Monday, May 18, 2009

It’s a life-changing event, and two months from now you can be part of it. Here’s what animal advocates had to say after previously attending the Taking Action for Animals (TAFA) conference in the nation’s capital:

If you are looking for the quotable quotes, the issues in depth, the nudge to get you really started in advocating for animals TAFA is a must.  TAFA will give you the skills to take your concern/advocacy to the next level.—Marcia from Boise, Idaho

This was my first animal activist seminar and IT KICKED A**!! I was so inspired. It was so wonderful to be around all those people…I felt so empowered. I have been an “armchair activist” but feel ready to jump in. Thanks HSUS and TAFA for providing me with the opportunity to gain this knowledge, learn, and grow as an activist.—Lise from Landover, Md.

This was an incredible experience. I learned some very useful information, and, more importantly, I left feeling absolutely inspired. It was an amazing feeling to be in a room full of people with similar concerns, passions, and interests.—Lisa from Hope Mills, N.C.

142x178_ginnifer_goodwin And TAFA 2009, to be held July 24-27, will be better than ever. Keynote speakers include U.S. Congressman and Congressional Animal Protection Caucus Co-Chair Jim Moran (D-Va.), “Big Love” and “He’s Just Not That Into You” star Ginnifer Goodwin, comedian and author Carol Leifer, and HSUS President and CEO Wayne Pacelle. A special banquet dinner will feature a musical performance by singer Nellie McKay.

The plenary sessions and workshops have just been posted online, and you can find everything from planning effective campaigns to using social media to promote your cause. Learn about the critical issues facing pets, farm animals, wildlife, and animals in research, and what you can do to make a difference in your community. You’ll hear from 80 inspiring speakers and leaders from the field, representing groups like The HSUS, Animal Legal Defense Fund, Farm Sanctuary, Maddie’s Fund, and more.

TAFA is about boots on the ground for animals, and hundreds of advocates will descend on Capitol Hill to meet with their federal lawmakers about animal protection issues. We need people from all over the country who care about animals to take part in this unique opportunity to move the ball forward in Congress—with legislation pending on puppy mills, horse slaughter, fur labeling, and other critical issues, the timing could not be more urgent.

The early registration rate ends on June 19, so I hope you will take advantage of it and join me there. At just $140, TAFA is an incredible value for a comprehensive national conference, with so many stellar speakers and workshops. TAFA registration cost includes two lunches, a banquet dinner, food and drinks at a welcome reception, and other snacks between workshops. It also includes access to the exhibit hall where you can learn about dozens of nonprofit organizations, browse the wares of animal-related businesses, and even see a cooking demonstration from a gourmet chef.

This is the one animal protection conference not to miss. I hope to see you there in July.