In response to a recent blog, THE Vegan Educator (& an NIO Challenge to the Pacifist Bloggers), many people have had questions about how exactly they can break into this form of activism. NIO is proud to publish the following information:
by Gary Yourofsky
Back in ’02, when I wanted to educate full time, I simply picked a city, searched for 4-5 colleges, and then went to each school’s website and grabbed EVERY professor’s email who taught classes on ethics/philosophy, composition (for essay assignments), women’s studies, public speaking, sociology, communication and nutrition. It was tedious, as you can imagine. I sent out a mass email asking to speak in their classes. I figured 1 out of 100 would say yes. It was a little better than that with 2 or 3 out of 100 saying yes.
I have one donor who assists me in getting from point A to point B. Costs around 60K to do this. 39 for traveling, the rest so I can live. My compensation is meager.
I do NOT know how to get an audience which is why I stopped doing OPEN lectures. All of my lectures (except one or two per year) are in private classes. Since virtually NO ONE will go out of their way to learn the truth, I decided to bring the truth to them.
If you decide to speak, do NOT be a p.r. person, marketing person, salesperson. No prof. wants an infomercial in their class. Do NOT charge a fee either. No prof has money to pay for a guest speaker. Colleges do offer honorariums for OPEN presentations but then you’re faced with the problem of attracting an audience. Usually, the only people who will show up for a veg presentation is vegetarians/vegans. And this movement is idiotic with its preaching-to-the-choir mentality. Telling vegetarians/vegans about vegetarianism/veganism is pointless.
The reason why profs are so eager to have me in their classroom is because of my colorful background as well. 13 arrests, 5 country banishments, mink liberation in Canada in ’97. Profs tell me that I bring to life the writings of Singer and Regan.
Just be real and genuine with each teacher/audience. Again, no gimmicks and no BS, contrary to popular opinion, WILL get you far.
And I remain the only activist educating NON vegetarians and NON vegans about vegetarianism and veganism. I wish others would realize that education is the most effective form of activism.
Gary Yourofsky has spoken to thousands of students about the true meaning of animal rights. Gary’s powerful and enlightening message has been heard by more than 40,000 students in 143 middle schools, high schools and universities nationwide. He uses thought-provoking prose, inspiring stories, indisputable facts, quotes from Pythagoras, William Ralph Inge and other great thinkers, plus graphic footage from slaughterhouses (land and sea), to ask people to be kind to animals and, ultimately, go vegan. Please visit Gary’s website: ADAPTT.
Abusers in Central Florida include Vivisectors & Lab Animal Suppliers as well as the known atrocities that are the domain of every farming community. Join us — Animal Liberation CF – and Bring the Fight Home… or email me at camille@negotiationisover.com with the subject “Liberation CF”.
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