Striking at the Roots: A Practical Guide to Animal Activism

by Mark Hawthorne

Animal protection is one of the most passionately debated issues of our day. In light of recent legislation and intensified pressure put on activists around the world, those advocates fighting for animal liberation or even animal welfare need a single resource covering the major, and some minor, models of animal activism. Striking at the A Practical Guide to Animal Activism brings together the most effective tactics for speaking out for animals and gives voice to activists from around the globe, who explain why their chosen models of activism have been successful -- and how others can get involved.

Genres: Vegan, Activism, Animals, Nonfiction, Book Club, Philosophy, Politics

304 pages, Paperback

First published December 20, 2007

About the author

I am the author of A Vegan Ethic: Embracing A Life Of Compassion Toward All, Striking at the Roots: A Practical Guide to Animal Activism, Bleating Hearts: The Hidden World of Animal Suffering, The Way of the Rabbit, and Eco-Spirituality and Human-Animal Relationships. I stopped eating meat after an encounter with one of India’s many cows in 1992, then went vegan a decade later.

Beginning in 2004, I served as a contributing writer for Satya until the magazine ceased publication in 2007, and am a frequent contributor to VegNews. My writing has also appeared in Vegan’s Daily Companion by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau (Quarry Books), Stories to Live By: Wisdom to Help You Make the Most of Every Day (Travelers’ Tales) and The Best Travel Writing 2005: True Stories from Around the World (Travelers’ Tales), as well as Vegan Voice, Herbivore, Hinduism Today, Utne.com and newspapers across the United States.

Reviews

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

With incidences of animal cruelty being at a four-year high last year as reported by the RSPCA with some truly shocking examples, we owe it to defenceless animals to try to prevent these occurrences in the first place by making the possibility and length of incarceration a deterrent to those who carry out such horrifying attacks. In my opinion, these attacks are tantamount to preying on the vulnerable within society and reflect the moral bankruptcy of such individuals. With the extent and frequency of animal cruelty, it is now a fantastic time to update the animal activists bible Striking at the Roots for a new generation.

Originally published in 2007, this is the 10th-anniversary addition and adds over 100 pages to the previous incarnation with a focus on important developments from those intervening ten years, especially the rise of social media. Over 100 animal activists discuss the models of activism that work best for advancing animal rights and animal welfare. It explores leafleting, writing, tabling, protesting, corporate campaigning, legislation, lobbying, multimedia, direct action, and using vegan food as outreach. This is an in-depth guide which encompasses all a person would need to know should they wish to campaign on animal rights. It explores how to get started and make sure your messages are received loud and clear. By far the most definitive guide on activism on the market. Add to that the excellent organisation of the information and you've got yourself a superb resource.

Many thanks to Changemakers Books for an ARC.

[Nettie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good book and I am grateful that Mark Hawthorne has written it. It is such a useful tool for anyone who wants to help animals. Each chapter thoroughly covers a different form of activism such as letterwriting, leafleting and protesting, and goes over the what, how, where, when and why for each type of activity. The book contains input, advice and stories from I think around 100 experienced activists, so the reader can benefit from their experience as well as be inspired.

Mark Hawthorne conveys that there are so many ways to take action from writing a letter to a company and praising them for not testing on animals to direct action and rescuing animals. Even if you only have one hour a month you can make a difference.

Something I found helpful was the chapter about dealing with our emotions in the face of such cruelty and immeasurable suffering. This is a really important topic and I haven’t come across much of this in my reading.

The best part of the book is that it is positive and hopeful. It shows how our actions do make a difference and bring results. Stories in the book provide examples of this. Even a letter to the editor that doesn’t get published is a force for positive change.

This book will give you ideas, motivate you and aid you in doing great things for animals.

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most comprehensive and detailed manual about activism I’ve read and is very valuable for all those who want to work for a cause dear to their hearts. The fact that this author focuses on animal rights made it particularly interesting for me because that’s one of the causes I care about and have at times worked for. However, this book can be useful as a handbook for those who’d like to work for any cause.

