A couple weeks ago we told you about IFEEL, the incredible rapper who is changing the world for animals through his words and videos. I heard from so many of you who were feeling this guy’s unique artistic efforts (don’t miss the harrowing and beautiful reasons that he cites to explain “Why I Do It“), so, clearly, I had to tell you about his latest project. Though many of his raps focus on animal cruelty (in a thought-provoking, moving way — such as “We Goin to War“), Thank You Project takes on a whole different angle — a different angle, in fact, from any other creative advocacy undertaking I’ve seen.
With IFEEL’s Thank You Project, he is asking you to record your own message of gratitude, taking the form of a video that is less than one minute long. It might mean spending your 60 seconds thanking activists and changemakers you admire who are, in one way or another, devoting their lives to ending animal cruelty, or it might mean telling the story of an animal or animals who have touched you in some way. (Makes me think of some of the heartwarming entries we received during our Valentine’s Day contest, where we asked you to tell us about an animal who worked his or her way into your heart.) If selected, your video message will be included in IFEEL’s Thank You video. The deadline for submissions is April 30. Here’s more about IFEEL’s vision for this project:
Just as there are millions of people who treat animals as slaves and products, abuse them and butcher them without a second thought, there are millions of people around the world who love animals, care for them and relentlessly fight for their rights, their dignity and freedom. Thank You song is a message of love and gratitude from the animals to all the people who love them, help them and fight for them. The song goes out to all the animal lovers, vegetarians, vegans, animal rights activists, sanctuary workers and volunteers, and all others who love animals. It is a one big THANK YOU for all the kindness, all the hugs, all the warm words, all the rescues, demonstrations, petitions, facebook likes and shares, tweets, animal cruelty expose videos, documentaries, and everything else that all those “awesome humans“ do to help animals be safe, free and happy.
Sometimes, taking a step back from the painful reality of animal cruelty in order to reconnect with animals is a necessary shift, and for many of us, can provide the refueling we need to continue on. I love that the Thank You Project is creating a positive platform for activists to express their gratitude. It’s like a big warm group hug.
Don’t miss the Thank You song which will soon be the backdrop for this all-encompassing feel-good project: