuss with us some of the interconnections between animal rights and gay rights, and – based on his decades involved in this movement – he will ruminate with us on the evolving world of animal issues.

For our review, we’ll talk about bars. Not those kind of bars, nor are we talking about law-related bars. We’re talking energy bars. In particular, we’re giving you our thoughts on the vegan bar, Pure Fit.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

• “Animal rights activists acquitted on nearly all counts in secret videotaping of pig farm conditions” from Helsingin Sanomat — International Edition
• “ND farmers push for constitutional right to farm” from The Associated Press
• “Dallas Cowboy, Tony Fiametta, Goes Vegan” from The Discerning Brute
• “Appeals Court Says Owners May Sue to Recover the Sentimental Value of a Dog” from Courthouse News Service
• “From Bad Boy to ‘Good Dog‘” from The New York Times

“Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth.” -John F. Kennedy

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it’s tax-deductible! Thanks!

Though I’d always had activist tendencies, I wish that I had entered the world of social justice prior to age 21. But, alas, that’s an unproductive thought, since it was all part of my process, and at least I got there eventually. Personal evolution is a complex, painful, beautiful thing. Remembering that I didn’t always know about the horrors of milk production, for example, helps me to extend compassion and patience to others who I am trying to reach with the vital message of veganism. It also gives me hope, which is something that Mariann and I discussed in a recent article we wrote for One Green Planet.

If you follow Our Hen House, you already know that another thing that gives me hope is when art is combined with advocacy. That is why I’m thoroughly thrilled that The Performance Collective at The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill is currently performing a theatrical adaptation of Jonathan Safran Foer’s wildly popular book, Eating Animals. According to IndyWeek.com, the student actors consume a variety of diets, mostly omnivorous. Yet after learning that all the students at UNC were assigned Eating Animals as their mandatory summer reading, the play’s director, Tony Perucci (a “steadfast omnivore”), felt that the theatrical adaptation would be a perfect fit for The Performance Collective. (Last year, they performed a theatrical adaptation of The Activist.)

As reported in IndyWeek.com:

Rather than attempting to fit Foer’s nonfiction into a single conventional story arc [...], the collective will incorporate movement, dance and multimedia into a more diverse production that still derives some two-thirds of its text from the book, according to Perucci. “Our goal is not to persuade, precisely — it’s to confront,” he says. “At least have a position that’s based on your own critical reflection. I believe [...] that the purpose of art is to lay bare the questions that answers too easily obscure … But ultimately, the thing is that people don’t even ask the question.”

In addition to being thrilled to see students addressing this imperative issue in such a creative way, I’m selfishly also wondering if Mariann, who was quoted in the book alongside David Wolfson (page 51, to be precise), winds up being… theatrically adapted. Or danced to.

What I find perplexing — but okay, I’ll go with it — is that Director Perucci, who uses his “foodie” identity to defend his meat-eating, then goes on to state that Foer’s position in Eating Animals is “clearly stated” that “the only ethical position is to be vegetarian.” So either Perucci disagrees with this idea, and thinks that there is nothing immoral about eating animals, or he is giving himself a get out of jail free card, or perhaps he’s struggling with his rationale. Channeling the hopeful-Jasmin from the beginning of this blog entry, maybe Perucci is on the road to veganism. Hopefully that’s the case, but regardless, I’ll give him more than a few vegan brownie points for having this theatrical vision and making it happen.

Foer’s book has provoked more discussion of the animal issue than almost anything published in recent history. What’s more, it’s widely accepted that UNC-Chapel Hill is supposed to excel at theatre. If I could only reverse the clock and be a young, sprightly (clove-cigarette-smoking, black-clothes-wearing) theatre student again, it’s very possible that this play would’ve been exactly what I needed in order to open my eyes to animal exploitation, and to change. I hope to see more plays that carry the message of animal rights performed at colleges, community centers, and, hell, even Broadway. Maybe I’ll even audition. At the very least, I’ll hand the other auditioners a “Why Vegan?” brochure, so it would not be for naught.

We all have those stories, which is part of why I love both the National Museum of Animals & Society and their upcoming, compelling exhibit. Not only does this immediately bring up for me memories of Rocky, my sweet, patient, brilliant cat who basically raised me, but there have certainly been rescued farmed animals who are not only ambassadors for their kind, but also helped open my eyes about factory farming. I have no doubt you can relate. That is the power, beauty, and mystery of animals.

Rocky, my sweet childhood kitty.

So, I encourage you to spend a few minutes and submit your story to “Souls Awakened.” According to their website:

We are launching an online art and photography exhibit to highlight the various ways in which animals have influenced us. Souls Awakened: The Animals Who Have Shaped Us is a way for YOU and the animal who changed YOUR life to become a part of the bigger picture. Your image and story will contribute to a larger exhibit on the way animals throughout history have changed how we feel, how we think, how we act, and – ultimately – who we are.

To become a part of Souls Awakened, simply send us a digital photograph, drawing, painting, or other visual rendering of one specific animal who shaped you. Then, write us a short paragraph (3-7 sentences) telling us your story: Who is/was this animal? What did s/he do to affect the way in which you view the world? Eligible contributions will be compiled and added to an interactive photo album on our Facebook page and permanently archived on our website. All photos and written entries must be submitted no later than December 31, 2011, 11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time. Participants under age 18 are welcome to contribute with their parent’s permission.

Write in whatever way you feel most comfortable expressing yourself – formally, conversationally, a limerick, anything! Don’t forget to include the animal’s name if you know it. The subject of your entry must be an animal you have had a personal encounter with, so no fictional or celebrity animals seen in movies, books, or television – sorry! The image you send can include you or other humans, but it doesn’t have to. If you choose to contribute a piece of artwork, it must be your own work; please see our Terms & Conditions (at right) for further legal details on photo and artwork submissions.

For more info on the National Museum for Animals & Society, don’t miss our podcast interview with its founder and director, Carolyn Mullin.

In today’s episode, we will tell you about our trip to Jersey, including the activism talk we gave in Montclair, and the vegan restaurants we visited while in the Garden State (like Go Lightly!). We will also let you in on Jasmin’s current obsession with a trashy TV show that she just cannot stop watching, and we’ll vent a little about a certain email we received in response to our recent knitting video.

Joining us today is Elizabeth Hess, the author of Nim Chimpsky: The Chimp Who Would be Human. Elizabeth will chat with us about everything from the story of Nim, which was recently re-launched into the public sphere by way of the documentary based on the book, entitled Project Nim – to her experiences as an investigative journalist who went behind the scenes at animal shelters.

Then, for our unscientific, unofficial Facebook survey, we will talk vegetables. More specifically, we asked the question: What is your favorite unusual vegetable? Broccoli, lettuce, and cauliflour need not apply. The results might surprise and perplex you.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

• “Should You Go to the Circus? How About the Rodeo?” from Mother Jones
• “The Cruelest Show on Earth” from Mother Jones 
• “Update: Judge Rules to Revoke Permit for Truck Stop Tiger” from Convenience Store News
• “Bob Barker touts bill to protect traveling circus animals” from CNN
• “Signing Off” from Vegan.com 

“If we believe absurdities, we shall commit atrocities.” -Voltaire

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it’s tax-deductible! Thanks!