Mark Hawthorne is an excellent writer; I’ve read many pieces he’s composed. This book does not have the soaring prose of which he is capable, but it is extremely well organized and well written and is jam packed full of practical information.

It really probably could work better if used as a reference book. I read it cover to cover and it was a bit of a slog. This information might be better absorbed if the reader turns to various topics that most interest them at the moment. I do assume that a good part of the reason why it took me months to read this is that I’ve been very inactive as an activist the last few years. This fall’s election has me somewhat galvanized but I’m definitely less active than I was in years past in working for the issues of importance to me, including animal rights.

One wonderful thing about this book is that there’s no attempt to make the reader feel guilty, and the only pressure is the plea for each person to do something. There really is something for everyone: everything from writing a letter or handing out a leaflet to being vegan to tips on how to handle the situation if you perform an action that gets you arrested.

This book should be the text for activists, especially those new to activism, but even experienced activists will find useful tidbits here.

There are some good resources given in the back of the book. While the table of contents is self explanatory, given the amount of information provided an index in the back of the book would have been a terrific contribution.

The best thing about this book is that it’s motivating! Another reason I think that it took me so very long to read this is that while I was reading I kept thinking I should put the book down and do something!

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last night I finished reading "Striking at the Roots: A Practical Guide to Animal Activism" by Mark Hawthorne.

I read it while I was also reading another book, which I'll likely review next week, because the latter's subject matter is more intense and I occasionally needed a break from it.

"Striking at the Roots" is packed with information and advice, yet it's a quick read. While it's targeted toward animal activists (both novice and experienced), it would be useful for people fighting for any kind of social change. I also recommend it for people who want an introduction to animal issues but not an intense one.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

The original version of Striking at the Roots: A Practical Guide to Animal Activism was published in 2008, and now ten years later comes a majorly revised version, incorporating social media and other newer resources to this awesome book.

Each chapter follows a clearly accessible pattern: a way to make a change, examples of how it can be successful, efficient ways of working, and different ways you can help. From leafleting and tabling, writing (articles, letters, op-eds etc), to protests and demonstrations, food fairs, and corporate campaigning, direct action, lobbying, and beyond: everything is covered in detail. Whether you are newly into animal activism, or already a seasoned activist, there is something to help everyone in this book.

There are so many helpful parts in this book: it really is a hugely important guidebook to those interested in delving deeper into animal activism, and activism in general. I really like that it covers literally everything from leafleting to possible incarceration and how to deal with it, and also contains a chapter on activist self-care, which is so important. There are also several appendices at the end which provide tons of information on how things are changing thanks to the continued hard work of activists around the world, steps each of us can easily take to make a changes, and also important facts for activists in different countries (laws, what to do if arrested etc).

I love the whole concept that changing just one person’s mind can make a huge difference, a kind of ripple effect so to speak. I did it at home by serving up vegan dishes to my other half, a professional cook and meat lover. It made him realize how much further we could go in terms of providing delicious options to counter meat dishes in restaurants. If we all do this type of work we can collectively make real change.

This book is so easy to read and so helpful – I already know a few people that I want to get it for as a Christmas gift. I have taken so many notes while writing this book, with ideas for blog articles, op-eds, as well as challenges to do with the family at home, and I think that many people will appreciate it in the same way as I did. I love how accessible it is too, there really is something for everyone inside it.

[Ren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd never read the original version of this book, but I was very interested when I saw the updated version available. Having been vegetarian since I was a preteen and more recently vegan, this book speaks to my heart. Striking at the Roots is a perfect resource for anyone interested in getting involved (or getting more involved) in animal activism and covers various levels of action, providing multiple ways to get involved in whatever way the reader desires.

Thank you to John Hunt Publishing Ltd and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this information book in exchange for my honest review.

[mad mags · Rating 5 out of 5]

Animal Activism A to Z (and everything in between!)

(Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for review at the author's invitation.)

“Every successful social-change movement has involved a multiplicity of people using a multiplicity of tactics to approach a problem from a multiplicity of angles. Some people push against the bad things that need to be changed while others pull for the good alternatives. Some people work to undermine destructive systems from within while others are knocking down the walls from without. We all need to recognize that and find our place within a multifaceted struggle, being sure to be generous and appreciative of those who are working toward the same goal using different tactics.” – pattrice jones

Whether you’re new to the world of animal advocacy, a longtime vegan, or traveling somewhere between these points in your life’s journey, STRIKING AT THE ROOTS: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO ANIMAL ACTIVISM is one book you’ll want to read. Activists from all walks of life can glean new tips, tricks, strategies, and perhaps even some much-needed motivation from author/activist Mark Hawthorne’s introductory guide to acting on behalf of animals.

STRIKING AT THE ROOTS offers an overview of the many types of “animal activism” that advocates may engage in. These range from traditional to high-tech, visible to behind-the-scenes, and dramatic to low-key - as is exemplified by pattrice jones (author of AFTERSHOCK and a founder of Eastern Shore Sanctuary) in the above quote. No matter your personality, interests, and talents, you’re sure to find an action you can take to help your fellow earthlings RIGHT NOW.

For example, STRIKING AT THE ROOTS covers eleven general areas of activism, including leafleting; writing (e.g., articles, op-eds, letters to the editor, etc.); tabling; engaging in protests and demonstrations; cooking for and feeding your friends, family, co-workers, and the masses (“food as outreach”); campaigning corporations; volunteering for animal sanctuaries, shelters, and rescue centers, using multimedia (e.g., blogs, web sites, videos, podcasting, etc.) to spread your message; engaging in direction action (including open rescues); working within the legal system; and – perhaps most importantly – taking care of the emotional and psychological needs of oneself and one’s comrades as well. Each chapter serves as a general introduction to the topic, with a list of resources for follow-up.

Best of all, a number of prominent animal activists weigh in on their respective areas of expertise: Patty Mark tells of her first open rescue, in which she exposed the cruelty of an Australian battery farm; Mercy for Animals’ Nathan Runkle describes his own epiphany, resulting from a chance encounter at the age of eleven with an animal rights leafleter; and Colleen Patrick-Goudreau shares her recipe for deliciously decadent vegan outreach. (Mmmm, vegan chili!)

A running theme of STRIKING AT THE ROOTS is the awesome potential for impact possessed by each and every individual. Just by going vegetarian (or, better yet, vegan), you can save the lives of 100 animals per year. That’s one hundred living, sentient beings, spared from miserable lives and excruciating deaths. Now, if you inspire one other individual – just one! – to adopt a veg*n lifestyle, then you’ve essentially doubled your impact. And if your new veg*n friend can encourage another concerned citizen to eschew animal products…well, you get the idea! Like Merilees’s theoretical Brazilian butterfly, whose wing-flapping can be felt throughout the world, one good deed can amplify and inspire many more. Your “activism” can be as simple as living a moral life and serving as an example to others – or as involved as gainful employment with a large animal rights organization. It’s your choice. Just do something .

The important lesson to take away from STRIKING AT THE ROOTS is that we all have a part to play in this struggle – and that we must all work together, pooling our complementary skills and insights, if justice and compassion are to prevail.

Yes, Bruce, activism IS the meaning of life!

http://www.easyvegan.info/2008/02/14/...

[Nez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great ideas and tips for people that are new to activism. If any of my animal friends want to read it - please let me know and then they can pass it on when they have finished with it.

[Cozy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Striking at the Roots: A Practical Guide to Animal Activism" by Mark Hawthorne is the definitive guide to activism for those seeking information on how to be effective in their protest in many different modalities. As a vegan and life long animal advocate I was thrilled to receive this book for review. Thank you to Net Galley and to the publisher. My opinion is my own.

