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In Memory of Kenny Feldman
CAA Executive Director Unny Nambudiripad tells the story of his friendship with Kenny Feldman. We're hosting the Twin Cities Veg Fest concert in Kenny's memory.
I'm pleased to have worked with Carole and Stan Feldman to present the Twin Cities Veg Fest concert in memory of Kenny Feldman. Kenny was a close friend of mine and was instrumental in my being where I am today. We lost him to suicide 14 years ago.
I met Kenny as soon as I started college. Kenny was an avid reader, intensely curious, a lover of music, and was an irreverent skeptic. Knowing him became an opportunity for me to learn and grow.
During our second year of college, we were living together and he started volunteering with the Minnesota Public Interest Research Group (MPIRG), an environmental and social justice organization. He spoke enthusiastically about what they were doing and the people he met. I decided I would get involved, too, and followed his lead – to my first MPIRG meeting. I got involved, and by the fall I started to see that organizing for social change was meaningful for me. Through MPIRG, I met an animal activist and became involved in animal advocacy. A year later, I co-founded Compassionate Action for Animals.
Kenny's life was difficult. He suffered from depression much of his life and took his life in 1999. I'm grateful I was able to know him and that I was influenced by him. Shortly before he passed away, I told him how much he meant to me and how I appreciated the key role he played in getting me on the path I am on.
I hope this concert is a fitting tribute to his life. He was a lover of animals. He was close to his companions and was a vegetarian. Kenny loved music. He listened to an expansive variety of genres.
I loved the way that Kenny danced. He was always listening to music and going to concerts, but he rarely danced. He was shy about it; he didn't think he danced well. He suffered from muscular dystrophy, which made his movements unique – and better. He was wild and he was original, and this made him a beautiful and inspiring dancer. And it was these same qualities that led him to be a voice for those less fortunate.
I've stayed in touch with his parents, and with their support we're doing the concert in Kenny's memory. They want to keep his memory alive, and to remember him for the things he loved – animals and music. Kenny's family misses him every day and is honored to support CAA, an organization that so closely aligns with his deeply held value of compassion.
If you, or a loved one, are struggling with depression, please go to the Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) website for more information on how you can help or get help.
Introducing Our New Staff, Grace and Cyrus!
Compassionate Action for Animals recently hired two new staff members to expand our outreach and plan more events.
Compassionate Action for Animals is growing! We recently hired two part-time staff people to work during the school year. Both are dedicated animal activists, and we're excited to have them.
Grace Van Susteren, Outreach Coordinator
Grace is a student at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Her previous experience with CAA includes coordinating leafleting. She enjoys all things outdoors, traveling, and interesting fish.
She will be coordinating tabling, paid-per-view, and leafleting.
Cyrus Wolff, Event Coordinator
Cyrus is a student at Augsburg College, double majoring in Music and English. A lifelong vegan, Cyrus is passionate about advocating for animals. When not working or studying, he enjoys camping, swimming, and playing guitar.
Cyrus will be planning several events, starting with the Veg Week 2013 Feed-In.
Help poster and distribute flyers for the Twin Cities Veg Fest
Want an easy way to help animals, while sharing good food and reaching new audiences? Help us distribute posters and flyers to get the word out about the second ever Twin Cities Veg Fest!
The October 26 Twin Cities Veg Fest is rapidly approaching, and we need your help to distribute posters and flyers around the community and at the University of Minnesota campus. We are postering/flyering during the following dates and times:
- Off-campus: Sunday, September 15, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm
- On-campus: Thursday, September 19, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm
- On-campus: Thursday, October 3, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm
- Off-campus: Wednesday, October 9, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm
- Off-campus: Sunday, October 13, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm
- On-campus: Wednesday, October 16, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm
For the off-campus dates we will meet at the CAA Community Office, and for the on-campus dates we will meet in the central area on the 2nd floor of the U of M's Coffman Memorial Union.
We'll be serving food at each of these events, so RSVP to raven@exploreveg.org so we know how much to provide! We will distribute posters/flyers on each date for about 3 hours, then reconvene to eat.
If you can't attend any of these sessions but want to put up posters on your own schedule, email info@exploreveg.org and we'll make arrangements to get you some posters!
Interview With Volunteer Liz Sias
Meet Liz Sias, one of our newest volunteer planners for the Twin Cities Veg Fest. Liz has been a great volunteer with Compassionate Action for Animals so we asked to her take the lead on volunteer coordination for the festival.
TCVF: What is your role on the Veg Fest team?
Liz: I'm the volunteer coordinator, which means it's my job to recruit people and train them to help with anything and everything that needs to happen in order to make a fun and successful Veg Fest. From postering before the event to staffing booths and everything in between, Veg Fest relies on the great work of volunteers and it wouldn't be successful without them.
