Action Alerts

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): It’s Time to Learn the Truth
“It’s been six years since the first reports of detainee abuse and nearly five years since Abu Ghraib. Yet the Justice Department has failed to prosecute any civilians for crimes related to interrogation, except a single contractor in June 2004. With mounting evidence of deliberate and widespread use of torture and abuse, we deserve to have the assurance that torture will stop and never happen again. Stand with the ACLU. Ask Attorney General Eric Holder to appoint an independent prosecutor to investigate the interrogation of detainees in the war on terror.”

Center for Biological Diversity: Taking Action to Help Border Species
“Border-wall construction has proceeded rapidly, especially as of late, and continues to threaten public lands and federally protected wildlife, from the magnificent jaguar to the tiny cactus ferruginous pygmy owl. To make matters worse, this construction has occurred outside of the rule of law. In 2005, the REAL ID Act gave the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security the authority to waive any law to expedite construction of border walls. Since then, more than 30 landmark laws designed to protect the air, water, wildlife, culture, and health and safety of people in borderland communities have been ignored.”

Center for Biological Diversity: Save Freshwater Turtles in Florida and Beyond
“Please, help the Center for Biological Diversity end all commercial harvest of wild freshwater turtles in Florida and across the South and Midwest by sending a message now. Here’s what’s going on: Harvests and exports of wild turtles have skyrocketed recently. Herpetologists are reporting drastic reductions in turtle numbers across a dozen southern and midwestern states, including Florida, and the disappearance of many species, particularly southern map turtles. These turtles are harvested for the pet trade and domestic and international food markets. And they’re not even a safe food source: Turtles sold as food are often contaminated with mercury, PCBs, and pesticides.”

Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR): Repeal the AUMF for Iraq and Stop Illegal Wars
“March 2009 marked the 6th anniversary of the illegal war and occupation of Iraq, resulting in the occupation, devastation, destruction and the loss of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis, American and other human lives. An end to the senseless war and occupation of Iraq is long overdue. As part of its 100 Days campaign, CCR has released “Amend the War Powers Resolution,” a white paper addressing the problem of presidential war-making at its core. The paper provides an overview of executive abuse of war-making power and calls for the restoration of checks and balances. It also calls for a revision of the War Powers Resolution to prohibit all executive acts of war without Congressional authorization and an end to the illegal wars launched by the Bush administration.”

CREDO Action: Tell Obama: Stop blocking court review of illegal wiretapping.
“To the dismay of civil liberties groups, President Obama is using the “state secrets” defense to make the case that the United States government is completely immune from litigation for illegal spying and can never be sued for surveillance that might violate federal privacy statutes. That’s what happened on April 2, when President Obama’s lawyers invoked Bush’s radical theory of executive power to argue for the dismissal of the Electronic Frontier Foundation’s litigation against the National Security Agency for the warrantless wiretapping of countless Americans.”

DawnWatch: NY Times column “Humanity even for Non Humans.” 4/9/09
“Today’s New York Times, Thursday April 9, includes a column that will be gratifying to activists who have been working for years to try to get animal advocacy issues included as part of mainstream media, legislative and ethical discussions. Columnist Nicholas D. Kristof has penned several pieces of late on animal advocacy issues. Today’s is titled, ‘Humanity Even for Non Humans.’”

Defenders of Wildlife: Bird Alert!
“The federal government estimates that as many as 50 million birds — including species that are already in steady decline, like blackpoll warblers and yellow-billed cuckoos — are killed each year after colliding with the more than 100,000 communications towers that can be found across the U.S. That’s more than one third of all the birds that can be found in America. The good news is there’s something that can be done to address this threat. Defenders and our allies are filing a petition to urge the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to develop new procedures that will save the lives of millions of birds.”

Earthjustice: Fumigation is inhumane, ineffective and environmentally destructive. Stop it now.
“Between 2000 and 2008, the United States spent more than half a billion dollars for the chemical spraying of approximately 3 million acres of land in Colombia—the world’s second most biodiverse country. Colombia is the only country in the world that allows this spraying—known as fumigation—as an anti-drug practice. Yet the spraying has been a complete failure.”