"Striking at the Roots" is written for animal activists. This is the 10th anniversary edition re released with 100 pages of how to advocate and use social media to be effective. it would be useful for people fighting for any kind of social change to use as a guidebook. I also recommend it for people who want an introduction to animal issues and are not sure where to start to be effective.

The author has covered successful campaigns of many activist and included their guides to a successful advocacy. Included are leafleting and tabling, writing (articles, letters, op-eds etc), to protests and demonstrations, food fairs, and corporate campaigning, direct action, lobbying in detail. Whether you are new into animal activism, or already a educated activist, there is something here that is helpful .
This is a definitive guide to animal activism . I highly recommend this book for both beginners and those seeking to add to their advocacy.

[Ginae B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally!

Finally, there is a book about the abuses of innocent animals for whom...well, we will spare you all of the ugly details. What we will state is that it is with grace, mercy and a call to action that this book was written.

In the past, we have always stayed away from such literature as it simply haunts us. We cannot handle it. We will always be grateful for the activist's out there who are fighting where the weak of us simply flail and sob in our inability to be able to handle the epitome of senseless brutality of others.

However, Striking at the Roots knows that there are sensate's out there. They know that there is reading universe comprised of the young, the sensitive, the incapable. "Here!"

When we began reading, we twitched, we grimaced, we waited for the stuff that cripples. It was then that we discovered that Author Mark Hawthorne knew in advance about us. We could just skip over the hard stuff and we did. We had
too.

But, Appendix B took care of that. We skipped right to it and know how we can help. We can be a voice without knowing all of the gritty details. We can help.

[Rasak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great guide to any activist. Not only in animal rights field for which it is originally written. It gives great overview on what you can do alone as an activist and with a group. How to organize different actions and campaigns, where to get information, what else is done by other initiatives.

[Michiel Tummers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book chockful of practical information on the activism side. Not only for people who want to live cruelty free, but for any activist for that matter. Topics include tips and information on leafleting, activism in front of a shop, even the "ultimate"form of activism, witnessing the cruelty people inflict on animals first hand and making footage of it.

Something i have never read before, since i mostly focus on the ethics and philosophy of veganism, not on the"activism" side. Im more a passive person i think, although i have many discussions online about this very topic.

[Catherine Kelaher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the kind of book that you should buy rather than just get out of the library, simply because you will want to refer to it again and again.
It does exactly what it says on the cover, it gives you practical ideas that you can use to be an effective animal activist. This book will be useful whether you have been involved in animal rights for years, or you are just getting started. There is advice on seemingly every aspect of animal rights activism. Not only does the author go into detail about how to do the actions, whether it be leafleting, organising a protest or writing effective letters, he also shares stories of people who are already taking action. These stories are very inspiring.
I read this book for the first time all in the wrong order, dipping in and out of various chapters, depending on what was relevant to me at the time. My copy is rather tatty now, which shows just how much I have referred to it.

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Striking at the Roots: A Practical Guide to Animal Activism 10th Anniversary Edition - New Tactics, New Technology by Mark Hawthorne is, as you might expect from the title, an updated book about how things have changed and how we can continue to help. The book references changes from the last 10 years including the rise of social media, which is now a key part of any campaign. The book brings together the most effective tactics for speaking out for animal rights. Activists from around the globe explain why their models of activism have been successful - and how you can become involved. Concise and full of practical examples and resources, this manual for success demonstrates how many of the world's most engaged activists effectively speak to the public, lobby policymakers, and deal with law enforcement - all while keeping their eyes on the prize of achieving victories for animals. This book will empower you to make the most of your skills. From simple leafleting to taking direct action, each chapter clearly explains where to begin, what to expect, and how to ensure your message is heard.

