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The Animal Activist's Handbook: Maximizing Our Positive Impact in Today's World (Flashpoint
Matt Ball and Bruce Friedrich take the plight of the world's animals seriously and have dedicated their lives to ending their suffering. The Animal Activist's Handbook argues that meaning in life is to be found, quite simply, in turning away from the futile pursuit of "more," and focusing instead on leaving the planet a better place than you found it. The critical component of creating a better world for all is thoughtful, deliberate, and dedicated activism that takes suffering seriously. The authors build a ground-up case for reasoned, impassioned, and joyous activism that makes the most difference possible, and suggest a variety of ways to live a meaningful life through effective and ef?cient advocacy.
118 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2009
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June 24, 2009
(Slightly tweaked but mostly reprinted from an online review I wrote earlier today):
I’ve long been a fan of Matt Ball who is co-founder of Vegan Outreach. His essays (published on that group’s website) are among the most thoughtful, generous and focused pieces on veganism and animal rights.
I knew less about his co-author Bruce Friedrich, and was curious to hear about his perspective on activism, since he works for PETA, an organization whose tactics don’t always sit well with me. Bruce brings an interesting background to his work—-coming to animal rights from employment in a homeless shelter that was part of the Catholic Worker movement—-and I ended up being pleasantly surprised by his point of view on animal advocacy.
Together, these two seasoned activists have put together a guide that is motivating, inspiring and-—best of all-—useful. While there are many ways in which we can help relieve animal suffering and achieve animal liberation, Matt and Bruce build a simple case for devoting efforts to promoting vegan diet based on three things: 1). the huge opportunity it represents for reducing suffering (because of the sheer number of animals involved), 2). the extreme suffering of farm animals, and 3). the opportunity that every single person has to make a difference right now by changing his or her own diet and—-hopefully-—impacting others to do the same.
The book is succinct, the writing style engaging and the emphasis is on being effective, not just active. The authors use examples to show how interactions with people impact success in producing change. They encourage discourse that is logical, kind and respectful and activities that are practical and outcome-oriented. Like all good students of human behavior and behavior change, they suggest using various approaches depending on whom you are talking to, and they accept that “all or nothing” makes for poor strategy even when total animal liberation is the goal. Finally, their ideas for “rocking the world” are simple and doable.
The book ends with a chapter titled “Is Animal Liberation Possible?” For any animal rights activist in need of a little morale boost, this chapter alone is worth the price of admission. Animal liberation is the moral imperative of our time and, according to Matt and Bruce, we can revel in the opportunity we have to be a part of the world’s next great ethical advance. It will happen—but it is dependent on optimal advocacy. That’s why every animal rights activist needs to read this book.
I’ve long been a fan of Matt Ball who is co-founder of Vegan Outreach. His essays (published on that group’s website) are among the most thoughtful, generous and focused pieces on veganism and animal rights.
I knew less about his co-author Bruce Friedrich, and was curious to hear about his perspective on activism, since he works for PETA, an organization whose tactics don’t always sit well with me. Bruce brings an interesting background to his work—-coming to animal rights from employment in a homeless shelter that was part of the Catholic Worker movement—-and I ended up being pleasantly surprised by his point of view on animal advocacy.
Together, these two seasoned activists have put together a guide that is motivating, inspiring and-—best of all-—useful. While there are many ways in which we can help relieve animal suffering and achieve animal liberation, Matt and Bruce build a simple case for devoting efforts to promoting vegan diet based on three things: 1). the huge opportunity it represents for reducing suffering (because of the sheer number of animals involved), 2). the extreme suffering of farm animals, and 3). the opportunity that every single person has to make a difference right now by changing his or her own diet and—-hopefully-—impacting others to do the same.
The book is succinct, the writing style engaging and the emphasis is on being effective, not just active. The authors use examples to show how interactions with people impact success in producing change. They encourage discourse that is logical, kind and respectful and activities that are practical and outcome-oriented. Like all good students of human behavior and behavior change, they suggest using various approaches depending on whom you are talking to, and they accept that “all or nothing” makes for poor strategy even when total animal liberation is the goal. Finally, their ideas for “rocking the world” are simple and doable.
The book ends with a chapter titled “Is Animal Liberation Possible?” For any animal rights activist in need of a little morale boost, this chapter alone is worth the price of admission. Animal liberation is the moral imperative of our time and, according to Matt and Bruce, we can revel in the opportunity we have to be a part of the world’s next great ethical advance. It will happen—but it is dependent on optimal advocacy. That’s why every animal rights activist needs to read this book.