Greenpeace: Sign the Do Not Kill List
“A bill like H.R. 5577 would ensure the use of safer, cost-effective technologies to reduce the terrible consequences of a terrorist attack at a chemical plant. The current interim law bars safer technologies from being required and exempts thousands of dangerous chemical plants entirely while relying solely on conventional security — guards, gates, and fences for the rest. This won’t reduce the staggering loss of life and injuries from a successful terrorist attack at a chemical plant.”

Human Rights Campaign (HRC): Stop the next Prop. 8!
“In an incredible week for equality, lesbian and gay couples in Iowa and Vermont BOTH won the right marry. But right-wing groups are mounting a campaign to reverse the decision in Iowa with a constitutional marriage ban – just like California’s Proposition 8. They have even launched a national TV ad, full of outrageous falsehoods, in the wake of these landmark victories. To defend against this onslaught, we must show Iowa’s leaders that support for fairness and equality runs deep. Thank them for their courage – and tell them to stay strong on marriage equality!”

National Organization for Women (NOW): A National Disgrace: Stop Sexual Assault in the Military
“Countless military women and military spouses are victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. It is estimated that rates of marital abuse in the military are two to five times higher than civilian rates of domestic violence. Moreover, one in three women in the military will be sexually assaulted during their tour of duty. Ending sexual violence against women in the military must start now! Act now to support the Military Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Response Act to address this national epidemic and stop the violence against military women and military families!”

Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC): Tell the Interior Secretary, “Put Wolves Back on the Endangered Species List!”
“In just a few weeks, the mass killing of wolves could begin in Idaho and Montana — and not even newborn wolf pups and their nursing mothers will be spared. We cannot stand by while this slaughter unfolds. On May 4, the wolf’s federal protection will be lifted, and government agents will be free to open fire. After that, the states will launch public hunts, targeting wolves. We must act now to call off the guns!”

The Peace Action Team: Why Are Republican Senators Holding The Rule Of Law For Ransom?
“There was a story this week that Republican senators were threatening to “go nuclear” and filibuster EVERYTHING (as if they were not already doing that) if the Justice department released the secret memos that the Bush administration had drafted to their own evil specifications to say that torture was OK. If these apparently flimsy, self-serving documents were supposed to stand as a get out of jail free card for the Bush/Cheney torturers, they must be pretty damning stuff.”

Peace Action West: Prevent accidental war with Iran
“Representatives John Conyers (D-MI) and Geoff Davis (R-KY) offered a bill to negotiate an agreement with Iran that would prevent accidental military confrontation between the US and Iranian Navies. Urge your representative to cosponsor the bill today.”

PETA: Tell the FTC to Crack Down on KFC’s False Animal Welfare Claims!
“For years, KFC has assured the public that “treating animals humanely … is a key part of [its] quality assurance efforts” and that “animals should be free from mistreatment at all possible times from how they are raised and cared for to how they are transported and processed.” KFC is feeding the public a bucket of lies. As footage from PETA’s undercover investigations has shown, KFC’s remarks concerning its commitment to maintaining high animal welfare standards are false.”

PETA: Tell Feds to Pull the Plug on Dangerous Animal Exhibitor
“On Saturday, April 4, a 2 1/2-year-old girl was attacked by a wolf hybrid who was being displayed by exhibitor Sid Yost at an amusement park in Illinois. The leashed wolf hybrid—who weighed approximately 100 pounds—reportedly lunged at the girl, biting numerous parts of her body, including her face and neck. The girl’s mother and Yost pulled the animal off the child, and the girl was taken to a hospital. The wolf hybrid was euthanized. Sid Yost, who does business as Amazing Animal Productions, has a long and sordid history of improper animal care and of failing to handle dangerous animals properly.”

