I want to DO Something!

[Sara]

I want to do something! I want to feel like I am helping in some way. I am reposting and posting new bulletins on myspace everyday, and I know that even that little bit is helping to spread the wrod, and I have spoken with many people (mostly teenagers) who listen to what I have to say and consider going veggie. But I want to do more, I want to leaflet, I want to picket, I want to go out and save animals from terrible atrocities! I don't have much money so it needs to be close to me.
I can't seem to find anyone local who is vegan or even remotely interested in helping animals in the way that I want to.
So, what do i do? Where do i go? How do I start?

[Andy Seals]

I would consider looking at the many animal organizations such as IFAW, HarpSeals.org, HSUS.org and so many more... They always are looking for volunteers.

[Sara]

Thanks, I am going to try them out and see what we can do....

[Lila]

Try meetup.com they have veg groups maybe some in your area. Were do you live maybe you are close to me?

[Sara]

I am in Northern VA close to Washington DC.
I have tried meetup before, but I haven't in a long time...so I will check that again! Thanks for the tip! :)

[Lila]

Ok I am in Lakeland, FL to far

[Chris Tinney]

Well Anagarika! Youre making a big difference with everything you're doing here.
THANKS!

[Miranda [TerraFire]]

Actually, right after reading this and not being able to come up with anything everyone else hadn't said already, I was flipping through this month's issue of VegNews and came across this mini article:

Pet Projects - 10 Ways to Make a Difference for Animals this Holiday Season

1. Support local animal shelters
Shelters need hands-on support as much as they need one. If you can't foster an animal, consider socializing them at shelters to increase their chances of being adopted.

2. Give the gift of companionship
Studies show that caring for animals benefits one's health and decreases depression and blood pressure. visit senior citizen homes and hospitals, bringing dogs and cats specifically trained for these environments.

3. Teach children kindness
Spend time with children making food for outdoor critters during the cold winter months. Strings of popcorn or peanut butter spread on apples and rolled in bird seed make wonderful project and nutritious food for animals.

4. Offer animal-sitting services
If you notice your neighbor's dog is alone all day, offer to walk him/her. Give an animal-sitting coupon to a friend or neighbor as a holiday gift.

5. Plan a volunteer vacation
Many animal organizations around the world offer internship and volunteer opportunities, often providing room and board in exchange. Check out Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah or Farm Sanctuary in New York or California for a couple US-based options

6. Be prepared
Prepare an animal-rescue kit compolete with gloves, a box, a blanket, a leash, and treats. If you ever see an animal in need of assistance, you'll be able to act quickly!

7. Create a backyard wildlife refuge
If your yard is a source of food and water, and a safe place for animals to raise their young, you're already doing it. You can even become an official refuse by being certified by the National Wildlife Federation.

8. Make play time a priority
Our companion animals crave love and attention, especially if we work outside the house all day long. Scheudle play time and regular walks to keep them happy and healthy.

9. Bake vegan goodies
"If it tastes good, they'll eat it" is a mantra I live by. Help farmed animals by demystifying vegan desserts for your human cohorts. Give baked goods as gifts to friends, family, co-workers, neighbors - everyone!

10. Leave them alone
Probably the best way to help non-human animals is to leave them be. Make choices in your life that do not interfere with, exploit, or harm animals and their habitats.

[*Michelle*]

Have u checked out the site www.kentuckyfriedcruelty.com, they have an awesome get active page with ideas and how to get started!! I would love to do it in my small town, but im pretty sure i would be the only person out there picketing.

[Warwak]

Hi Sara,
I read your post about wanting to do more. I know and understand how you feel. I have an answer that works for me everywhere I go. I feel like I am doing everything I can. I have nothing to hide and I am in fact proud to be a Vegan and happy to promote it with a smile.
http://inslide.com/respect
http://myspace.com/inslide
http://myspace.com/vegansanta
Peace, love, and understanding for all,
Warwak

[Chris Tinney]

Hi Sarah.
We are doing great things here in this community.
We are going to have local activists that represent us.

I will be writing more later. But know you are making a differnece here.

If youre interested in what we plan feel free to message me, Christi or Sean.

We will need poeple in cities all over america to collect money form coin boxes we will put out.
It will take about 4 hours a week and could lead into something more.

We can start by having a local potluck once a month for vegans and vegetarians.
Its simple and makes a huge impact.

It can even be done in the park or somewhere else if your home isnt comfortable for an event like this,.

It would be interesting to hear form others here what they do to make a difference.

Thanks

[Sara]

this sounds good, but there are no vegetarians or vegans I know of here in my community...but I would definately be willing to help out in any way you think I could! :)
I would be willing to start a local potluck maybe somewhere up towards DC maybe at a rec center or something, we could get some kind of banquet hall one evening a month or something, I will look into some cheap places I could have it in, and maybe there will be some veggies come out of the woodwork up closer to the city...
out where I live (in the Shenendoah Valley) there are so many country type people who hunt and who don't understand me at all....

[Delly Doolittle]

Hey Sarah - we have a vegan outreach project on myspace with about 10+ themed profiles we add people to with a common interest, and answer messages, leave comments etc - we are always in need of more helpers! - it's like leafleting online ;) Also if you contact PETA they usually can provide a list of local contacts registered with them.. or maybe you have 1 friend who might come along to leaflet outside a college. Vegan outreach.org have an adopt a college campaign, and their phamplets are awesome. Also find out famous veggies/vegans on myspace and each day leave a comment which shows others that their idol is a veggie.. if they accept pictures then leave a pic of the famous person with veggie quotes they have said underneath.. the same applies for you tube videos ie rise against they get 100's of hits a day. Go there and leave meetyourmeat dot com etc (put dot instead of the actual dot . as they block websites) also make your profile on myspace pro veggie and get adding open minded people ! I found that people were receptive in the 'SECRET FANS' myspace group, and with just adding 10 people, 1 lady messaged me and now become vegan aswell as her kids! Hope this helps xxxx