August 16, 2009
Thanks to my real world book club member and Goodreads friend Rachel who lent me this book, I got a chance to read this now. I was impressed by Rachel’s five stars rating as she is not as generous as I am: 9% vs. my 24% of books rated with the full five stars.
I wish that I had written this. That praise is the highest that I can give a book. Much of what Matt and Bruce write about are things I’ve thought about and some things I’ve put to practical use too, yet I found what they had to say immensely valuable. I’m so glad this book is available for readers; I’m so sad that, so far, it doesn’t seem to be widely read among Goodreads members.
I don’t feel capable of fully extolling this book’s virtues. (Please, just read it.)
This is a nearly perfect book. Despite its slim size, it contains so much practical advice and information There are no bells and whistles, but it’s very readable and interesting. It’s useful, reasoned, thoughtful, practical, supportive, and brilliant.
It’s excellent, especially for vegans who educate about reducing animal suffering, but it could be used to motivate/give tips to anyone advocating for any cause in which they believe. It is also of interest to those interested in time management, philosophy, religion, nature, psychology, logic, really anybody who’s thoughtful and curious and engaged with the world and its situations.
There’s a web site readers can go to: animaladvocacybook.com, which doesn’t seem to be complete as of now, but does have some helpful content. Many other books/references are mentioned within this book, and there’s a “Books Referenced” list at the end.
I think I’m going to have to buy this book, both because I want to for me collection so I can easily reread it and also so I have a copy I can lend to others.
I wish that I had written this. That praise is the highest that I can give a book. Much of what Matt and Bruce write about are things I’ve thought about and some things I’ve put to practical use too, yet I found what they had to say immensely valuable. I’m so glad this book is available for readers; I’m so sad that, so far, it doesn’t seem to be widely read among Goodreads members.
I don’t feel capable of fully extolling this book’s virtues. (Please, just read it.)
This is a nearly perfect book. Despite its slim size, it contains so much practical advice and information There are no bells and whistles, but it’s very readable and interesting. It’s useful, reasoned, thoughtful, practical, supportive, and brilliant.
It’s excellent, especially for vegans who educate about reducing animal suffering, but it could be used to motivate/give tips to anyone advocating for any cause in which they believe. It is also of interest to those interested in time management, philosophy, religion, nature, psychology, logic, really anybody who’s thoughtful and curious and engaged with the world and its situations.
There’s a web site readers can go to: animaladvocacybook.com, which doesn’t seem to be complete as of now, but does have some helpful content. Many other books/references are mentioned within this book, and there’s a “Books Referenced” list at the end.
I think I’m going to have to buy this book, both because I want to for me collection so I can easily reread it and also so I have a copy I can lend to others.
May 18, 2018
Do we want to add to the level of violence, misery, and bloodshed in the world, or do we prefer to make compassionate, merciful choices?
4.5 stars -- This little book contains a great deal of wisdom for newly-minted animal advocates and long-term veterans alike. Older advocates will be wishing they had this handbook in their early days and the younger crowd could be spared years of being blown off-course or even giving up on helping animals entirely. Indeed, bad activism can end up hurting far more animals than doing nothing at all.
Animal advocates certainly have their work cut out for them. There are hundreds of animal issues, from the high-profile to the obscure, but one issue dwarfs them all: factory farming. The authors explain why for them, focusing their efforts upon helping farmed animals makes the most sense: the greatest amount of animals, the greatest amount of suffering: The number of animals raised and killed for food each year in the US alone vastly exceeds any and all other forms of exploitation. … Approximately 99 out of every 100 animals killed in the US each year are slaughtered for human consumption.
“Perhaps the most difficult aspect of advocating on behalf of these animals is trying to describe the indescribable,” notes the book. The sheer number of animals involved is incredible: 10 billion animals slaughtered in the US alone every year. That’s more individual animals than there are humans on the entire planet! Even for the most dedicated animal defender, numbers like that are impossible to wrap one’s head around. Yet, each and every one of those animals is a somebody just as capable of experiencing pain and fear as our pets are.
If there were nothing we could do about these animals’ suffering—if it all happened in a distant land beyond our influence—then again, our focus would be different. … [E]very day, every single person makes decisions that affect the lives of these farmed animals. Helping people change leads to fewer animals suffering on factory farms. … Simply put, the meat industry is violence we can either support or help stop.
