The actions of just one person can make a world of difference for animals who are suffering in factory farms, laboratories, and the entertainment industry. But if you're looking to meet some like-minded people while increasing the effectiveness of your activism, it's time to start a group.
Activist groups can have a lot more influence than just one person can. The media, the campus administration, and the public will usually give more serious consideration to the views of a group. You may be the most kick-ass animal rights activist that your campus has ever seen, but it's important to make sure that when you graduate, your activism will continue to thrive. In the words of anthropologist Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Meet 19-year-old sophomores Stephanie Tabashneck and Steven Baum from Michigan State University. They started a group called Students Promoting Animal Rights (SPAR), and they already have veganized their cafeteria and hosted PETA's Animal Liberation Project. Now they're working on passing a dissection choice policy. Next up, they're ending world hunger and building a bridge to the moon out of Legos. Check out what these animal superheroes have to say.
Hometown
Steph: Huntington Woods, Michigan
Steve: West Bloomfield, Michigan
Major
Steph: Social Relations and Social Work
Steve: Psychology
How did you first get involved in animal rights?
Steph: In fourth grade, I saw the movie Babe and immediately went vegetarian. As I learned more about the meat industry, I became progressively more involved.
Steve: Stephanie actually made me see that a vegan life is the only way to be a true environmentalist about a year ago. I have been a die-hard environmentalist for years, and when I realized the damage I was doing, I decided I had to become vegan. Then, as I learned more and more about the cruelty and suffering, I realized I could never go back and was appalled at all the misery I had already supported.
Can you tell me about some challenges and how you've dealt with them?
Steph: Michigan State is a huge school, and getting the word out about our group is difficult. Bringing the Animal Liberation Project here helped a lot with getting new members. Even if people didn't get a chance to see the display in person, they were able to read about it in our college newspaper, and from there they could e-mail us for more information.
Steve: [When working on the “Veganize Your Cafeteria” project, the] cafeteria staff was very unhelpful at first; they claimed there was no demand for vegan food and it was too expensive to cater to us vegans. Now, after bugging them all the time and getting all the vegans and veggies to speak up, too, we have a veggie section that's always up and usually some vegan food on the line as well.
Why do you think it's important to start a group?
Steph: Being around people who think like you is very liberating. It helps you remember that you are not alone. Also, working in numbers, you have the potential to make more of a difference.
Steve: There are a lot of people who want to get involved and do something, but they don't know how and they don't have any support. Having a club helps people meet other animal rights people and gives resources and opportunities to get involved. It also strengthens our position when we stand together instead of scattered.
What animal rights issue is most important to you?
Steph: Factory farming is one of the issues that I'm most passionate about. I find it appalling that we treat living beings so atrociously.
Steve: Fur and veganism.
How do you talk to close-minded people?
Steph: I always try to be polite and diplomatic with them. Even though it is sometimes hard, it doesn't help to get abrasive with people. It just turns people off to the cause.
Steve: I recommend Dale Carnegie's book How to Win Friends and Influence People as well as reading a few animal rights books, such as Animal Liberation, Eternal Treblinka, and The Food Revolution. Being well-read makes it much easier to deal with and convince people. The facts don't lie; if you look informed and confident, you will be much more persuasive and believable. I also encourage people to look up the facts for themselves if they doubt me.
What You Can Do
Increase your effectiveness by forming a campus animal rights group today! Don't forget to check out peta2's Mini-Guide to College Animal Rights Activism for tips and tricks on how to be the best activist you can be.
Are you are a college student in the United States or Canada? Check out the Leadership Program to learn vital activist skills and earn college credit for the work you do to save animals.
Want to be our next Star? Sign up for the Street Team now, and tell us what you've done to help animals in your community.
