One of our principles at the Humane Society Legislative Fund is community engagement. We know we can’t accomplish legislative or electoral reforms just by having a professional staff in Washington, D.C.—we need the active participation of thousands of people who care about animals all over the country. That’s why we created our Party Animals program, and I hope you will join me as we party to support farm animal welfare on April 27! You can host or attend a party in your community, and join me and our special guests live to hear about legislation to help farm animals on the nationwide conference call at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Party Animals brings people together on one night at the same time for a party with a purpose. In the past, we’ve held successful Party Animals events on topics such as animal fighting, ending the slaughter of Canada’s seals, elections and ballot initiatives, protecting pets in disasters, and horse slaughter. Now, in the wake of the massive beef recall and investigation into the slaughter of crippled cows, and in the run-up to a statewide vote in California to ban the cruel confinement of 20 million animals on industrial factory farms, our focus is farm animal protection.
Political candidates have used simple yet effective house parties to raise awareness and mobilize armies of volunteers and donors for their campaigns, and we aim to apply that same strategy to advance the cause of animal protection. Using tools provided by HSLF, party hosts create their own website, establish a fundraising goal, send invitations to friends and family, and collect donations through a secure website. Campaign, lobbying and video materials are provided. It’s fun and easy and it brings people together to stand up for animals.
I asked a couple super hosts—Bryan and Carla Wilson from Winter Park, Fla., who have participated in every Party Animals event—what they thought about the experience. Here’s what these hosts with the most had to say:
Party Animals events are literally A PARTY for the animals! Where else can you get informed about important legislation that affects animals while having an awesome time?! As animal advocates we must stay on top of important legislation that affects animals. Party Animals not only educates, but also raises funds for the HSLF while having a party! Who could ask for a better way to spend an evening?! —Carla
What’s great is seeing that crossover moment. Party attendees come in as people who care about animals, and leave as empowered animal advocates capable of making change! At one of our last parties an advocate whom I never met came up and thanked us for hosting the event. She couldn’t wait until Monday morning to call her representative and talk to him about the animal issues on her mind. She had fun and turned it into a positive action for animals. —Bryan
To join the fun, sign up to host your own event at the Party Animals website. I hope you will be there with Carla, Bryan, me, and thousands of other animal advocates from coast to coast.
