Anonymous for the Voiceless: Why I Volunteer with Them and What We Do
/When I first became vegan, I knew that I wanted to do more than just change the food on my plate. I started researching about the animal agriculture industry and was horrified by the practices that were referred to as "humane", "organic", "free range" and felt the grief and suffering deep in my body. Honestly, I was completely lost knowing that I wanted to do more. But what more could I do from my couch then just post on social media about all of the facts that I had found and to scream at people to go vegan?! Most days, I sat there in tears, feeling completely alone and useless.
Then one day I stumbled upon a Youtube video with James Aspey and he was participating in a peaceful demonstration with a group called Anonymous for the Voiceless. I knew immediately that I had to find a local chapter and to be a public voice for the animals. Unfortunately, there weren't any chapters that were less than two hours away.
So, I thought that maybe I could start my own. I jumped on it but before I could finish the process, a wonderful team started a local chapter here in San Diego. I was so incredibly excited and there was nothing that would stop me from attending. Almost two years later, the San Diego chapter is still in action and we have an additional chapter in North County San Diego (that I co-organize).
What is Anonymous for the Voiceless and what do we do?
"ESTABLISHED APRIL, 2016.
ANONYMOUS FOR THE VOICELESS IS AN ANIMAL RIGHTS ORGANISATION THAT SPECIALIZES IN STREET ACTIVISM.
OVER 4,026 DEMONSTRATIONS IN 805 CITIES WORLDWIDE, WE'VE CONVINCED AT LEAST 271,747 BYSTANDERS TO TAKE VEGANISM SERIOUSLY.
THROUGH THE USE OF LOCAL STANDARD-PRACTICE FOOTAGE, WE EXPOSE TO THE PUBLIC WHAT IS INTENTIONALLY HIDDEN FROM THEM WHEN IT COMES TO ANIMAL EXPLOITATION. COMBINING THIS WITH A VALUE-BASED SALES APPROACH AND RESOURCE LITERATURE, WE FULLY EQUIP THE PUBLIC WITH EVERYTHING THEY NEED IN SWITCHING TO A VEGAN LIFESTYLE. WE HOLD AN ABOLITIONIST STANCE ON ANIMAL EXPLOITATION." (www.anonymousforthevoiceless.org)
Basically, in a peaceful demonstration (almost like an art exhibition) we show the truth of the animal agriculture industry. We show real footage of factory farms and we have thought provoking conversations with the public. We do not yell and we do not leaflet.
Honestly, there are many forms of activism out there, but for me, this has proved to be the most effective. I have amazing conversations with people every week who truly had no idea that their "food" was produced this way. They are angry, feel like they have been lied to, are animal lovers and are ready to make the change.
When leaving what is referred to as the Cube of Truth, the individual will receive a card from us that is full of resources to help them make the transition.
Being part of Anonymous for the Voiceless has truly changed my life. I absolutely feel that I am making a difference, have met some of my best friends, am surrounded by people who truly get me and am no longer sitting on my couch feeling hopeless.
If you are vegan, and are looking for a way to help the animals, I truly suggest volunteering with your local chapter. And if you are not vegan, I hope that you will one day be able to experience a Cube of Truth in person. Maybe we can have a conversation....
