As 2021 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on how grateful I am for our community of kindred spirits, all working to end the abuse of animals raised for food. We’re in this together—and we’re each here for a reason.
Every single person in our shared movement has a unique story to tell about the moment they realized they wanted to make a difference for animals. We asked our team of changemakers at The Humane League to share theirs.
This is what we learned.
When I finally understood that every animal is a true individual with preferences, feelings, the ability to form relationships, and—maybe most importantly—the capacity to suffer.
—Gabriel Wildgen, Director of Public Policy
When I realized what animals have to go through in order for us to use their products.
—Sydney Fox, Regional Field Organizer
I knew I had to do what I could for the animals the first time I walked into a slaughterhouse.
—Marbella Fernández, Corporate Campaigns Manager, THL MX
When I learned more about what really happens on factory farms, and when I was faced with a decision whether to support that abuse three times a day when I sat down to eat.
—Michelle Kucerak, SVP, Programs and Development
As an animal lover, I think I’ve always known that I was “for the animals.” But what that meant to me changed a lot when I actually went vegan. I realized that, before, I was there with the animals, but I definitely wasn’t there for the animals. I think when you can have that relationship where you’re looking out for animals and doing things for them—the reasons that aren’t self-beneficial—that’s when you’re truly for the animals.
—Lauren Wills, Grassroots Campaign Coordinator, THL UK
I went vegan for the animals after watching a documentary about the horrible abuses performed on factory farms every single day.
—Felicia Tidy-Coyle, THL Captain, Arkansas
It was when I actually did go vegan. After trying to go vegan for health reasons and it not working, learning more about the dairy industry and how awful it is, and the egg industry and how cruel the chickens are treated, just really put everything into perspective for me and solidified the reason why I was going vegan. That was eight years ago, and it’s the best decision I ever made.
—Annie Evans, European Corporate Relations Lead, THL UK
When I knew that I could get active in my community to spread awareness and to make a change.
—Ryan Bulzan, Senior Regional Field Organizer
From all your friends at The Humane League, thank you for all you do to make a difference for animals!