TCVF: How did you get involved in planning the Veg Fest?
Liz: I've been volunteering with CAA for about a year, leafletting, helping out at events and planning the 2013 vegan chili cook-off. When offered the opportunity to help plan CAA's biggest event, I couldn't turn it down.
TCVF: What have you enjoyed most so far?
Liz: I've really enjoyed getting to know other CAA volunteers on the planning committee. Oh, and I got to visit Madison for Mad City Vegan Fest in June to help get the word out about Twin Cities Veg Fest, and that trip was a lot of fun. It's been fun to see everything come together for this event as time passes.
TCVF: What are you most looking forward to?
Liz: I'm not going to lie, I'm most looking forward to all the free food samples! And, OK, meeting and working with all the amazing volunteers who help make Veg Fest happen.
TCVF: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Liz: I enjoy biking, especially on the Greenway and on the beautiful trails around Minneapolis. I also really like cooking and reading. And, of course, my biggest passion is advocating for animals with groups like CAA 🙂
TCVF: Who or what species is your favorite animal?
Liz: Isn't this question speciesist? Just kidding. It's hard to pick just one species. I love orcas (killer whales) because they're so beautiful and I find their social lives and family groups interesting. I also love wolves. And lions, and all other species of cats. And goats are adorable. I can't pick just one!
TCVF: Do you have a favorite recipe you can share?
Liz: Swiss Chard Frittata from the Post Punk Kitchen
TCVF: What's rockin' your world this month?
Liz: I'm excited that the weather has finally been cooperating, so I've been enjoying the outdoors with all sorts of festivals all summer, from Stone Arch Bridge Fest, to Open Streets, Twin Cities Pride and so many more.
Stay in Touch with CAA
Want to stay up-to-date with all of the Compassionate Action for Animals happenings? Or maybe you just want to reach out to us? There are many ways to get in touch with us so don’t hesitate to reach out!
At Compassionate Action for Animals we want you to know your voice is being heard! Whether you want to volunteer, attend an event, or just have comments or questions about the organization, we’d love to hear from you. There are many ways you can reach out to us, and we would be happy to hear from you in whatever way you find most convenient.
You can find out what we’re up to via:
- Compassionate Action for Animals Website
- Weekly Update Email Newsletter
- Weekly Update RSS Feed
- Flickr
- Visit our office at 2100 First Ave S, Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55404
- Email: info@exploreveg.org
- Or you can give us a call at 612-276-2242
We look forward to hearing from you!
Farm Bill Action Alert for Senator Klobuchar‏
Please help us take action to prevent setbacks to animals welfare laws across the country, including MN, by calling Senator Amy Klobuchar and letting her know that provisions in the new Farm Bill are unacceptable.
There perhaps has never been a more urgent need to call Senator Klobuchar. Right now, the House farm bill contains language that could nullify state laws protecting millions of animals from animal cruelty among other things. Written by Iowa Republican Congressman Steve King, it would put our laws banning puppy mills, horse slaughter, shark finning, dog meat sale, and gestation crates (and dozens more) all in jeopardy.
The House and Senate versions of the farm bill are about to be combined via a Congressional conference committee. While the House version has the King language, the Senate version does not. It's key that we make sure the King segment is dropped prior to the final bill being approved. Please call Senator Klobuchar's office (she is on the conference committee) and leave a message urging her to strip the King provision from the farm bill. Her office number is 202-224-3244.
Farmer’s Market Feast Cooking Class Roundup
If you missed Raechel's Farmer's Market Feast cooking class at the beginning of July you can hear all about it as well as get the recipes to make at home. Even if you made it out to the event, be sure to snag the recipes!
The Farmer's Market Feast cooking class was centered on preparing local summer vegetables in an easy and affordable way. We had a wonderful evening of food and fun talking about our favorite warm-weather plant-based dishes.
For the class we made four items: Jicama and Radish Salad, Basil Walnut Pesto, Roasted Farm Fresh Carrots, and Raw Strawberry Crumble!
If you'd like to get the recipes for each of these dishes, head on over to Rebel Grrl Kitchen and get inspired to make dinner tonight with fresh summer vegetables!
2013 Farm Sanctuary Walk for Farm Animals
Join the Minneapolis Walk for Farm Animals on Saturday, September 7. You can support Farm Sanctuary's life-saving work by participating in the Minneapolis Walk for Farm Animals.
On Saturday, September 7, you can support Farm Sanctuary's life-saving work by participating in the Minneapolis Walk for Farm Animals. The event will take place at Boom Island Park. Check-in starts at 10 am. The walk will feature free vegan food, raffle prizes, a warm-up yoga stretch, live music, children's activities and more!
