Has this ever happened to you? You read about someone doing something heroic and you wonder why you aren’t out there doing great things too? “Why can’t I do something like that?” We want to help … we want to help in big ways but we don’t know how and where to start. Even if you can figure out what to do it's tough to stay motivated in today's busy times.
Leaders in the field will often be the first to counsel that it’s not some big, grand scheme that effects change. It’s little, bit-by-bit, grassroots movements. It’s people like you and me, unknown and uncelebrated, who, time after time, bring about the societal change we all want to see.
It's no secret I love animals but this is not about love, it's about respect. So here are a few little things that you can do right here, right now, to help animals.
Trade up! If you have given up “red meat,” now’s the time to give up
all meat. And if you’ve given up eating mammals but are still eating poultry, become an “all the way” vegetarian (and that includes fish). If you’re already vegetarian, go vegan. If you’re already vegan but are still supporting corporate America, go local and organic. Take a look at what you’re doing, and see what you can do
better.
Leave a comment: Visit sites where animal stories are running and leave comments in support of animal rights. There are always stories about animals on the Internet and plenty of opportunities to educate other site visitors. Also, when you see animal stories in the newspaper, write a letter to the editor.
Adopt a classroom: Pick one teacher or one classroom and visit
PETA’s TeachKind program to send the teacher a free (yes free!) curriculum kit, along with free (yes free!) lesson plans, posters, stickers, videos, and other resources. For little or no money, you can spread the good news about animal rights. Most children are still pure of heart and take easily to the message of kindness.
Ask for faux: Does your favorite Asian restaurant serve seitan or wheat gluten products? No? Why not ask them to? Lots of Asian restaurants serve wonderful entrées such as crispy orange “beef” and teriyaki “beef” kabobs using faux meats. Encourage others to do the same. At home one of our favorite dishes is spaghetti with Italian "sausage."
Post a poster: Order some posters about dogfighting, spaying and neutering, or banning the circus. You can put them up wherever you feel comfortable and where legal. Do the same with fliers.
Write the right: Companies know we are their bread and butter. If enough people demand compassionate products they may be motivated to provide them. Write to companies that still test on animals. Revlon has gone animal free but most standard toiletry and cosmetic companies have not. We need to let them know it matters and that we will spend our money on products free of animal testing and animal ingredients.
Feeling brave? Go to a protest. Protest Petland, KFC, the circus, or a roadside zoo. I shouldn't really suggest this as I haven't done it myself. I find that I'm fearful of confrontation. Respectful argumentation where you end with a smile and a handshake, fine. But putting myself physically out there? Eeeeeek! That doesn't mean I won't do it though. Change doesn't come without discomfort.
You don't have to love animals to do these things. Understanding that animals are living, feeling beings to be treated with respect and compassion is a very important element in empathy and respect for others. Those who are violent to animals rarely stop there. Violent acts toward animals have long been recognized as indicators of a dangerous psychopathy that does not confine itself to animals. Personally, though, I think animals have the right to a peaceful life for their own sakes. And since animals in the food, toiletries, and entertainment industries are at our mercy it's our responsibility to speak up.
