From organizing KFC demonstrations to getting his school to try out humane mouse traps to having his friends and family members eat delicious vegan food, Jason does it all. Read on to see why we think he's so amazing.
Name: Jason Levy
Age: 18
Hometown: Elgin, Illinois
Tell us about the animal rights group that you started.
During my junior year at Elgin High School (I graduated this past May), I formed an animal rights group at my school called Students for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Like peta2, we believe that animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, or use for entertainment. I formed SETA because animals need us to stand up for them and to bring the world one step closer to animal liberation. This upcoming fall, I'll be starting another SETA at my college.
You've done a lot with peta2 before, like tabling, leafleting, and doing demos—what's your favorite way to help animals?
I would have to say tabling; I love being able to talk one on one with people about animal rights. But then again, dressing up in a chicken suit with crutches to protest KFC is pretty great too!
(Note: Yes, that is Jason in the chicken costume!)
What made you decide to become active for animals?
I have always believed strongly in nonviolence, and veganism was the next logical step. I did some research online, found peta2.com, watched all the videos, and read just about everything on the site. I went vegan that same day, and I have been for over two years now. Once I found out how much animals suffer for the most frivolous reasons, I had to do something about it. I ordered a bunch of stickers and leaflets from peta2.com and started handing them out around where I live. Soon after, I started organizing demonstrations, tabling at concerts, and formed an animal rights group at my school. The animals cannot speak for themselves, so they really do need us to stand up for them.
Do you have any companion animals?
I have two dogs and two cats that live with me. The cats' names are Lily and Bella, and the dogs' names are Poochie and Dottie. All of them are rescues from local shelters.
Is your family supportive of your animal rights beliefs?
My family, especially my mom, is very supportive of my animal rights beliefs. Shortly after I became vegan, my mom also became vegan. In addition, my mom has participated in all my KFC demonstrations.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Besides organizing demos, passing out leaflets, and generally annoying the heck out of anyone who abuses animals, I enjoy hanging out with my girlfriend, Nicole, and playing/writing music.
peta2 sent you some humane mouse traps for your school. How did that come about, and what happened?
I wrote for the school newspaper, and while I was in class one day, the teacher mentioned how he caught a mouse in a cruel snap mouse trap. Of course I couldn't just sit there, so I explained to him how mice suffer just as we do, and I asked him if I provided him with a humane mouse trap if he would use it, and he agreed. I called PETA and told them about the situation, and they told me that they could help me out by sending me some of the humane mouse traps.
Now, there is a humane mouse trap in nearly every department at Elgin High School, where teachers can go to borrow one if they need to. SETA, with the help of peta2, is now working on getting the school to implement a humane policy when dealing with mice. This would include the live mouse traps as well as "mouse-proofing" the school.
You recently had a vegan graduation party. How was that?
It was great! We had pastas, salads, and an amazing chocolate fudge cake. Best of all, it was totally vegan! After the party, I handed out copies of the DVD "Chew on This" and explained why we were not serving animal products.
How many Oreos do you think you could eat in one sitting?
Do you mean cookies or boxes? :)
What's your message to the rest of the peta2 Street Team?
Get out there and get active—the animals need you to be their voice! And if you haven't already ... go vegan!
Want to be peta2's next Star Street Teamer? Sign up now and tell us why we should feature you!