Registration is just $15 in advance; $25 on event day. Kids and teens under 18 register for free and get a free t-shirt!
Dave Rolsky, one of CAA's founders and board members, will be speaking at the event about our work and our partnership with Farm Sanctuary. Throughout the year, CAA works with Farm Sanctuary to continuously improve VegGuide.org. Farm Sanctuary also created the video for our current matching campaign, What Came Before. Nick Cooney of Farm Sanctuary will be speaking at Twin Cities Veg Fest and Their Lives, Our Voices this year.
3rd Annual Vegan Main Dish Competition at the State Fair
For the third year, the Minnesota State Fair will host a vegan main dish competition. Register online by August 6th to participate and see your dish in the Creative Activities Building!
It's the third year for the Minnesota State Fair's vegan main dish competition! Don't forget to enter — Aug. 6 is the registration deadline . No need to be vegan to enter! It's free, it's easy, and it's fun to participate in the State Fair and see your entry displayed in the Creative Activities Building! Who knows, you could even win a ribbon, a small cash prize, and an awesome vegan cookbook. All the scoop can be obtained on the Minnesota State Fair website, but here's some info to get you started:
Lot #1108 VEGAN MAIN DISH COMPETITION
We are seeking the most tasty and easy to prepare main dish that supplies a complete protein. Salads are excluded. For your vegan main dish simply use ingredients without animal products.
SCORECARD FOR VEGAN MAIN DISH COMPETITION
- Appearance 20
- Ease of preparation 25
- Taste 45
- Texture 10
Contest Rules:
Registration is required. Entries in this lot must be registered by 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6.
Entries in this lot must be delivered on the west side of the Creative Activities building between 8-11 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18. Entries should arrive in a disposable container, containers will not be returned. Entries should be delivered cold, we will re-heat before judging. One entry per person.
Recipes should include 12 or fewer ingredients. Salt, pepper, cooking oil, water and garnishes do NOT count as ingredients. A packaged food or product counts as one ingredient, i.e. box mix or bag of mixed vegetables. Fruit may be used.
Entries must be submitted with 1) the recipe typed on one side of an 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of paper, typed on the reverse side 2) contestant's name, 3) street address, and 4) telephone number . DO NOT send in this sheet of paper with your registration. Bring it in with your item.
Florence I. Brammer will award a vegan cookbook to the winner of Vegan Main Dish.
We hope to see you there!
CAA Is Hiring! Outreach And Event Coordination Positions
Compassionate Action for Animals is looking for an Outreach Coordinator and an Event Coordinator to oversee major initiatives in our campaign for the reduction of farmed animal suffering. Duties commence in early September and continue for 35 weeks, through the academic year. Each position pays $10 per hour. We encourage and prefer vegan applicants. Candidates interested in either opening or both must submit a resume and cover letter to application-2013@exploreveg.org by August 2. We will hold interviews on August 16, 17, and 20.
Compassionate Action for Animals is looking for an Event Coordinator and an Outreach Coordinator to oversee major initiatives in our campaign for the reduction of farmed animal suffering. Duties commence in early September and continue for 35 weeks, through the academic year.
Responsibilities of the Event Coordinator will include managing important CAA events, such as Veg Week, our Thanksgiving Potluck, food giveaways, and a chili cook-off. The Event Coordinator will be in charge of organizing engaging, informative events that contribute to our mission of spreading awareness and interest in the vegetarian diet. These could pertain to factory farming, sharing knowledge and samples of plant-based food, or building a community with compassion for animals in the Twin Cities. The Coordinator will offer CAA volunteers the chance to improve the condition of animals by providing event supervision, managing volunteer schedules and duties, and directing the volunteer team in carrying out logistics, advertising, cooking, setup, and cleanup for events. The position requires a commitment of 10 hours per week and pays $10 per hour. For more information about this opening, see the full job posting.
The Outreach Coordinator position consists of supervising CAA's leafleting and tabling programs, through which we distribute pamphlets about factory farming and vegetarianism or put up educational tables and interact with the public, respectively. The Coordinator is expected to connect with the masses, especially our target audience of young adults, at local events by effectively supplying information about factory farming and plant-based eating. He or she will help volunteers make a positive impact on animal lives by directing volunteer participation at outreach events. This job requires a commitment of 15 hours per week and pays $10 per hour. For further details on this opening, see the full job posting.
Candidates interested in either opening or both must submit a resume and cover letter to application-2013@exploreveg.org by the end of Friday, August 2; we will hold interviews on August 16, 17, and 20. Please send your resume as an attached PDF or plain text file, or as a link to a webpage or PDF. Place your cover letter into the email's text, explaining your interest in the position(s) and animal advocacy. We encourage and prefer vegan applicants. CAA thanks you for your interest in helping animals and looks forward to receiving your applications.