TLOV 2009 Wrap-Up

The conference, which happened in Minneapolis over the weekend of June 12-14, featured a variety of powerful and inspirational speakers including farm sanctuary pioneer Lorri Bauston, author and activist pattrice jones, motivational speaker and author Victoria Moran, vegan body builder Kenneth Williams, cookbook author Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, and many more. Leaders from various organizations such as Compassion Over Killing and Mercy For Animals as well as regional activists gave nearly 50 presentations throughout the weekend. Participants were able to raise their own voices in several discussion-based sessions including topics like "How Vegan Is Enough" and "Dealing With Family and Friends".

Between the keynote presentations, workshops, and discussions, CAA provided a bounty of delicious meals and snacks for conference attendees. Kicking off the conference, attendees got to enjoy scrumptious vegan pizza and complementary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Indian dishes from Dancing Ganesha and pasta from Ciantti Grill, as well as "cheezy" nachos, pita with hummus, and an endless supply of fresh fruit, tea, water, and juice kept participants fueled throughout the weekend.

Participants were also able to peruse tables set up by animal rights organizations from across the country to gather literature and to network with organization leaders and volunteers.

As Sunday evening wound down, participants left having learned new information and strategies for animal activism, networked with like-minded people, and reaffirmed their commitment to speaking for those who cannot--the quality of their lives indeed depends on our voices.

One inspired attendee had this to say, "The conference was one of the best animal conferences I've ever attended, and I've attended many in the 19 years since becoming vegan, and a few before then as well. I don't think any event in the Midwest has ever come close to something like this."

This conference would not have been possible without the enthusiastic participation of our attendees, the generous financial support and food donations from our sponsors, and the dynamic planning efforts and staffing by our volunteers.

Did you feel inspired? Would you like to see this conference and other important animal advocacy events continue to take place? Please support our important work by making a generous contribution to CAA today.

We hope to see many of you next year at TLOV 2010!