Animal activism at Elon University now has an organized voice through the Elon Animal Protection Alliance, a segment of the volunteer-oriented S.H.A.R.E. program. It will begin its first official group meeting and other on-campus events in the coming weeks.
While S.H.A.R.E. focuses specifically on animal interaction in Alamance County, the APA aims for a broader approach.
“We’re trying to expand what S.H.A.R.E. does through advocacy and activism in a social aspect,” said junior APA organizer Clare Farrow. “We’re going to cover a wide variety of issues and work with all species, not just cats and dogs.”
Planned events for members include field trips to The Conservator’s Center and the Piedmont Wildlife Refuge, along with circus protests and lobbying for anti-tethering legislation. The club is flexible in the issues it tackles.
“We cover animal issues that club members feel passionate about,” Farrow said. “So while I’m particularly passionate about farm animals, I also want to tailor things to what the club wants as a whole.”
The APA is also involved with campus outreach. At Tuesday’s College Coffee, the group gave $1 to every person that watches a four-minute video about farm animal treatment. On March 19, it will host a vegan potluck open to the public.
Long-term goals include increasing vegetarian and vegan options in dining halls and dissection alternatives for students. The group will be hosting speakers from animal rights groups, including Andrea Gunn from The Humane League.
According to APA member Marissa Costner, this kind of campus activity is necessary.
“Other people need to understand how their actions affect animals,” she said. “I’m excited to get this conversation started here on this campus. I believe more people will get involved as they learn how easy it is to make a difference.”
Costner, a sophomore, said she has been an active participant in animal rights cyber campaigns, but this organization allows her to get involved as a member of the Elon community.
“This is a great place to start if you’re new to animal activism, but it’s also a great place for those with years of experience,” she said. “It’s a way to be a voice for animals.”
Animals are not going to be the only beneficiaries, according to Farrow. Several leadership positions will be available, including an event planner and photographer.
“There are plenty of opportunities here to gain real-life experiences that you can put on a resume,” she said.
By filling a niche that Elon didn’t have before, the APA hopes its activism will have a lasting impact on campus.
“People need to help animals in some way or form, and that may be as easy as signing a petition, or sharing a link on your Facebook,” Farrow said. “I’m looking forward to inspiring people to become activists.”