As truthful as it may be, that’s still an optimistic passage. Most people who have been animal advocates for even a short length of time know that most folks aren’t champing at the bit to make changes in their lives, especially when food is involved. People who would probably take up arms if someone looked at their dog cross-eyed suddenly become very aloof and lackadaisical when it comes to the tremendous suffering on factory farms. You and I know the hostile stare, the patronizing laugh, the endless rounds of Defensive Omnivore Bingo. It’s frustrating, it’s sad, sure. But what we can control is our response.
The text takes a more realistic turn when it notes, Most people are extremely defensive and capable of great rationalizations when it comes to personal culpability. Human nature leads us to focus on problems caused by others and dealt with by others.
So, To be effective advocates for animals, we must honestly evaluate the world as it currently is, and then do our very best to reduce as much suffering as possible.
Many activists want everyone to go vegan right this instant(!) and think asking anything less is betraying the animals. Well, what they’re likely to get is a big fat no way(!) and the person they’re speaking to will go on their merry way harming the same amount of animals as before. But did you know that, because it takes approximately 200 chickens to equal the flesh of one cow, an omni who just gives up eating chickens spares almost as many animals as a vegetarian? The authors write, Based on the raw numbers alone, the best incremental step a meat eater can take is to stop eating birds. And that’s how we talk with people: we focus on cruelty to birds first. There’s even an excellent campaign, One Step for Animals , that makes the case for doing just that.
The book uses humor and the authors’ life lessons to share what works and what doesn’t in activism. For example, one of the authors states that he used to sport a wild, straggly look that definitely didn’t lend him credibility when talking about serious issues. Unless you’re leafleting in a punk concert parking lot, you need to ditch counterculture attire when you’re trying to reach a mainstream audience.
Perhaps more applicable to every advocate is the fact that we hurt animals when we put up barriers where we may have built a bridge. We all get angry and sad when we hear about animal abuse, but no one will be motivated to change if we seem unreasonable or irritating, or if we make veg*nism seem insurmountable. I can think of my days using online discussion boards which would have a small community of veg*ns who, instead of sharing info and recipes and living by example, would fall into in-fighting about philosophical topics like whether it’s right to eat at restaurants that also serve meat or live with carnivorous species as pets. Frankly, I imagine omnis observing all of this were not only not impressed, probably many developed some very negative opinions toward all veg*ns.
HANDBOOK even manages to put a refreshing spin on some of the old saws we hear hundreds of times as veg*ns. We’ve all gotten the line “I don’t eat that much meat,” from friends and family. Much of the time, I think we all have a sarcastic inner dialogue that goes something like, “For Pete’s sake, Stacy, every time I see you eating, you’re eating meat. Doing something two or three times a day isn’t ‘hardly ever’ doing it!” But the authors suggest a far better response: “That’s really great. How’s it going for you? What kind of vegetarian meals do you like?” Although I strongly suspect you’ll get some averted eyes and some mumbling about chicken, either way you’ve given a far more positive response, you’ve opened a door, and you’ve invited the other person to actually think about what they are eating—who knows, maybe they’ll even ask for some meal suggestions from you! See what I mean about this book being a help to both newbie and veteran vegans?
This title has been out several years now, so it is quite affordable. If you care about the well-being of animals and truly want to make a difference in how they are treated, please pick it up. You won’t regret it.
4.5 stars -- This little book contains a great deal of wisdom for newly-minted animal advocates and long-term veterans alike. Older advocates will be wishing they had this handbook in their early days and the younger crowd could be spared years of being blown off-course or even giving up on helping animals entirely. Indeed, bad activism can end up hurting far more animals than doing nothing at all.
Animal advocates certainly have their work cut out for them. There are hundreds of animal issues, from the high-profile to the obscure, but one issue dwarfs them all: factory farming. The authors explain why for them, focusing their efforts upon helping farmed animals makes the most sense: the greatest amount of animals, the greatest amount of suffering: The number of animals raised and killed for food each year in the US alone vastly exceeds any and all other forms of exploitation. … Approximately 99 out of every 100 animals killed in the US each year are slaughtered for human consumption.
“Perhaps the most difficult aspect of advocating on behalf of these animals is trying to describe the indescribable,” notes the book. The sheer number of animals involved is incredible: 10 billion animals slaughtered in the US alone every year. That’s more individual animals than there are humans on the entire planet! Even for the most dedicated animal defender, numbers like that are impossible to wrap one’s head around. Yet, each and every one of those animals is a somebody just as capable of experiencing pain and fear as our pets are.
If there were nothing we could do about these animals’ suffering—if it all happened in a distant land beyond our influence—then again, our focus would be different. … [E]very day, every single person makes decisions that affect the lives of these farmed animals. Helping people change leads to fewer animals suffering on factory farms. … Simply put, the meat industry is violence we can either support or help stop.
