California Animal Activist shows how anyone can put their compassion into action

by Mark Hawthorne

	Mark Hawthorne.

Nathan Runkle’s world was rocked the day activists handed him some literature explaining how billions of animals are treated every year in our society. “I had never heard of factory farming or vivisection or veal crates or battery cages,” he says. “I was shocked. I felt sick to my stomach.” Even at 11 years old, Nathan knew he had to do something about this injustice, and he did: He promptly stopped eating animals and then, four years later, established one of most active animal-rights groups in the United States .

Nathan is among more than 100 activists readers will meet in Striking at the Roots: A Practical Guide to Animal Activism. Concise and full of practical examples and resources, this manual for success demonstrates how many of the world’s most engaged advocates overcome obstacles, speak to the public, lobby policymakers, conduct corporate and restaurant outreach, deal with law enforcement, cope with stress and avoid burnout – all while keeping their eyes on the prize of achieving victories for animals.

Why a book on animal activism? When asked in a 2006 Label Networks survey which non-profit they are most interested in volunteering for, nearly 30% of respondents age 13 to 24 replied People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. This was by a wide margin the most popular answer, indicating a strong interest among this demographic in being active for animals. Furthermore, when the same survey asked this group why they are not already active, the number-two open-ended answer was “I don’t know how to get started.”

Clearly, many people want to take action for animals but either don’t have the necessary knowledge or don’t know where to look for it. Now available from O Books, Striking at the Roots fills that void, bringing together the most effective tactics for speaking out for animals and giving voice to activists from around the globe, who explain why their models of activism have been successful – and how anyone can foster the growing awareness of animal abuse, inspire awakenings and help create changes for billions of lives every year.

Striking at the Roots will empower activists to make the most of their skills. From simple leafleting and tabling to shelter work and taking direct action, each chapter clearly explains where to begin, what to expect and how activists can ensure their message is heard.

About the writer:

Mark Hawthorne adopted a vegetarian lifestyle soon after an encounter with one of India ’s many cows in 1992 and went vegan a decade later. His writing has appeared in Satya, VegNews, Vegan Voice, Herbivore, Hinduism Today, Lapis.com, Utne.com and daily newspapers across the US . He serves on the outreach advisory council for Animal Place , a farmed-animal sanctuary and education centre in northern California . Much of Mark’s work is chronicled on his website. LINK.

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