Actions
Actions
Hunger penances
The first and most important tactic we will use will be the hunger penance. This will be an act of self-sacrifice- inspired by so many figures of history before us-such as the Suffragettes, Mahatma Gandhi, Cesar Chavez, and many others, to symbolize our sorrow for what the human species is doing to the planet and the other animals that live on it with us. It is a way to show people that you are willing to go to the extremes of self imposed suffering to draw attention to these issues. That is how important they are, if we can cause some commotion revolving around the penance, such as protests and marches, that will be even better, but I again implore total non-violence.
Marches and protests
It is standard to try to organize these, but the goal in this case will be to get as many animal rights groups and environmental rights groups to come together as possible. That is part of what this whole vision is about. As previously stated, we can use the acts of hunger penance to draw attention and energy to the marches and protests. Marches and protests should be staged outside places of government, large-scale slaughterhouses, corporations who contribute to the damage (but could also be part of the potential solution), and on high school and university campuses.
Negotiations with politicians
It is crucial to push politicians across all levels to advocate for the sort of policies laid out in this pamphlet. Attend their events and ask them questions. Arrange meetings with them. Show up at their office. Don’t let them stop thinking about these issues.
Animal rights classes
There is never any shortage of university classes focusing on environmentalism, or human rights, but there is a dearth of classes that focus on animal rights. We envision a day where classes on animal rights become commonplace. Student activist groups can start movements on their respective college campuses to demand to their administration that classes on animal rights be a part of the curriculum.
Art
There are a variety of artistic opportunities someone can take to become part of this movement. We can paint paintings and murals. We can create a mini series on youtube. We can do street performances. We can get artists to write songs. We can get writers to write creative stories, screenplays, and Broadway scripts. For example, there was a great science fiction book written by science historians Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway called The Collapse of Western Civilization: A view from the Future. It depicts a climate change impacted apocalyptic future. However, it is a future that might become non-fiction if the world doesn’t get its act together on multiple fronts. It would be great if more books and short stories like this were written, or produced on Broadway, television, or Hollywood. Many documentaries have been coming out and that is always good, they should keep coming out, but every angle needs to be taken.
Spreading information
We will use any opportunity to propagate information about all the different causes being fought for under this banner. Spread information about climate change, animal rights, environmental rights, alternative energy systems and alternative food systems. Setup different types of events that can help spread the message. Pass out pamphlets. Speak to the public at your local legislative sessions. Convince teachers to talk to their students about these issues at a young age. Talk to your friends and family. Post on social media. All of the above plays its part in helping contribute to the spread of valuable information.
Support of other groups
We will support any non-violent groups in their activism who advocate for the liberation of either the environment or animals.
Self habits
Until ethically sourced cultured animal products are readily available on the market, start to eat plant-based food sources and use renewable energy sources to the fullest extent that you are willing to. Avoid non-renewable forms of energy and animal products. Depending on one’s situation, the latter is probably easier than the former. As cultured animal products do become more accessible, try to use those as much as possible.
"Earth has enough for everyone's needs, but not for everyone's greed."
-Mahatma Gandhi