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| A participants discusses the issues at the 2007 Taking Action for Animals conference. |
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Jarrod Cooper, a safety for the Oakland Raiders, and Joe Trippi, political consultant extraordinaire, are among the more than 75 experts in animal issues and campaigning who will speak at the 4th annual Taking Action for Animals conference (TAFA) this weekend.
Activists from around the world have started arriving in the nation’s capital for the July 19-21 conference. There, they will learn how to effectively combat animal cruelty through legislative advocacy, professional campaigning and other strategies.
TAFA is hosted by The Humane Society of the United States and sponsored by a number of other animal protection groups and businesses.
“The success of our efforts in the animal protection movement depends on the active participation of people who care about animals, and that’s what this conference is all about,” said Michael Markarian, executive vice president of The HSUS.
“We aim to provide individuals with the skills and training to be a strong voice for animals and make a real impact in their communities.”
What’s What and Who’s Who
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Adovacates will converge on the U.S. Capitol in just a few days to lobby for animals. |
The weekend’s events include plenary sessions and training workshops. On Monday, a “Lobby Day” on Capitol Hill will enable participants to get hands-on experience advocating for animal protection legislation.
Among the hundreds of advocates attending, The HSUS and other groups provided scholarships for a group of 17 student delegates who are working for animal protection on college campuses and at law schools.
Additionally, The HSUS is hosting a group of 18 leaders from state and local groups who will get a one-on-one “inside the beltway” education on how to effectively lobby on behalf of animals.
Conference participants also are invited to a rally against puppy mills at the U.S. Capitol on Monday.
TAFA speakers—in addition to Cooper, the founder of a non-profit that helps animals in Oakland, and Trippi, a pioneer in the use of the Internet for political fundraising—include:
Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS
U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), 2007 Humane Legislator of the Year
Gene Baur, president and founder of Farm Sanctuary
Rory Freedman, author of "Skinny Bitch" and "Skinny Bitch in the Kitch"
Jana Kohl, author of "A Rare Breed of Love: The True Story of Baby and the Mission She Inspired to Help Dogs Everywhere"
For more information, visit the TAFA website.