Striking at the Roots is a resource for learning about what other animal activists have done, and how you might be able to step forward and take action as well. I like that the book covers a wide and varied number of activist actions. There is something here from just about every personality type- for the outgoing activists there are things like manning an information table protesting, or handing out leaflets and for the more introverted there is the use of social media, writing letters, and other less social possibilities. I loved reading about the animal sanctuaries, the stories of what some have done to help, and suggestions as to how readers can get involved. I also liked the mention of how activists should be cautious with the articles and news they share, making sure of its accuracy before sharing and using its information as a source. Too many people on all sides of all issues look to see if something supports their world view rather than taking the time to see if it is factual. I will say that I like that the book offers suggestions for going vegan, and many suggestions for convincing others to do the same. It is a little heavy handed on the topic on occasion, but that is not expected given the topic of the book. There are some methods listed in the book that I fully endorse (such as using the legal system and rescues to help create change) and some that I worry about (such as stealing lobsters or livestock from private property in order to liberate them). I highly suggest readers consider their personal strength, goals, and future to decide how they can do the most good. I found the final chapter, about taking care of yourself so that you can keep going, and the appendixes of extra information to be very useful and will greatly assist readers when are deciding what they are going to do, and how to do it effectively and safely

Striking at the Roots is not a fun or comfortable read. However it is a very useful tool and resource for those determined to make a difference on behalf of animals. If you are looking for ideas, tools, and information about changes you can make and how you can encourage others to make changes as well then I would recommend this book.

[Lauren Rev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book exploring the many ways someone can get involved to decrease the pervasive occurrence of animal abuses and exploitation in our world today. In addition to describing the features of each method, the author includes do’s and don’ts from experienced experts in the various fields of animal activism. A self-care chapter addresses burnout and how to avoid it. Most insightful was a section on making animal activism a career in which the author explored the sexism and racism which occurs in the movement. I don’t think that this is an isolated workplace occurrence in our world today, but he was refreshingly honest about it. I only felt shorted by Animal Planet: The Global Reach of Multimedia chapter. I think that chapter could have been at least doubled in size. I felt the author could have gone into more detail on the effective utilization of the different platforms. For example, he mentions the importance of using Facebook’s algorithm but doesn’t give more, even where to find additional information in another source. A good example in the chapter was the step by step provided on how to do a Public Service Announcement. In the final section, I found the recent milestones for animals particularly inspiring. The author communicates an overall positive outlook; that doing these things has and will make a difference. This book will inspire you to make that difference and then keep referring to it as a handy reference when carrying out the activities.

[moonglow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Striking at the Roots is a comprehensive guide to being an animal activist. The main forms of activism are covered, each form having its own chapter in the book. Hawthorne does an excellent job of describing a method of activism, suggesting how one can get involved in that method, and providing resources for information and support concerning that method. We are treated to informative and inspirational stories and tips from animal activists engaged in various forms of activism. The final chapter offers guidance to activists for taking care of themselves mentally and physically, an important subject to discuss given that activists have a heightened awareness of animal cruelty and the disconcertingly slow pace of progress for animal rights. The appendices are great, too: recent milestones for animals, eleven things you can do today to help animals, and detailed information about your rights as an activist.

Before reading Striking at the Roots, I knew that I wanted to get involved with animal rights, but I didn't know how to do so. When I put the book down, I was left with a huge sense of optimism and many leads to follow to get involved in this great effort. I'm grateful to Mark Hawthorne for having written this book, and I recommend it to anyone interested in doing something - anything - for animals, which also means helping people and the environment, too.

[Ollie Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

'We cannot do it all, so as we do what we can do, we must do it with love for our own animal body,' Carol J. Adams.

This is a very thorough guide to animal activism, though it is a work of folk psychology. I recommend the chapter, 'Animal Liberation: Direct Action,' which, while only cursory, offers much useful advice.

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're a newbie to animal activism, then this is a read you should consider. I'd argue that it's a useful tool for a member of most social movements for all of the practical advice it gives on leafleting, letter writing, and more.

