taking action 
| Taking Action |
|
|
|
"A small group of thoughtful people can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead Never underestimate your power as an individual. Animals need our help now more than ever and there are many ways that you can make a difference. Decide on an issue to focus on that is close to your heart and select an activity that utilizes your skills in order to take action and become a voice for the voiceless. Remember to keep us informed about your great work. You can be an inspiration for others to also become a voice for the voiceless. Select a mode of taking action from the following categories: reduce meat, eggs and dairy Reducing your consumption of animal products OR becoming a vegetarian or vegan are some of the most direct ways of stopping animal suffering and setting a positive example for others. Even if you choose to eat meat, eggs and dairy, simply increasing the amount of vegetarian meals that you eat each week will make a positive difference to the lives of many animals. Check out our recipe links for inspiration in making these changes. buy cruelty-free As consumers, we all have great power to effect change in our day-to-day lives. Choosing not to buy a product is an effective and easy way to impact on the financial viability of companies and send them a strong message that inhumane practices are unacceptable. In addition, supporting cruelty-free products enables humane businesses to grow and prosper, allowing their products to become more affordable and mainstream. Ways that you can support cruelty-free products include:
See our cruelty-free links to learn more about how you can become an animal-friendly consumer. write to politicians Write to, phone or fax your local, state or federal elected representative to convey your views about animal protection to those that create and administer animal laws and policies. Clearly explain your viewpoint or suggest changes to laws or regulations which you would like to see implemented, for example a ban on sow stalls or ‘cage-free’ policy in your state or territory. We encourage you to write regarding any issue that you feel passionately about. Get informed about key animal protection issues.
engage your council Identify key Councilors who might be prepared to support you and ask them to propose a motion at your local council. The motion could be as simple as refusing new development applications for factory farms or halting the hire of parks in their council area for circuses which use exotic animals. More information about your local council can be found at http://www.alga.asn.au/links/obc.php. use the media The media can be an effective tool in raising awareness of animal suffering and pressuring politicians to respond to animal protection concerns. For example, you may wish to write a letter to the editor of a national or local newspaper about animal protection issues that you feel strongly about. Radio talk-back shows are also a good opportunity to air your views. volunteer Volunteering for an animal protection organisation is a great way to make a difference to stop animal suffering using your skills, time and experience. Voiceless highly values the contribution of our volunteers. However, while we are so appreciative of the number of people who volunteer to help us out, sadly we don't have the desk space to place everybody. For information about volunteering opportunities with Voiceless contact Elizabeth Usher, our Administration Manager and volunteer co-ordinator, on (02) 9357 0723 or via email at info@voiceless.org.au. give pro-bono Want to use your legal experience to give a voice to animals who are suffering? You may like to provide pro bono services to Voiceless or visit our law careers pages for lots of pro bono ideas Your company can also donate its services to help protect animals. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is fast becoming a business norm and is increasingly being used as a platform to justify business practices that promote animal protection and prevent engagement in activities that harm animals. Please follow this link for ideas of how your company can demonstrate leadership in the area of CSR and animal protection. donate money Voiceless greatly appreciates donations from its supporters, which contribute towards raising awareness, grants and education programs to improve the plight of animals in Australia. Ways in which you might like to donate to Voiceless include:
‘make a complaint’ Complain to the Advertising Standards Bureau if you see, read or hear an advertisement which falls within the ASB's jurisdiction and which you feel constitutes a breach of the Australian Association of National Advertisers Code of Ethics. This object of the Code is 'to ensure that advertisements are legal, decent, honest and truthful and that they have been prepared with a sense of obligation to the consumer and society and fair sense of responsibility to competitors.' Examples of previous Case reports can be found on the ASB website. engage your community Create a greater impact by sharing your knowledge and raising awareness about animal protection issues throughout your community. Your project may qualify for a Voiceless Grant. For example
pressure food companies Contact food companies and supermarkets that are involved in sustaining animal suffering in Australia. Clearly state the animal protection issues that you are concerned about such as battery cages, sow stalls, mutilations without pain relief etc. Encourage them to follow the examples of international chains such as McDonalds UK, Sainsbury’s Supermarkets, Burger King, Wendy’s and Quiznos that have either made the switch or are in the process of switching to cage-free eggs or eggs laid by hens not confined to battery cages. Add to:          |
||
