She Was Kicked in the Face, Ribs, and Back ... November 2, 2009

Posted by Ryan at November 2, 2009 4:56 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 9 ) | TrackBack

This is the heartbreaking true story of a downed cow who was kicked in the face, ribs, and back in an effort to get her to stand up.

What do you call someone who kicks a defenseless animal when they're down?

Obnoxious Vegans 101 September 22, 2009

Posted by Rachel-O at September 22, 2009 11:54 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 4 ) | TrackBack

As vegans, we obviously care about animals and want to let everyone who we come across know that we have an ethical objection to eating animals, wearing them, and funding any sort of exploitation of them—like buying tickets to the circus or zoo, or by buying products that were once rubbed into a bunny's eyes or onto a mouse's skin. However, we have just as much of an obligation to animals to come off as sane, happy, motivated and dedicated people—not irrational, angry and overly picky vegans. Why? Because being picky, angry and rude only hurts animals.

Thanks to quarrygirl.com, you can get a crash course on the kind of attitude that turns people off, in a funny and lighthearted way, of course! You can now download a vegan soundboard iPod application for free! As someone who had quite the problem being an effective advocate for animals when first going vegan, I can now listen to these clips and laugh—because I definitely remember asking a restaurant if they "had a separate fryer for their french fries" or being a bit extra whiny over a rather lacking vegan menu at a local hangout.

What's so funny? The point is, being a vegan isn't always the easiest choice, but we know it's the best one. We need to smile, think of the animals—and the best way to help them—and remember to keep a positive attitude in nearly every situation. The last thing you want to do is come off pretentious, holier than thou, or just plain bitchy to friends (or strangers) who may have been interested in your message otherwise.

If this soundboard sounds like a day out of your own life, check out our effective advocacy guide—this definitely helped me save more animals just with my attitude. Let us know what you think!

This Month's Star College Group! May 4, 2009

Posted by Ryan at May 4, 2009 8:31 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 3 ) | TrackBack

Last month, we focused on the Texas-sized talent of student activists at UT - Austin.

For the month of May though, we're shining the spotlight on the superstars of the University of California, Los Angeles's Bruins for Animals!

What makes BFA stand out above the rest? Here's a brief list of their recent achievements:

• The group helped to organize and promote numerous on-campus speaking events, including an event that featured Rory Freedman, coauthor of the bestseller Skinny Bitch. The event drew more than 200 students and featured free vegan "chicken" salad wraps for all attendees.
• The organization worked with peta2 to gather more than 1,500 petition signatures from students in support of additional vegan options in campus dining halls.
• BFA hosted peta2's controversial "Liberation Project" exhibit, which draws parallels between previous moral tragedies—such as child labor and slavery—and the suffering that animals face today.
• They hosted peta2's Take Action Conference at UCLA, which featured a special acoustic performance of "Free Me" by Goldfinger lead singer John Feldmann.

Pretty remarkable, eh?

In recognition of all of their accomplishments, please join me in congratulating UCLA's Bruins for Animals on a kick-ass job fighting for animal rights, and wishing them many more years to come!

Do You Have An Animal Rights Cell Phone? October 28, 2008

Posted by Rachel-O at October 28, 2008 9:01 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 403 ) | TrackBack

So, if you're anything like me, you're constantly texting. I text while I'm walking, biking, working out, and even getting tattooed (yes, that's right! - oh, and I bet you're thankful I don't drive right!?). Up until I got a job in peta2, I hated talking on the phone, so I would always rather text. It's the best way to keep in touch with all of my friends back home in Detroit and all of our amazing road warriors out on tour right now for peta2!

Like everything else in my life, I have to work animal rights in there somewhere! That's why my Sidekick (I told you I was serious about texting), has a huge green "VEG" sticker on the back, so everyone can always get the message of veganism, no matter where I am.

Check out these oh so awesome peta2 and PETA staffers and interns rocking stickers on their phones (Shan's holding mine!):

(Why yes, that is CutOutDissection.com on the left!)

So get to it! We'll even give you 1000 Street Team points for putting a sticker on your phone and sending in a picture of it! Just email us at StreetTeam@peta2.com with your report and picture. Don't have stickers? Order some for free!

Hopefully this will give you one more super easy way to start up conversations about animal rights with your friends!

Stay Loud!

- Rachel

peta2 Hosting "Skinny Bitch" Event in SoCal! April 14, 2008

Posted by Ryan at April 14, 2008 11:31 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 1 ) | TrackBack

Oh, southern California, we spoil you. :)

That's right, peta2 and the UCLA student group "Bruins for Animals" are joining forces to host "An Evening with Rory Freedman, coauthor of 'Skinny Bitch'"! The event will even include FREE FOOD, with recipes straight out of Rory's top-selling cookbook, "Skinny Bitch in the Kitch".

Thankfully for you, this event is NOT limited to just UCLA students, and is open to the public. So if you live within driving distance of L.A., you had better be there! This is one event you won't want to miss!

What: A speaking event about how to "stop eating crap and start looking fabulous!", followed by a Q&A session, and FREE FOOD!
Where: University of California - Los Angeles, Kerckhoff Hall, in The Grand Salon
When: Tuesday, April 29, at 7pm
How Much: FREE! You can add the event to your Facebook calendar by clicking on the image below:

See you there!

- Ryan!