New Review of The Animal Activist's Handbook

The Humane League regularly sends copies of The Animal Activist's Handbook to their employees, interns, and key volunteers. Rachel Atcheson forwarded me a letter she received, some of which I present here (with permission):

I am a junior at Tennessee Tech University. This semester I am working with The Humane League as a Campus Organizer and one of my first duties was to read The Animal Activist’s Handbook. I must say, The Humane League knows how to pick a book.

Growing up in a small southern town, I am no stranger to conservatism. But after reading The Animal Activist’s Handbook, I am confident that I can effectively bring change to hundreds of people around me. You presented practical, real-world methods in being an effective advocate and promoting a message that is not widely accepted. Each chapter in the book is full of relative information that I was able to instantly apply to my life. I am genuinely using this book as the title suggests: it is my handbook and guide in my activism for animals. I find myself constantly referencing your book, as it has proven to be one of the most impactful reads of my life.

Understanding how to effect the most change in the shortest amount of time as possible is crucial in reducing suffering. Learning about proper actions not rooted in self bias, but entirely motivated by alleviating suffering helped me understand the meaning of being a genuine activist for animals.

The lessons in The Animal Activist’s Handbook were refreshing and inspiring. I feel much more confident in my journey as an animal activist and as a vegan. Your book brought me closer to my personal values and taught me how to share those values to others in a way that will be accepted.

This simple letter of thanks hardly captures the impact that your book has had on my life. I want you both to know that, because of your book, I will be able to be an effective advocate and help save the lives of many animals. I have already increased the vegan presence on my college campus by encouraging Dining Services to promote Meatless Mondays and provide more veg options, starting an active veg club, and successfully leafleting to hundreds of students. There is much more work to be done, but after reading The Animal Activist’s Handbook, I am equipped with the tools I’ll need. Thank you again and I’ll now be passing off your book to many more passionate people!