As truthful as it may be, that’s still an optimistic passage. Most people who have been animal advocates for even a short length of time know that most folks aren’t champing at the bit to make changes in their lives, especially when food is involved. People who would probably take up arms if someone looked at their dog cross-eyed suddenly become very aloof and lackadaisical when it comes to the tremendous suffering on factory farms. You and I know the hostile stare, the patronizing laugh, the endless rounds of Defensive Omnivore Bingo. It’s frustrating, it’s sad, sure. But what we can control is our response.
The text takes a more realistic turn when it notes, Most people are extremely defensive and capable of great rationalizations when it comes to personal culpability. Human nature leads us to focus on problems caused by others and dealt with by others.
So, To be effective advocates for animals, we must honestly evaluate the world as it currently is, and then do our very best to reduce as much suffering as possible.
Many activists want everyone to go vegan right this instant(!) and think asking anything less is betraying the animals. Well, what they’re likely to get is a big fat no way(!) and the person they’re speaking to will go on their merry way harming the same amount of animals as before. But did you know that, because it takes approximately 200 chickens to equal the flesh of one cow, an omni who just gives up eating chickens spares almost as many animals as a vegetarian? The authors write, Based on the raw numbers alone, the best incremental step a meat eater can take is to stop eating birds. And that’s how we talk with people: we focus on cruelty to birds first. There’s even an excellent campaign, One Step for Animals , that makes the case for doing just that.
The book uses humor and the authors’ life lessons to share what works and what doesn’t in activism. For example, one of the authors states that he used to sport a wild, straggly look that definitely didn’t lend him credibility when talking about serious issues. Unless you’re leafleting in a punk concert parking lot, you need to ditch counterculture attire when you’re trying to reach a mainstream audience.
Perhaps more applicable to every advocate is the fact that we hurt animals when we put up barriers where we may have built a bridge. We all get angry and sad when we hear about animal abuse, but no one will be motivated to change if we seem unreasonable or irritating, or if we make veg*nism seem insurmountable. I can think of my days using online discussion boards which would have a small community of veg*ns who, instead of sharing info and recipes and living by example, would fall into in-fighting about philosophical topics like whether it’s right to eat at restaurants that also serve meat or live with carnivorous species as pets. Frankly, I imagine omnis observing all of this were not only not impressed, probably many developed some very negative opinions toward all veg*ns.
HANDBOOK even manages to put a refreshing spin on some of the old saws we hear hundreds of times as veg*ns. We’ve all gotten the line “I don’t eat that much meat,” from friends and family. Much of the time, I think we all have a sarcastic inner dialogue that goes something like, “For Pete’s sake, Stacy, every time I see you eating, you’re eating meat. Doing something two or three times a day isn’t ‘hardly ever’ doing it!” But the authors suggest a far better response: “That’s really great. How’s it going for you? What kind of vegetarian meals do you like?” Although I strongly suspect you’ll get some averted eyes and some mumbling about chicken, either way you’ve given a far more positive response, you’ve opened a door, and you’ve invited the other person to actually think about what they are eating—who knows, maybe they’ll even ask for some meal suggestions from you! See what I mean about this book being a help to both newbie and veteran vegans?
This title has been out several years now, so it is quite affordable. If you care about the well-being of animals and truly want to make a difference in how they are treated, please pick it up. You won’t regret it.
November 4, 2018
This was a short but very interesting read about animal rights activism. The two authors wrote about their experiences and tried to share the rules they created from their long experiences as activists. A lot of it was very interesting and opened a lot of possibilities.
I have to admit that I had issues with the book. My biggest issue was that the authors said over and over how other issues were less important to them. I get that they chose animal rights as their work, as their fight, but I personnaly can't accept to chose only one fight. I believe you have to fight against injustice and suffering as a whole, not only your little corner. I really feel the intersectionality of it all was really missing for the book, and felt at times that it was mostly written for straight cis white men.
Also there were weird stances at time : one against tattoos (and other "countercultural" looks), one saying vegan should date omnivores to convince them (even when they "belittle" the vegan).... Both ideas were only said in passing but weirded me out for some very obvious reason. The authors seemeds to always say being to radical would be counterproductive, which is a point that can be okay, and then they said people should basically use their love life to "convert" others. That was really weird.
I have to admit that I had issues with the book. My biggest issue was that the authors said over and over how other issues were less important to them. I get that they chose animal rights as their work, as their fight, but I personnaly can't accept to chose only one fight. I believe you have to fight against injustice and suffering as a whole, not only your little corner. I really feel the intersectionality of it all was really missing for the book, and felt at times that it was mostly written for straight cis white men.
