What Can We Do for Animals?

Talk about the words advocate and advocacy that come from the Latin word advocatus meaning to “add voice.” We “add voice” by writing, speaking, pleading, or acting in favor of or support of something.”  What can we do to add our voices to address a need of animals locally? 

While many of these ideas are not appropriate for youth, advocacy may look like petitions, boycotts, letter writing, editorials, volunteering, parades, rallies, pickets, sit-ins, silent protests, hunger strikes, publicity, advertising, graffiti, blockades, riots, demonstrations, strikes, walkouts, lockouts, teach-ins, internet voting, debates, campaigning, street corner talks, fundraising, lobbying, signs, posters, films, poetry, and songs.

Challenge the young people to select an issue identified by the local nonprofit that they may help through an act of advocacy.

This may include requests for a local dog park, access to water for animals in public places, local animal welfare laws and regulations, availability of affordable pet care, animal food and toys, and need for spay and neuter clinics.