Effective Communicat

ion

Chelsea DavisThe Evolving Vegan

Northwest VEG Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator

Action for Animals Board of DirectorsCertified Humane Educator

MVP12-4/8/15

What is Activism?

ActivismWhen you take action

on something that you are passionate about in order to create a better

world.

Saves more animals than other kinds of animal protection activism (fur, leather, animal testing, animals shelters, etc)

It has the greatest impact! It touches on human, animal, and environmental health as well as animal and human rights.

It is Utilitarian. Strives to reduce the suffering of many and to create the most good to the largest number of individuals.

It’s Easy! You are an activist every time to sit down to eat.

Why Focus on VEG Activism?

Lead By Example.Nothing is more effective! Pay attention to your appearance.Live your deepest values.Be healthy.Be rational, sincere, and approachable.Stay active in the vegan community

and on social mediaWear shirts that spread the messageSticker activism!

Effective Activism:

A spoon full of (vegan) sugar helps the medicine go down.Speak kindly & politely.Don’t blame or shame them.Watch your body language. Be open and

smile.Listen to them. Don’t just wait to speak.Ask questions and create a dialog.Stay focused on the issue at hand.LEAD BY EXAMPLE

Effective Activism:

Use humor...

Use humor...

Talk about gain not loss.

Focus on how this way of eating has opened doors not closed them.

Be AccurateUse reliable sources & double check

them. Use primary sources when possible. Share your sources.pcrm.organimalstudiesrepository.org

Don’t exaggerate or mislead.Don’t use absolutes like “always”

and “never”It’s okay to say “I don’t know.”

Effective Activism:

Cognitive Dissonance TheorySuggests that we have an inner drive to hold all our attitudes and beliefs in harmony and avoid disharmony (or dissonance). When faced with information that suggests that our behaviors do not align with our beliefs we will often respond in irrational ways.

Most will be more concerned with defending and justifying themselves then listening to facts and logic.

Often the truth is too frightening for them to accept and they will be in denial. (empathy avoidance)

If they are combative, walk away. Nothing positive will come from it.

Effective Activism:

In the end you may not feel that you made a difference but you have planted a seed!

Start where they are, not where you think they are.

Focus on what motivates that person:Are they an animal lover?Are they an environmentalist?Are they religious?Are they ill or do they have a sick loved one?Are they interested in human rights?

It doesn’t matter why they change, as long as they are open to change!

Effective Activism:

Offer community and resources Take them shopping, cook a meal together and watch FOK or

Vegucated Send them articles about famous/celebrity veggies

Russell Brand, “I’m now vegan, goodbye eggs, hello Ellen!”Justine Timberlake takes us down to Veganville.

Invite them to a Northwest VEG potluck or event!Potlucks:

Portland- 3rd Sunday of every month Vancouver- last Thursday of every month Gresham- 2nd Sunday of every 3rd month Longview- 3rd Saturday every other month

4th of July potluck picnicProfessional Health Conference 11/13 Portland VegFest at OCC 11/14-15!

vegweb.com (over 10K recipes!) pcrm.org (21-day kickstarter) nwveg.org

Effective Activism:

Take Care of Yourself!Stay healthy. Create balance in your life.Find community & support.Be happy and play.Remember that you are making a difference just by being you!

Effective Activism:

Effective Activism:

How would you respond compassionately and effectively?

Animals were put here for us to use and eat If we didn’t eat animals, they would take over! I tried going veg, but I got sick, so I had to stop. Some people need meat to be

healthy. I only buy free range and organic meat. I could never give up cheese/hamburgers/

bacon/eggs/ice cream. Vegans are too picky. That’s no fun. What about the suffering of plants? I like meat. If people want to eat meat,

they should have that right. I like killing animals! What about hunting? Give me one good reason why I should

go vegetarian. If God didn’t want us to eat meat,

why did he put meat in animals? You should be working on human issues!

Time to practice!