Action Alerts

Amnesty International: Support reintroduction of the International Violence Against Women Act
“The International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA) gives the U.S. government an opportunity to take leadership in establishing an overall and integrated approach to combating violence against women and girls internationally. The bill was introduced by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Leadership during the 110th Congress. We look forward to reintroduction of the bill by the new Committee leadership of the new Congress. The time is now to support this comprehensive vision to address the problem of violence against women.”

CREDO Action: Whose side are we on in Afghanistan?
“In March, the elected government of Afghanistan, including its nominally more culturally liberal president, passed a law that gives Shiite men the right to demand sex from their wives once every four days — essentially legalizing the marital rape of Shiite women. On April 15, a few hundred Shiite women bravely gathered to protest this law. They were met with over 1,000 counter-protesters, some of whom threw stones at them, spat at them and called them whores. We cannot support sending tens of thousands of troops (and tens of billions of dollars) to Afghanistan to support a religious patriarchal society that permits marital rape and allows for the stoning of those who protest.”

In Defense of Animals (IDA): Please Contact Iditarod Sponsors, Urge Them To Stand Up For The Dogs
“It is cruelty to force dogs to run the grueling Iditarod race. The 1,150 miles is more than the distance from Maine to Florida. This is a RACE, so the dogs are running as fast as they can, over mountain ranges, ice, snow, in harsh conditions (below freezing, wind chill, etc.). It’s known as the toughest race on earth. The total known dog deaths is now 142. The Alaska cruelty statue that should apply to these dogs was changed last year to exempt them. Our only hope to end this horribly cruel race is for sponsors to withdraw their support. This is a perfect time to get their attention, before they commit to sponsor next year, especially if they have to go through board meetings.”

In Defense of Animals (IDA): Tell Congress To Help Stop Canadian Seal Hunt
“The Canadian seal hunt is the largest slaughter of marine mammals in the world. The Canadian government is allowing fishermen to kill 280,000 harp seals in the 2009 hunt, an increase of 5,000 from 2008. Fishermen will beat and shoot to death pups—many of them little more than 12 days old—for their fur. Despite new regulations that the Canadian government claims will make the hunt “humane,” sealers have already been witnessed skinning pups while alive and conscious. The senate’s Canadian seal hunt resolution, sponsored by Sens. Carl Levin (D-MI) and Susan Collins (R-ME), urges the Canadian government to end this cruel and senseless slaughter. Please ask your two U.S. senators to co-sponsor S. Res. 84.”

In Defense of Animals (IDA): Support the Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act – HR 669
“Millions of exotic birds, reptiles, and animals are imported into the United States every year and they suffer and die during transport. After arrival into the United States, many of those animals are eventually released, and some establish breeding populations that decimate native species, disrupt natural ecosystems, and spread disease to humans. To control nonnative species populations, measures are often taken to eradicate the species, using methods that are inhumane and costly to tax payers. HR 669 would help to stop the suffering of millions of animals who would otherwise be exploited for the pet trade. It would also prevent the risk of spreading dangerous disease to humans, protect our environment, and save taxpayer dollars. Your Support of HR669 is urgently needed!”

Indict Bush Now: Write a letter to Congress! Demand Justice for Torturers!
“It has been the massive pressure from the people that has put the prosecution of Bush-era officials on the agenda. As expected, there is a countervailing campaign from the neo-cons and their apologists. Now, the Obama administration has opted to try to shield Bush administration officials who are guilty of torture and war crimes. We cannot and will not let up. Tens of thousands of you have flooded government officials with the demand for criminal prosecution. The people of this country and the world are standing up to demand justice. We reject the idea that Bush administration officials who ordered torture and crafted legal justification for the most barbaric and inhumane practices should escape criminal prosecution.”

League of Conservation Voters (LCV): Contact Your Representative Today!
“We have a huge opportunity to finally jumpstart our economy with clean energy. The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES) will help create millions of clean energy jobs, boost efficiency, save consumers money, and protect the planet. But with a Congress so closely divided on the environment, it will be decided by just a handful of votes. Send an email to your Representative today insisting that they vote yes on this critical legislation.”

Levees .org: Sign a petition to LSU Chancellor Michael V. Martin
“Dr. Ivor van Heerden, the coastal scientist who led the state’s independent Team Louisiana investigation into Hurricane Katrina levee failures, has been notified by Louisiana State University that he will be terminated as a research professor in May 2010. Dr. van Heerden also has been stripped of his title as deputy director of the LSU Hurricane Center. Bob Marshall, staff writer for the New Orleans Times Picayune covered the story of Dr. van Heerden’s leadership investigating the levee failures. In a recent opinion piece, Marshall said, “… I always thought the state should be rewarding van Heerden, not chasing him away, because metro area residents — indeed, citizens of any U.S. community currently relying on federal levees to keep them safe — owe Van Heerden a huge debt.” If you agree, please sign the petiton below urging the Chancellor of LSU to reconsider his action.”

New England Anti-Vivisection Society (NEAVS): Support Laura’s run for GAPA!
“Support Laura’s run and help pass GAPA! Thank you to Laura H., GAPA volunteer, who will be running the St. Louis, MO half marathon this Sunday, April 19th to raise money and awareness for NEAVS/Project R&R! Show your support for Laura’s efforts by donating $1 for every mile – 13 mile total run. Your dollars will support our work and raise awareness for the Great Ape Protection Act. Please visit Laura’s page to pledge now. Laura will be taking Project R&R information postcards and wearing a Project R&R tee shirt for the run to help spread the word. We’ll be cheering for her every step of the way!”