For anyone else not interested in what amounts to an introduction and practical advice, I'd try something a bit deeper.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and practical guide for activists.
Striking at the Roots is a wonderful book for activists, as it contains so many great and specific tips for new and experienced activists. It includes a variety of voices, so you are not just getting what one person thinks.
I love that it includes strategy and detailed tips on how to do everything from writing letters to organizing a demo.

[Suzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has truly practical ideas for becoming involved or increasing involvement in the animal rights movement. It provided many ideas for those who like to "get and and do" and those who like to be "behind the scenes". Motivating!

[Jess H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic guide for people who are looking to get into animal advocacy. I was floundering to find a place to start but after reading this I got tons of ideas!

Reasonably good guide for dealing with police at protests and the possibility of arrests in appendix c as well.

[Bethany Ransom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone interested in animals, animal rights, and animal activism. It covers pretty much everything from online activism to protests. It is a great book to refer to.

[Lisa]

new

[Dreamersemporium]

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[Shelley York · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book should be required reading for anyone that wants to get into animal activism. Packed full of information and ideas well worth the reading

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative read in ways that I can get involved with helping animals. Definitely will be trying some of them out.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fav book on this topic, very practical guide. Super grateful to Mark Hawthorne for writing this awesome book. I found the chapter on self-care and preventing burnout really helpful.

[Wendy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Part of the problem I had with this book is not the book's fault (or the author's). It is just that it is dated. Since the book was published, if we believe the activists quoted within these pages, animal rights should be an even bigger issue, and more real successes should have occurred. There - perhaps for good reason - is no mention of the revolting plenitude of "former vegans." There is no mention of intersectional-based activism. There is very little information from activists who are not with larger rights groups. So these things were not as common in 2008, and it is understandable why they would not be mentioned; but reading this book 9 years after it was first published I just feel this overwhelming sense of ohh shit, what can possibly work?

Yes, there are more vegans now than there were in 2008, but with people jumping on the "plant-based diet" bullshit as opposed to ethical-based veganism, it is frustrating to see people who don't care about other animals, just their health (not saying one's health in unimportant, just that veganism has sadly been watered down to mean food over anything else). When activists in Hawthorne's book talk about the "efficacy" of leafleting or other activism, how do they measure it? Perhaps by the laws blocking us? So perhaps there have been some gains; Ag-gag laws wouldn't exist if activists hadn't been making strides of some sort.

There is a line in the book (which I don't have with me) that equates animal activism with consumerism, which I find incredibly short-sighted and frustrating. Yes, vote with your dollars, yes yes yes, we all understand that. But it would have been worth something to point out that the kind of hierarchy created by capitalism is the kind of hierarchy that allows for exploitation (of anyone). Today we see Ben & Jerry's making some vegan ice cream, which puts them in competition with the few remaining independent vegan ice cream makers in the country. For those in small, rural towns, this is a good thing - it gives an option. But a bigger picture shows us: Unilever hasn't stopped testing on animals because they make one part of their huge corporate output vegan. Ben & Jerry's hasn't stopped exploiting cows to make vegan ice cream. There is a degree of complication, but also an unwillingness to look beyond easy things to do, without any caveats about the easy thing to do.

For me the other main problem I found with this book is the willingness, along with other mainstream animal rights groups, to declare "victories" that might not be so victorious in the long run. That's the rub: how do you keep activists hopeful and moving forward, but also how are we honest in terms of what is successful for other animals and what is not? A couple extra inches in a battery cage - how is that success? It allows people to think that oK, good it's fine to eat meat because the chickens are being treated well. Yet for those being tortured, any relief is still relief. It's complicated. (Oh yes, also there is no discussion of "humane meat" and every time animal farming is mentioned, it's "factory farming" that is the bad issue, not farming animals in general.)

I did appreciate the part on letter-writing and contacting representatives, and the necessity for activists to get more involved in legislation, though with the current political climate, there is an additional layer of despair). It is not a terrible book, but at this point I think it is too outdated to really be of much use.