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Making a Difference

A guiding principle for activists is "Think Globally, Act Locally," which applies to activities on behalf of nonhuman, as well as human, animals. Working at the local level, individual animal advocates can have a significant impact on how animals are treated in our society.

Renowned anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

Everyone can make a difference. Although you are just one person, your voice counts. We'll show you how to use that voice on behalf of animals — even if it's just to write a letter or make a telephone call — how to acquire the skills of an activist, and make a difference, whatever your age and wherever you live.

Don't Lose Hope

Of course not every action we or you take has a recognizable positive effect. If it did, there'd be no need for Born Free USA. So if the immediate outcome of the issues you find important to you is an apparent defeat, don't lose hope. The animals are counting on us, and tomorrow will be better.

Born Free USA Is Your Partner

Working in support of animals may seem impossibly intimidating at first. There's no need to fear, because we are here to help you all the way. Our Introduction to Advocacy is a user-friendly manual for writing letters, working with media, broadening your base of support, and mobilizing others. Moving the spectrum from the simplest actions to highly organized campaigns is a matter of growing confidence and expertise. And you can always call upon us for advice and help.

How We Made a Difference

Here's just a handful of the ways that we made a difference:

  • AB 820, a California bill sponsored by us that was designed to implement, enforce, and improve the state's existing exotic animal laws, was signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
  • We helped pass exotic "pet" ordinances in two counties (Wilkes and Surrey) in North Carolina where children had been attacked by "pet" tigers.
  • AB 202, a California bill sponsored by us that restricts the sale of unweaned birds, was signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The new law requires that parrots be weaned (able to eat on their own) before release from a pet store, swap meet, or other retail outlet, and that pet shops must have at least one employee trained in the care and feeding of young birds. California is the first state in the nation to regulate the sale of unweaned birds.
  • We filed a lawsuit with other animal protection groups to end the cruel practice of pound seizure — in which animals are transferred or sold from shelters for use in research or training labs — in Sacramento, California, setting the stage for similar action in other communities across the nation.
  • We helped fund installation in Ontario, Canada, of non-lethal methods of preventing damage by beavers, demonstrating a precedent for other communities.

Where to Start

There are a lot of ways you can work on our campaigns and issues. Browse our campaigns to find the issue you are interested in making a difference on. To help you get started, try these

Top 10 Things You Can Do for Animals Today

  1. Pledge not to attend circuses that use animals.
  2. Become a more Compassionate Consumer by using cosmetic and personal care products approved by the CCIC (which means they are truly free of animal testing).
  3. Become an informed activist by finding out how many animals and which species have been trapped in your state.
  4. Never buy an exotic "pet." Discourage others from doing so.
  5. Don't feed wild animals. Encourage those around you to live in harmony with wildlife.
  6. Don't leave your dog in a car on warm summer days, even if the windows are open.
  7. Don't buy products made of fur or fur trim.
  8. Report pet stores that abuse or neglect birds or other animals they are selling to Born Free USA (800-348-7387). Learn more at www.morebeautifulwild.com.
  9. Learn about how a plant-based diet benefits animals, human health, and the planet. Call or write us for a FREE copy of our popular "Going Veggie" guide.
  10. Join Born Free USA today!