Also there were weird stances at time : one against tattoos (and other "countercultural" looks), one saying vegan should date omnivores to convince them (even when they "belittle" the vegan).... Both ideas were only said in passing but weirded me out for some very obvious reason. The authors seemeds to always say being to radical would be counterproductive, which is a point that can be okay, and then they said people should basically use their love life to "convert" others. That was really weird.
October 3, 2010
A slim, but important, book. This book actually changed the way I view veganism, which not many books can do. The book stresses the importance of activism and points out that by competing to see who can be "more vegan" (or for Simpsons' fans out there, a "level five vegan") does more harm than good. Vegans shouldn't be concerned about one-upmanship or about the "may contain traces of milk and egg" in foods, but rather focus their energy on spreading the word about animal rights. The authors of the book are very intelligent and thoughtful and "know their shit." They make animal rights activism into something positive and doable instead of anger-fueled and overwhelming. Bravo!
August 7, 2009
I've spent dozens of hours reading books like Meat Market, Dominion, Animal Liberation, The Pig Who Sang to the Moon, Living Among Meat Eaters, Vegan Freak, etc, and I love the way this book brought together so many of the important concepts in one small volume. I greatly appreciate the authors' Big Picture approach to veganism, which means making your choices as vegan as possible while not stressing over small amounts of animal ingredients that may wind up in your food, especially when you are dining with meat eaters aka future vegetarians.
May 5, 2013
I loved the thinking in this book and the appendices and resources are excellent.
December 19, 2021
Promotes vegetarianism, baby steps and "effective activism"
July 13, 2012
This book was recommended to me a while ago by an activist when we had a conversation where I said that I am interested in becoming more active and also voiced my opinion that activism should concentrate a bit more on how negatively meat eating affects humans themselves because humans are a pretty selfish bunch.
Recently I finally got to it and I really liked this book. A lot of the advise I was already following intuitively but there were things that I haven't even thought of. One would be their argument against my belief that activism focusing on health would be more productive, I found it pretty interesting.
It goes in other areas like how to dress, how to manage time, how to talk to religious people etc. It is good literature for beginner activists written by people with experience who have already made their mistakes and now know better. I will read it through again if only the Appendix 3 part which is talking about theory of ethics which I think would be a good argument if one knows it well.
The final chappter on wether animal liberation is possible is very positive. I am not sure if I am just as optimistic as them when it comes to how soon it can be done but it sure lifts the hope and hope helps in action.
Recently I finally got to it and I really liked this book. A lot of the advise I was already following intuitively but there were things that I haven't even thought of. One would be their argument against my belief that activism focusing on health would be more productive, I found it pretty interesting.
It goes in other areas like how to dress, how to manage time, how to talk to religious people etc. It is good literature for beginner activists written by people with experience who have already made their mistakes and now know better. I will read it through again if only the Appendix 3 part which is talking about theory of ethics which I think would be a good argument if one knows it well.
The final chappter on wether animal liberation is possible is very positive. I am not sure if I am just as optimistic as them when it comes to how soon it can be done but it sure lifts the hope and hope helps in action.
December 31, 2017
It wasn't what I expected. I was concerned there would be suggestions on how to get the stage-blood stains washed off a chicken costume, or that I'd be asked to make major time commitments, but instead it was very practical advice for efficient reduction of the most animal suffering asap. It's a small, efficient book targeting a few, efficient ways to help make the world more peaceful. No marching, no shouting. I found the sections on leafleting and making a fuss over tiny amounts of non-vegan additives to be particularly interesting. An appendix covers humane meat, which becomes a look at AR vs. AW.
I also appreciate their thoughtful list of suggested books, which includes some favorites of mine, How to Win Friends and Influence People and The Tipping Point. They quoted heavily from a book I loved, Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors.
I've already made some changes as a result of reading this book, and am considering more.
EDIT: I want to add that since listening to Gary Francione's podcasts (google him) I have changed my mind about a lot of this and would probably disagree with some of the things in this book. I suggest reading/listening to Gary if you read this book in order to hear both sides.
I also appreciate their thoughtful list of suggested books, which includes some favorites of mine, How to Win Friends and Influence People and The Tipping Point. They quoted heavily from a book I loved, Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors.
I've already made some changes as a result of reading this book, and am considering more.
EDIT: I want to add that since listening to Gary Francione's podcasts (google him) I have changed my mind about a lot of this and would probably disagree with some of the things in this book. I suggest reading/listening to Gary if you read this book in order to hear both sides.