PETA: URGENT: Urge Crow Tribal Leaders in Montana to Save Starving Horses!
“PETA is working desperately to help a small group of horses on the Crow Reservation south of Billings, Mont. We received urgent reports of a dead horse along with several others who appear starving, emaciated, and ready to drop in a pasture 5 miles south of Pryor, Mont., on Pryor Gap Road. After numerous phone calls to several tribal agencies imploring them to help these horses, we have learned that two more horses have died—presumably from starvation—and that several others in bad shape have gone missing! None of the agencies we’ve been directed to contact will take responsibility for securing the safety of the surviving horses, and these animals need your voice.”

Rainforest Action Network (RAN): Don’t Let Big Coal Save Mountaintop Removal
“Last week West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin flew to Washington to lobby the EPA to continue to allow and expand mountaintop removal mining. Gov. Manchin seems to care more about the bank accounts of coal industry executives than the health and well being of his own constituents. [...] Tell him today that he needs to stop acting like a Big Coal industry lobbyist and start supporting the communities in his state that have suffered enough from mountaintop removal coal mining.”

Save Our Environment: Tell Congress: Act On New Global Warming Bill ASAP!
“A revolutionary new bill that would fight global warming and usher in a new, clean-energy future was just introduced in Congress. Now we must flood Congress with messages demanding their support and quick action. Our goal is to deliver 20,000 petition signatures by Earth Day on April 22nd to make sure that Congress listens to us and not to Big Oil and Coal. SaveOurEnvironment.org is pouring staff and resources into making sure this legislation passes but we need YOUR help to make our voices heard.”

True Food Now: Tell Governor Sebelius to Protect Your Right to Know!
“Last week, despite strong citizen and farmer opposition, the Kansas state legislature passed a bill that would limit a farmer’s right to tell their customers about the way they produce milk. Kansas House Bill 2121 included language specifying that, ‘dairy products promoted as being produced by cows that don’t receive injections of artificial bovine growth hormone, also known as rbST or rBGH, would have to include a disclaimer on the label.’”

United Farm Workers (UFW): Thank Pres. Obama for beginning immigration reform fight. Read today’s NY Times & send your e-mail.
“On the front page of today’s New York Times, the Obama Administration committed to push comprehensive immigration reform this year. This is big news, and it’s vital for farm workers whose daily labor feeds this nation. Even in this economy, they do the hardest, most difficult jobs that others won’t do. Their sweat and sacrifice help feed this nation. Yet, they are faced with fear and intimidation because many employers use the threat of deportation to ensure their silence. Together we can put an end to the underground economy, create a path to citizenship and get every worker and every employer operating on a level playing field.”

Contests

PETA Prime: Win a $100 Gift Certificate From Veganstore .com
“In addition to its commitment to being animal-friendly, Pangea also strives to maintain the highest ethical standards by refusing to carry products manufactured under oppressive labor conditions and reusing and recycling shipping materials. Don’t miss the chance to win! One lucky winner will get a $100 gift certificate from this fantastic online store. Just fill out the form below by April 29, and we will announce and notify the lucky winner on April 30.”

SPCA International: Contest: Design, Enter, and Vote
“Social Designer has launched an inaugural t-shirt competition devoted to Animal Welfare. The grand prize for best design is $2000! And 20% of the resulting t-shirt sales will be donated to SPCA International. Entry closes April 13, 2009. Anyone can vote for the winning design! Not a graphic designer? Sign up as a member on Social Designer, you can vote for your favorite designs during the 6-day voting period (your votes will help us to decide the winner). Social Designer and the voters will pick the best shirt to win prize money of $2000.”

Newsletters

ASPCA: eNews, April 10, 2009
“Man Busted for Beating Dog & Girlfriend”

Best Friends: eNewsletter, April 9, 2009
“Groundbreaking!”

Center for Biological Diversity: Endangered Earth Online, No. 455, April 9, 2009
“Congressmen Stand up for ESA; Center Acts for Seal, Seabird”

National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA): ParkLines, April 2009
“Featured Park: Minute Man National Historical Park”

Woodstock FAS: eMoosletter, April 2009
“Woodstock Sanctuary: Cuteness Streaming to your PC”

Petitions

NY TB Breeder Starves 177 Horses

Help Stop new Iowa Trapping Laws from Going into Effect! [Iowa residents]

‘Round the Interwebz

Animal Rights @ Change .org: Order 12 Baby Chicks for Easter, Get 2 Dead Babies Free!

Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR): White Paper: 100 Days: Amend the War Powers Resolution

Indybay: When protesters become ‘terrorists’; Civil liberties defense groups say recent animal activist arrests are bad news for free speech

Victor @ LOVE: Just a bunch of normals

Sociological Images: PETA’S NEW APPROACH: LESS SEXIST, OR JUST AGEIST?

Upcoming Events

Animal Care Expo 2009 – Monday, April 6 through Thursday, April 9, 2009 in Las Vegas, NV
“This year, The Humane Society of the United States is offering the best Animal Care Expo to date. We’ve joined forces with the National Conference on Animals in Disasters, and we welcome emergency managers and responders to the best conference experience in the animal protection and emergency services fields. At Animal Care Expo 2009, you’ll find more of our renowned educational workshops and networking opportunities. And Expo will again have all your favorite features, like the Meet and Greet, the Brain Bank, and more!”

Amnesty International: Demand Accountability for Torture and Abuse Now! Congressional In-District Lobby Weeks, Monday, April 6 through Friday, April 17, 2009
Obama’s latest move on detainees reveals an administration unwilling to change Bush counter-terrorism policies. Register today to meet with your Senators and Representatives during the weeks of April 6 – 17. This past weekend we got a deeply troubling glimpse into the heart of the Obama administration’s counter-terrorism policies. On Friday, in a symbolic break with the past, the Obama administration announced it would drop the term “enemy combatant” – only to argue in the same breath that the administration has the legal authority to hold detainees indefinitely, without charge. We’re beginning to fear the worst: that the Obama administration will hold onto the failed counter-terrorism policies of the Bush administration. Such a move would solidify and make indefinite detention and other Bush policies the new norm in America. Our most powerful antidote to these cancerous counter-terrorism policies is a full investigation that includes holding those responsible accountable. While your Members of Congress are at home during the April recess, meet with them and push them for an independent investigation.”

ASPCA: Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, Tuesday, April 7 though Thursday, April 30, 2009
“This April, the ASPCA will kick-off Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month on April 7 when iconic buildings and landmarks across the country will support the ASPCA’s life-saving work as they light up in its signature color and ‘Go Orange for Animals.’”

Animals & Society Institute (ASI): Bag It for the ASI in Ann Arbor!, Monday, April 13 through Sunday, July 5, 2009
“If you shop at Whole Foods Market in Ann Arbor, Michigan, you can help the ASI between April 13 and July 5 as part of the “One Dime at a Time” shopping bag promotion. Just bring your own shopping bags to either the Cranbrook or Washtenaw store and Whole Foods will donate a 10-cent-per-bag refund to the ASI. The promotion will also help others in the Ann Arbor area become familiar with our organization and encourage local membership. So please help out and visit often!”

In Defense of Animals (IDA): World Week for Animals in Laboratories (WWAIL) – Saturday, April 18 through Sunday, April 26
“Please join In Defense of Animals during World Week for Animals in Laboratories (WWAIL), April 18-26, to speak out against the abhorrent use of animals in testing and research. With a new administration and a serious financial crisis at hand, it is more important than ever that we use this week to call attention to the outdated and unnecessary biomedical experiments that continue to claim the lives of millions of animals each year. This year, there is more hope than ever, as technology moves us beyond antiquated animal experiments and government reports, agencies and scientists have begun to acknowledge not only the need to move away from animal research, but also the flaws in the National Institutes of Health’s grant-funding system.”

Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF): Party Animals, Party to end puppy mills – Sunday, April 19, 2009
“The Humane Society Legislative Fund is excited to announce that our next round of Party Animals house parties will be Sunday, April 19, and will focus on putting an end to puppy mills.”

