August 16, 2023

Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA) recently had the opportunity to participate in the Animal and Vegan Advocacy Summit, which took place from July 26 to July 29. The event brought together CAA staff, board members, and volunteers, offering them a chance to connect with like-minded individuals and gain valuable knowledge in the field of animal advocacy. We deeply appreciate the movement donors who enabled volunteers to attend! 

Read on to read a summary of resources each person discovered, what they learned, and what they found interesting or valuable about the summit.

Laura Matanah, executive director, 

Resources you learned about and/or skills that you developed in relation to animal advocacy:

I got AI (artificial intelligence) and data tools that will help move our work for animals forward. I also found the operations presentation useful as we grow as an organization.

What else did you find interesting or valuable about attending the Animal and Vegan Advocacy Summit?

It’s always wonderful to reconnect with others in our movement. I was glad to share information on our recent successes with some of the generous funders who support our work.  I appreciated Eva Hamer and Dave Coman-Hidy’s talk on bridging the gap between incrementalism and abolitionism, and the opening and closing presentations by Sharon Núñez of Animal Equality and Leah Garcés of Mercy for Animals.

I also appreciated the time with our own staff and volunteers, and getting to think together about how we can use what we learned.

Abbey Feola, CAA Program Manager

Resources you learned about and/or skills that you developed in relation to animal advocacy:

I learned more effective timelines and methods for press outreach, as well as methods for more effective outreach conversations. I also found out about a new data tool to help estimate the public’s pre-existing enthusiasm for different measures. 

What else did you find interesting or valuable about attending the Animal and Vegan Advocacy Summit?

More broadly, I got a great oversight of where the movement is heading and what its current dynamics are. I now better understand how CAA fits into the national and global picture and hope this will enable me to create more strategic programming. 

Lydia Green, Board member and volunteer

I volunteer with CAA in a number of capacities, including public outreach events and organizing events. I currently volunteer with CAA as the Co-Chair for Twin Cities Veg Fest and am Secretary on the Board. 

Resources you learned about and/or skills that you developed in relation to animal advocacy:

I was really excited to learn about cultured meats and alternative proteins and the roles they may play in the future of animal advocacy and the evolution of the way people eat. It was also extremely insightful to learn about the ways in which AI can harm and help the animal rights movement. Lastly, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to  connect with others that work for and with farm sanctuaries, especially since I will be taking on a full-time role at a farm sanctuary next month. They provided helpful tips and resources for engaging the public and sourcing funds. 

What else did you find interesting or valuable about attending the Animal and Vegan Advocacy Summit?

I loved the ability to network with other animal rights advocates and learn more about all the wonderful things that are happening in the movement and build partnerships. 

Anything else you want to share?

I really enjoyed the AVA Summit and hope to be able to attend in the future! 

Aaryn Wilson, volunteer

Resources you learned about and/or skills that you developed in relation to animal advocacy:

I got good advice on using AI and data analytics. I learned about the company Nelly’s Organics which makes amazing raw chocolate bars. I learned about animal law and was able to hear from some lawyers at the conference

What else did you find interesting or valuable about attending the Animal and Vegan Advocacy Summit?

The work they are doing in Ukraine to promote veganism

The amazing vegan community throughout California. I am so excited to be moving there.

Anything else you want to share?

Hart House (restaurant) was amazing and I was impressed by the consistency of food served during the conference

Hannah Milos, volunteer

Resources you learned about and/or skills that you developed in relation to animal advocacy:

I learned about the process of farm transitions and how the organizations Animal Outlook and Climate Refarm provide support for farmers during the process.I also learned about the effort of the Better Food Foundation to make plant based options the default menu in organizations that have climate goals. Overall, I gained useful knowledge and communication skills for advocacy in my community. 

What else did you find interesting or valuable about attending the Animal and Vegan Advocacy Summit?

I enjoyed connecting with others in the movement and found it encouraging to see the diverse efforts across the world that are fighting for animals. I was inspired by the success stories shared by attendees and speakers and feel motivated to get more personally involved as a result. 

Anything else you want to share?

It was great to get to know the CAA staff and other volunteers who attended the summit! 

Christiana Hardie, Student Volunteer 

Resources you learned about and/or skills that you developed in relation to animal advocacy:

Networking with peers, especially those who are older than me. I learned about faunalytics, which is a very helpful and useful resource. I also developed the skill of using Linkedin in an effective way.

What else did you find interesting or valuable about attending the Animal and Vegan Advocacy Summit?

I learned so much about the movement and everything that is going on. The best part was meeting all of the interesting people.