January 13, 2010
from my Amazon review:
'For the newbie, a quick and concise introduction to effective advocacy; for the more experienced, a great refresher. Despite some personal quibbles with the book's underlying philosophy (rooted in utilitarian thought), ultimately I know from experience that Vegan Outreach's pamphlets are very effective. In fact, I went vegetarian (and later vegan) because of VO and PETA. Buy this book, read it, then share with friends or your group.'
'For the newbie, a quick and concise introduction to effective advocacy; for the more experienced, a great refresher. Despite some personal quibbles with the book's underlying philosophy (rooted in utilitarian thought), ultimately I know from experience that Vegan Outreach's pamphlets are very effective. In fact, I went vegetarian (and later vegan) because of VO and PETA. Buy this book, read it, then share with friends or your group.'
March 22, 2016
This slim volume is chock-full of real-world, practical tips on being an effective advocate for animals. I wish every person trying to make the world a better place for animals would read it! So often, I see people's passionate beliefs turn into (understandable) vitriol, and this tends to backfire. If you alienate the people you're trying to reach or give them any excuse to think you're a "weirdo," the animals don't benefit. Good advice.
December 26, 2017
Easy practical guide to activism. An essential read for all animal activists. Actually, all activists in ANY field!
December 2, 2019
A little outdated but a good book nonetheless.
September 1, 2023
I read this for amusement purposes. Here are the most hilarious or ironic takeaways:
1. The authors are REEEEALLY into leaflets. They believe that it’s so effective that they “conservatively” estimate that 1% of readers go vegan or vegetarian based on the reading of a pamphlet. They return to this point on many occasions throughout the book.
2. Some of their proposed tactics are highly unethical for a book which devotes chapters and appendices to ethics. This includes proselytizing to captive audiences. Sign up for a public speaking class! Learn how to talk AND take advantage of your captive audience. The workplace is also a great to do this. Repeatedly bother your coworkers and/or employees.
3. In fact, let’s take it a step further and DATE meat-eaters. This is explicitly recommended on page 63. Let me be clear—you’re not dating them out of a sense of mutual attraction or anything, but to manipulate one more person into giving up meat. That is, if you can stand to get over the “revulsion” of “kissing a meat-eater.”
Aside from encouraging general disrespect and manipulation, other wildly inappropriate suggestions are made.
Page 69: when asked why not solve human problems first: try comparing meat eating to racism. Again, this is made explicit: “what would we think of someone who said that ‘whites come first’ and therefore poverty in Africa…. [blah blah blah].”
Page 71: when addressing people of faith: “…and then you can continue with something like ‘actually some of my closest friends are Jewish/Christian/Muslim’—whatever they are.” Yes, it really does tell you to claim that you have a good friend of another faith regardless of the truth. Is there anyone who even takes those claims at face value anymore?
Page 74: In case this isn’t humiliating enough, you could go make your arguments on that notable luminary outlet Craigslist! Who HASN’T changed their ethics based on a hastily-produced paragraph posted on the same website used to sell stolen bikes?
Also, they went back to dating and suggest that perhaps you create a profile just to spread the word of animal liberation. At least you know what you’re getting into this time.
Finally, on page 77, the authors return to leafletting stating that according to un-cited “surveys and feedback,” [the authors’] “experience is that leafleters convince…three and ten people to change their diet[s] for every 300 booklets handed out”
All in all, an amusing way to spend an hour. That is, if you like getting into arguments with self-righteous vegans.
1. The authors are REEEEALLY into leaflets. They believe that it’s so effective that they “conservatively” estimate that 1% of readers go vegan or vegetarian based on the reading of a pamphlet. They return to this point on many occasions throughout the book.
2. Some of their proposed tactics are highly unethical for a book which devotes chapters and appendices to ethics. This includes proselytizing to captive audiences. Sign up for a public speaking class! Learn how to talk AND take advantage of your captive audience. The workplace is also a great to do this. Repeatedly bother your coworkers and/or employees.
3. In fact, let’s take it a step further and DATE meat-eaters. This is explicitly recommended on page 63. Let me be clear—you’re not dating them out of a sense of mutual attraction or anything, but to manipulate one more person into giving up meat. That is, if you can stand to get over the “revulsion” of “kissing a meat-eater.”
Aside from encouraging general disrespect and manipulation, other wildly inappropriate suggestions are made.
Page 69: when asked why not solve human problems first: try comparing meat eating to racism. Again, this is made explicit: “what would we think of someone who said that ‘whites come first’ and therefore poverty in Africa…. [blah blah blah].”
