Glenn's blog

I just posted this over on the Liberation BC blog and thought I might as well share it here too.

This event is for anyone interested in animal activism, but be forewarned, you will hear the word "vegan" a lot! I mean, really, how can any of us be truly committed to helping animals if we're still contributing to their exploitation and slaughter?

1. Network with other animal rights activists and learn about other groups and campaigns - and build a stronger movement

   There are many groups in Vancouver and across Canada who are working on all sorts of issues. Fur, factory farming, veganism, health and the environment, animal testing, and many others. At Animal Advocacy Camp you can meet activists working on all of these issues and learn from their experiences.

   And, by building connections and networking, you can build a stronger and more effective movement.

2. The exciting opening and closing speakers

   • Camille Labchuck

     Among many other accomplishments, Camille has managed communications for the federal Green Party, and worked as a public relations specialist with Humane Society International/Canada. She has documented the commercial seal kill on Canada’s East Coast, and has worked on campaigns against horse slaughter, puppy mills, factory farming, trophy hunting, circuses, shark finning, and other issues. Camille has also worked on countless election campaigns at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels.Currently studying law in Toronto, Camille will bring her knowledge of politics, law, and activism together in her inspiring opening keynote.

   • Rob Laidlaw

     Rob is the founder and Executive Director of Zoocheck Canada, an organization focused on wildlife, specifically wildlife in captivity. He has also written several books, including books for children about animals.

   • Lesley Fox

     Lesley is the Executive Director of Vancouver's own Fur Bearer Defenders (otherwise known as the Association for the Protection of Fur Bearing Animals). In addition to her work with Fur Bearers, Lesley has run campaigns promoting alternatives to dissection for high school students and humane education in schools. Lesley is a very good speaker, and her opening keynote on Sunday, February 26 is not to be missed.

   • Sarah Kramer

     If you don't know who Sarah Kramer is, look on your bookshelf. Chances are you've got at least on of her many cookbooks. One of the funnest people in the animal rights movement, Sarah will be closing out the event on Sunday with a light-hearted (and knowledge-testing) game show.

3. You set the agenda

   This unconference is all about you.

   Each morning everyone at the event will have the opportunity to announce their own breakout session topics and add them to the agenda for the day.

   It's a very simple format.

   Here's how it works: If you have a particular topic you'd like to lead a discussion about, you will write your topic and your name on a piece of paper, then stand up and announce the topic to the audience. Then you will take your topic over to the agenda wall and stick it up in your selected time slot and location.

   You are free to propose any topic you want – but you are expected to lead the discussion in the breakout session. No posting of topics that you are not committed to leading. You are welcome to collaborate with others to propose topics.

   Easy, right?

To register, visit animaladvocacycamp.ca. There is a low income option available as well, so no excuses!