Earth Day – Wednesday, April 22, 2009
“Earth Day 2009, April 22, will mark the beginning of the Green Generation Campaign! This two-year initiative will culminate with the 40th anniversary of Earth Day in 2010. With negotiations for a new global climate agreement coming up in December, Earth Day 2009 must be a day of action and civic participation, to defend the Green Generation’s core principles. Under the umbrella of the Green Generation, thousands of events are currently being planned in schools, communities, villages, towns and cities around the world. As in 2008, on April 19th Earth Day Network will celebrate Earth Day on the National Mall in Washington, DC, plus large-scale volunteer events in ten other US cities in partnership with Green Apple Festival. Our partners in Tokyo, Buenos Aires, Beijing, and Manila, among others, are planning large events where everyone can participate. Find an event or activity near you!”

United Poultry Concerns (UPC): International Respect for Chickens Day – Monday, May 4, 2009
“INTERNATIONAL RESPECT FOR CHICKENS DAY, MAY 4 is an annual project launched by United Poultry Concerns in 2005 to celebrate chickens throughout the world and protest the bleakness of their lives in farming operations. Please do an ACTION for chickens on or around May 4. Ideas include leafleting on a busy street corner, holding an office party or classroom celebration, writing a letter to the editor, doing a radio call-in, tabling at the local church, school or shopping mall, hosting a vegan open house, or simply talking to family, friends or strangers about the plight – and delight – of chickens and how people can help them.”

WorldFest – Saturday, May 16, 2009 in Woodland Ave. Park in Encino, California
“The WorldFest 2009 Earth Day Festival will be held on Saturday, May 16th, 2009, from 10 am to 6:30 pm, at the beautiful outdoor setting of Woodley Park in Encino, CA. We will welcome our attendees to a magnificent day filled with entertainment, education and enlightenment. The combination of great music, empowering speakers, environmental, humanitarian and animal welfare non-profits, kid’s activities and an delicious food court make for an earth-friendly experience that is sure to be inspiring and enjoyable for all.”

Farm Sanctuary: California Country Hoe Down, Saturday, May 16 & Sunday, May 17, 2009 in Orland, CA
“Farm Sanctuary’s barn doors are swinging wide open for two days of good old-fashioned fun and festivities during our annual Country Hoe Down. Spend a rejuvenating weekend in the countryside with likeminded individuals and our lovable rescued farm animals during this one-of-a-kind conference. [...] The conference costs $45 per person and $20 for children and includes the catered dinner and barn dance. Free, rustic camping is available at the California Shelter on Saturday night only, and hotel accommodations are only a short drive from the sanctuary.”

Peaceful Prairie Sanctuary: Picnic on the Prairie – Sunday, May 17, 11:30 AM – 3 PM
“Come Meet the Animals & help us celebrate Chris and Michele’s 20th Anniversary! This is your chance to come out and meet all of the wonderful Peaceful Prairie Sanctuary residents. Come see the endearing individuals rescued and cared for thanks to your support. Walk through the fields with the goats and sheep, sit by the pond with the ducks and geese, and “Cock-a-doodle-doo” along with the talkative roosters. Give a pig a belly rub and compliment the turkeys as they proudly display their spring plumage.”

Veggie Pride Parade – Sunday, May 17, 2009 in New York City
“Please join UPC President Karen Davis, Parade creator Pamela Rice, and other animal rights activists for the Second Annual Veggie Pride Parade in New York City. Last year’s Parade was a huge success. The 2008 Parade was covered by The New York Times and many other media outlets in NYC and around the country. This year’s Parade will be even Bigger and Better! Procession starts at Noon – lineup 11 a.m. – in the Old Meat District in Greenwich Village where Little West 12th St., Gansevoort St., Greenwich St. & 9th Ave. converge. Endpoint for the Parade this year is Union Square Park (north end).”