Page 71: when addressing people of faith: “…and then you can continue with something like ‘actually some of my closest friends are Jewish/Christian/Muslim’—whatever they are.” Yes, it really does tell you to claim that you have a good friend of another faith regardless of the truth. Is there anyone who even takes those claims at face value anymore?
Page 74: In case this isn’t humiliating enough, you could go make your arguments on that notable luminary outlet Craigslist! Who HASN’T changed their ethics based on a hastily-produced paragraph posted on the same website used to sell stolen bikes?
Also, they went back to dating and suggest that perhaps you create a profile just to spread the word of animal liberation. At least you know what you’re getting into this time.
Finally, on page 77, the authors return to leafletting stating that according to un-cited “surveys and feedback,” [the authors’] “experience is that leafleters convince…three and ten people to change their diet[s] for every 300 booklets handed out”
All in all, an amusing way to spend an hour. That is, if you like getting into arguments with self-righteous vegans.
December 8, 2021
I heard good things about this book from an activism perspective. So I went into it hoping I’ll learn something about that. And while there certainly are some good ideas, it’s very outdated (internet and social media only mentioned in passing), focusing primarily on pamphlets and showing VCR tapes (yes, really) on a TV and educating people who pass by.
The vast, *vast* majority of the book is about why we should stop eating animals. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, and I agree that in the future we’ll look back at this period of factory farming with horror, it is not why I picked up this book or what I hoped to get out of it.
So if you need convincing to go vegetarian/vegan, and/or are interested in spreading that word, give this book a go. It’s great. But if you’re not in the subsection of that Venn diagram, feel free to skip it.
The vast, *vast* majority of the book is about why we should stop eating animals. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, and I agree that in the future we’ll look back at this period of factory farming with horror, it is not why I picked up this book or what I hoped to get out of it.
So if you need convincing to go vegetarian/vegan, and/or are interested in spreading that word, give this book a go. It’s great. But if you’re not in the subsection of that Venn diagram, feel free to skip it.
March 25, 2018
Good quick read which is helpful for anyone who wants to better advocate for animals, whether activist or not. Feels a little dated, however - for an even more pragmatic, evidence-based read, I recommend How to Create a Vegan World by Tobias Leenaert.
November 2, 2010
As someone who's been involved with animal rights activism to varying degrees over the past 15+ years, I was very curious what advice Matt Ball and Bruce Friedrich would give to new and experienced activists. Their accessible book is a fantastic resource, one that I wish I'd had at my fingertips when I first became involved with the movement as a teenager.
Matt and Bruce approach activism with realism, humility, and humor, broaching a wide variety of questions that someone who wants to improve the lives of animals might ask, including:
* What issue facing animals is the most important, as far as numbers of animals and severity of suffering?
* How do I get started, if I only have an hour to spare?
* Should I dine with meat-eaters? What about dating?
* Do I have to be a perfect vegan to be a good person or an effective advocate?
* Is animal liberation really possible?
* What about animal welfare measures such as free-range eggs?
While there's room to debate some of the nuances of this book (e.g., whether faux meats are better at attracting people to plant-based eating than ethnic foods), I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to lead a more meaningful life. This would be a great read for a book club too!
Matt and Bruce approach activism with realism, humility, and humor, broaching a wide variety of questions that someone who wants to improve the lives of animals might ask, including:
* What issue facing animals is the most important, as far as numbers of animals and severity of suffering?
* How do I get started, if I only have an hour to spare?
* Should I dine with meat-eaters? What about dating?
* Do I have to be a perfect vegan to be a good person or an effective advocate?
* Is animal liberation really possible?
* What about animal welfare measures such as free-range eggs?
While there's room to debate some of the nuances of this book (e.g., whether faux meats are better at attracting people to plant-based eating than ethnic foods), I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to lead a more meaningful life. This would be a great read for a book club too!
January 29, 2012
As far as books on animal activism go, this one's pretty dry. There's a lot of information that can be a lot of help to the beginning activist, but in my own personal opinion, this isn't the most engaging or comprehensive book on the subject.
I would choose a different book on the subject unless you are specializing in Judeo-Christian religious-based activism. Since Bruce Friedrich (and his work at PeTA) is the central focus of this book, and Christian vegetarianism is his area of expertise, if you are looking for help developing a religious-based animal rights program, this would likely be the book you need.
On the other hand, if you can pick up an inexpensive copy, find a friend with the book, or get it at your library, take a moment to read the appendix on so-called "humane farming". It's one of the best essays I've read on the subject.