PETA: Environmental Warning: Meat’s Not Green
“Climate change has been called humankind’s “greatest challenge” and the world’s most grave environmental threat, but what is the leading cause of our climate crisis? Is it driving an SUV? Nope. Factories? Nope. Planes? Nope. These are the first things that come to mind, but the leading cause of climate change might actually be on your dinner plate. [...] PETA’s “Meat’s Not Green” video shows that the most effective way that individuals can reduce greenhouse-gas emissions—and help reduce pollution and habitat destruction as well—is by switching to a vegetarian diet.”

PETA: Help Wild Horses From Dying at the Hands of the U.S. Government
“Tens of thousands of wild horses and burros are at great risk of being euthanized by the U.S. government, but you can help stop this atrocity. Back in 1971, a law was passed to protect these animals from “capture, branding, harassment, or death,” but the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is turning things in a different and tragic direction. BLM is holding approximately 10,000 of these wild horses in cramped holding pens, which is not only inhumane but also costly: hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars are being spent! BLM’s ultimate plan to help manage the herds is eventually to euthanize these horses by shooting them in the head.”

PETA: Tell Ocean County College to Cut Out Ringling Bros. Trips
“When a student of Ocean County College informed us that the public school was planning a trip to a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus performance for students and their families, we immediately contacted the coordinator of student activities to let her know about the cruelty that goes on behind the scenes at the circus. We explained that exotic animals are beaten with bullhooks, electric prods, and whips to force them to perform confusing and physically demanding stunts for a moment of so-called “entertainment.” [...] Students are already circulating a petition to convince the college to implement a policy against trips to the circus in the future. We need your help to convince the administration to make the compassionate decision. Please send a message to Jennifer Fazio, coordinator of student activities. Urge her to agree never to sponsor a trip to a circus that uses animals.”

Public Citizen: We’ve Launched a New Website to End Forced Arbitration!
“If a defective product harms you, or an employer discriminates against you, you would expect the right to do something about it – right? Increasingly, corporations have been using forced arbitration to take advantage of Americans and avoid accountability when they harm consumers and employees. Together, we can do something about it.”

Campaign Updates

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): Abuse of Power: The Bush Administration’s Secret Legal Memos
“For more than five years, the ACLU and other advocacy organizations have been seeking the release of Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) memos that supplied the basis for the Bush administration’s interrogation, detention, rendition, and warrantless surveillance policies. [...] The Obama administration should release the still-secret memos. As the ACLU wrote in a January 28, 2009 letter to the OLC, the release of the memos would allow the public to better understand the legal basis for the Bush administration’s national security policies; to better understand the role that the OLC played in developing, justifying, and advocating those policies; and to participate more meaningfully in the ongoing debate about national security, civil liberties, and human rights.”

Contests

PETA: Submit Your Mom and Dad of the Year Nomination!
“To enter, all you have to do is throw your information into the form below by May 1 and tell us all about your nominee—even upload a photo if you’ve got one! One mom and one dad will be selected as winners and will be notified by May 5 and featured on our Web site. Mom of the Year will win a “She Is Seriously Spoiled” gift basket from Best Bath Store and Dad of the Year will win a “Gentleman’s Basket” from Veganstore.com.”

The PETA Files: ‘Win It’ Wednesday: Colonel Sanders Bobblehead
“How do you win? Post a comment about what you’d say to Colonel Sanders if he were still around. I know it’s difficult, but keep it PG-13 so that we can make sure your comment gets approved. The five people who post the most creative answers will each win a Colonel Sanders bobblehead. The contest ends on April 29, 2009, and we’ll contact the winners on May 1, 2009.”

Newsletters

Best Friends: eNews, April 16, 2009
“The Sweetest Victories”

Center for Biological Diversity: Endangered Earth Online, No. 456, April 16, 2009
“Endangered Earth: Belugas Win, Bighorns Lose, Oceans on Acid”

In Defense of Animals (IDA): eNews, April 16, 2009
“IDA’s Northwest Office Leading Fight For Sea Lions” & more

United Poultry Concerns (UPC): Spring-Summer 2009 Poultry Press
“Inside: Prisoned Chickens, Poisoned Eggs Sheds Light in New Edition, Safa Lee Turkeys Update, Mississippi Hends Saved, Mr. Joy Passes Away, Little Rhody Egg Farms, International Respect for Chickends Day, Veggie Pride Parade, Recipe Corner.”

Vegan Outreach: E-Newsletter, April 15, 2009
“Why Leaflet, Book Orders, Eating Disorders”

Petitions

Crack Down on Puppy Mills in California

Tell the Senate: Filibuster is NOT an Option

JUSTICE FOR BOSS THE PIT BULL

Alberta: Implement a Green Energy Feed-In-Tariff

E-Waste: Regulating the Dark Side of the Digital Age [Canada]

‘Round the Interwebz

Animal Rights @ Change .org: News Flash: Lettuce Ladies Will Be Ogled and Not Listened To

The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International: Infant Gorilla Caught in a Snare

Invisible Voices: Polly, Patrick and Wilbur – saved by neglect

My Face Is On Fire: Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson Tackles Veganism — Or Does He?

Jeanne Theoharis @ The Nation: Guantánamo at Home

Ari Shapiro @ National Public Radio, Critics Skeptical Of Obama’s ‘Openness’ Vow

United Poultry Concerns (UPC): A MORAL QUESTION ON THE DINNER TABLE – The New York Times, Letters, April 16, 2009

Vegan Hope: learning from the past

Upcoming Events

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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