Their Lives, Our Voices 2009 – Midwest Animal Advocacy Conference, Friday, June 12 through Sunday, June 14, 2009 in Minneapolis, MN
“Their Lives, Our Voices gathers activists from around the country for an inclusive, high-quality, hands-on conference focused on empowering advocates in their efforts to help farmed animals. This event is accessible to all animal advocates, showcasing diverse topics and perspectives within our movement. Networking and attendee participation are vital to TLOV’s success, so please come and help make our second annual TLOV conference an exceptional event. TLOV is hosted by Compassionate Action for Animals. The conference starts in the evening of Friday, June 12, and continues through Sunday, June 14. The conference venue is the Hubert H. Humphrey Conference Center in Minneapolis, MN.”

National Pigeon Day – Saturday, June 13, 2009 in New York City
“The New York Bird Club cordially invites you to participate in the Second Annual National Pigeon Day Celebration on Saturday, June 13th from Noon to 4 p.m. on Pilgrim Hill in Central Park in New York City. This event is a celebration of pigeons and a time to give thanks to pigeons for the joy they bring us each day of the year – their sweet faces, cooing voices and majestic waddle lift our spirits amid the bustle of city life.”

Worldwide Vegan Bake Sale – Saturday, June 20 through Sunday, June 28, 2009
“On June 20 through June 28 (two weekends and the weekdays in between), groups from across the world will hold vegan bake sales. Each participating group gets to choose its venue, what to sell, and how it uses the proceeds. We invite you to participate! You can hold the bake sale on any day during the period—or on more than one day if you like. Just about anyone can join in.”

Let It Live – Friday, June 26 through Sunday, June 28 in Portland, Oregon
“The 2009 Let Live Conference is officially set for June 26th-28th in Portland, Oregon and registration is open NOW. To offset the cost of the conference, we kindly request a donation of $15 for registration. However, for early birds who register by May 1st, the suggested donation is only $10! So register early and help us provide you with a bigger and badder animal rights conference.”

Taking Action for Animals – Friday, July 24 through Monday, July 27, 2009 in Arlington, Virginia
“The fifth annual Taking Action for Animals conference will be held July 24-27, 2009, in Arlington, Virginia. Learn how to plan effective campaigns, walk the halls of Congress to lobby your federal legislators on animal protection issues, and hear from speakers such as HSUS president and CEO Wayne Pacelle, comedian and author Carol Leifer, and Colorado State University professor and bioethicist Dr. Bernard Rollin.”

Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup, Saturday, September 19, 2009
“Save the date for this year’s Cleanup on September 19, 2009. Official registration doesn’t open until June, so we’ve created a special save the date invitation to remind you why this is so important (you can print it or use it for your computer background). If you don’t currently receive email communications from Ocean Conservancy, you can also sign up for the email list, and we’ll let you know when you can officially register (as well as other easy things you can do to help protect the ocean).”

Your Daily Click-Through Reminders

About

The easyVegan Link Sanctuary is a near-daily roundup of animal and environmental advocacy action alerts, campaign updates, carnivals, contests, newsletters, petitions, upcoming events and miscellaneous resources.

While my primary focus is non-human animals and the environment in which they live, I will cover human rights issues as well, especially as they relate to animal and environmental welfare. (For example, while reproductive rights is typically seen as a feminist or women’s issue, the growing global human population does have environmental consequences. In this vein, access to family planning resources has a tangible impact on the environment – an environment we share with non-human animals.)

This link roundup is meant as a jumping-off point for you, the reader, to take further action and learn more about the issues presented here. I link, you decide!

If you have a link you’d like included, please drop me a line at easyvegan [at] gmail.com – or leave it in the comments! Feedback is also appreciated, particularly as it relates to the links included above. I’ve tried my best to identify and name any speciesism, sexism, racism, classism, homophobia, sizeism, etc. which may appear in the resources above; if, however, I’ve overlooked something, please leave a note in the comments. It’s not my desire to fight one form of oppression by engaging in another.

If you’d like to get on the above organizations’ e-mail lists, I’ve compiled a full list of all my resources on the Get Active! page.

You can also follow me on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, delicious, Flickr, Amazon and LibraryThing.

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