I would choose a different book on the subject unless you are specializing in Judeo-Christian religious-based activism. Since Bruce Friedrich (and his work at PeTA) is the central focus of this book, and Christian vegetarianism is his area of expertise, if you are looking for help developing a religious-based animal rights program, this would likely be the book you need.
On the other hand, if you can pick up an inexpensive copy, find a friend with the book, or get it at your library, take a moment to read the appendix on so-called "humane farming". It's one of the best essays I've read on the subject.
January 9, 2020
Read this several years ago during a stay at Farm Sanctuary at Watkins Glen. Read it again recently to see what I'd missed or forgotten from the first time.
Good tips for activism. Want to share it with some of the angrier vegans I know who tend to alienate others with hostility and judgement. The book pushes the idea of sucking it up and dealing with your own bullshit, putting that stuff aside so you can make change. Making actual change is more important than feeling "right." Change gets made through meeting people where they are, being a positive example, living a life others want to live, etc. Also encourages activists to stick with the ethical argument, not the health arguments, as the ethical arguments are more persuasive in the long run (and less subject to change when some new study comes out).
Good tips for activism. Want to share it with some of the angrier vegans I know who tend to alienate others with hostility and judgement. The book pushes the idea of sucking it up and dealing with your own bullshit, putting that stuff aside so you can make change. Making actual change is more important than feeling "right." Change gets made through meeting people where they are, being a positive example, living a life others want to live, etc. Also encourages activists to stick with the ethical argument, not the health arguments, as the ethical arguments are more persuasive in the long run (and less subject to change when some new study comes out).
July 5, 2022
I found the handbook interesting; although I didn't necessarily agree with all the authors' points, I did enjoy learning their perspective. The book offers many useful tips on how to approach people about animal rights effectively and thoroughly without letting the conversation falter. It also gives helpful examples for how to engage in conversation in a friendly manner, which can be useful in any field of activism. My main criticism of the handbook is that the authors sometimes advise going against one's comfort/values for the sake of activism, e.g. vegans consuming a few animal products to appear not pushy in front of others, which could be detrimental to one's mental health. Additionally, the book preaches how prioritizing activism and community service over other pursuits is essential for a fulfilling life, which I feel isn't necessarily true for everyone.
April 19, 2016
Good advice to anyone who wants to influence others to adopt a vegan lifestyle. Matt Ball walks his talk. He is not one of those activists who scorn, criticize or ridicule those who still exploit animals. The idea behind being vegan is to be kind to every living being. Matt Ball is kind even to those who scorn, criticize or ridicule vegans. He presents the facts in a gentle manner, and lets the facts speak for themselves. He encourages any, even the smallest, move toward the goal. His story about being confronted by two hunters is worth the price of the book.
Before you go out pamphleteering, or advocating to family and friends, read this book. As the cliche goes, you catch more flies with agave nectar than with vinegar. ;)
Before you go out pamphleteering, or advocating to family and friends, read this book. As the cliche goes, you catch more flies with agave nectar than with vinegar. ;)
June 3, 2015
The hard-earned advice and information gathered in this book is sure to increase my confidence as I continue this "calling" of mine as an animal rights/vegan/human rights advocate. That's what's great about the book--it's for anyone desiring to advocate successfully for whatever the cause, not only animal rights.
December 20, 2023
I read this several times cover to cover
And I tried my best to implement the techniques. But, I was still a teenager (18) and not great at social interaction. I don't think it actually helped me to change any minds, but perhaps someone with a better upbringing and social skills would find this of more use.
And I tried my best to implement the techniques. But, I was still a teenager (18) and not great at social interaction. I don't think it actually helped me to change any minds, but perhaps someone with a better upbringing and social skills would find this of more use.
September 17, 2009
This book has a lot of great resources as well as approaches for inviting people to make more compassionate dietary choices. Far from extreme, this book offers practical ideologies and applications for creating a more humane world for food animals.
December 12, 2013
I had decided to purchase this book when I decided I wanted to go beyond just being vegan and actually start being an advocate for animal rights. I found this book to be very informative and helpful.
August 27, 2014
This is a good book especially for advocates who are just getting started. I disagreed with a few points while reading but now that I'm finished I can't remember what they were so they probably weren't very important points! All in all well worth the read!
September 16, 2011
Clear writing, motivational, laid out very well.
November 19, 2010
Fantastic book!
July 30, 2012
While targeted to animal protection issues, the core premise that we must use our time and resources for maximum meaning and effectiveness is relevant to every global issue. Very valuable stuff.
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