Hey Guys,
I hope you're all doing well. I wanted to know what do you guys think is the best way to make a difference as a vegan? I've pondered this question for a long time and always am because it's the most important thing for me, to make a difference. I've asked couple of President of non-profits like MFA, Farm Sanctuary, Vegan Outreach, etc and I read a book called "Being Great At Doing Good" by Nick Cooney, a guy from MFA that talks about the subject and from what I've taken from these conversations was that starting a business and giving my money to non-profits, could make a really big impact, a bigger one than possibly going to be a speaker and talk about animal rights. I've always been interested in starting a business, but this made me realize that I could serve the animals while doing it. The speaker routes seem interesting as well and the great Gary Yourofsky in a total inspiration because he made more of a difference than a lot of organizations in my opinion, but I don't know anyone else that has had as close to as much success him, so that's why I think that going and starting a business might be a better way. Besides that, there's nothing that prevents you from speaking animal rights even though you're starting a business. I just want to serve the animals as best as I can because the truth of the matter is that when I die, I want to be remembered as someone who cared for animals and that did his best to save as many of them, that's the most important thing for me. I wanted to get your guys opinion on the subject.
Thanks a lot and have an amazing night,
Claude
Replies
I found the best way is to pace yourself. Being vegan is a lifestyle not a passing fad nor a temporary diet. Go where the talent and enthusiasm is. We need animal rights' advocates in a broad range of careers and actions. For example, lawyers to help fight for animals in courts, graphic designers to help bring the message to the public, scientists to bring an objective light, protesters in person, people on messaging boards, and many more.
I recommend picking just one of these then if you get bored switch to another. Specialization is the key. Personally, I focus on the science, in specific climate change. This helps animals because animals need the environment to survive. Think of the polar bears on the diminishing icebergs. Also, this is where my enthusiasm is.
As for making money animal rights as in an entrepreneurship, I wouldn't worry about it too much. I personally find the task too daunting. Making ends meet is difficult enough already without fighting for animal rights. Most small business fail. Instead, I would take a business that has nothing to do with vegan-ism, live a vegan lifestyle, and perform some political activism.
If your the owner of your own small business, you could always wear a pro-vegan tee-shirt. [0]From the balance link below is a list of the best business opportunities. [1]Pick one of those, and display a few pro-vegan messages and eat vegan in front of your employees. Think long term. A small change over a long period of time can have a major impact.
Sources.
http://www.petacatalog.com/catalog/T_Shirts_Tank_Tops-26-1.html
https://www.thebalance.com/best-business-opportunities-2947952
Millions of species of animals and plants are being pushed to extinction by the destruction of their habitat. Saving these animals and plants is a billion billion billion times more important than the poorly thought out causes you mentioned. Become an environmentalist and work to save entire species off animals. Future people that love animals will be very sad if you wasted your life on the organizations you mentioned and let entire ecosystems of animals perish.
So what do you suggest? What organizations do you think are worthy of support?
It is wonderful that you want to help animals.
Here are some ideas that I like/things I practice:
-taking vegan magazines and books to public book shelves
-donating vegan dog food to animal shelters
-adopt/foster animals in need
-take delicious vegan food to gatherings, meetings, parties
-learn and get educated to be able to debate and argue in defense of animals