When you’re a new activist, going to events can seem overwhelming. You might have the idea in your mind that grassroots street activism is intimidating. I mean, let’s be honest, yelling at people through a megaphone isn’t for everyone.

And although that image of the angry-activist-fighting-the-powers-that-be can be admittedly badass, there are other equally cool forms of activism that don’t involve yelling at strangers until your throat bleeds. Keep reading to learn about the most common types of animal rights activism in the DC area. 

Just a note: These categories, although convenient, are just aspirational. More often than not, an event will feature more than one of these things. Think of these forms of activism as the elements that make up a good grassroots activism event. You can pick and choose from the elements, using only one on it’s own or all of them at the same time. 

Leafleting

Like being the paper passer in elementary school but more badass

Quick and dirty

Leafleting is passing out information about animal rights to random strangers in public. You can do it anywhere but busy areas with lots of foot traffic are ideal -- think street corners, town centers, event entrances. You might have quick, low-key discussions with the public while you’re passing out materials, but it’s not required. It’s an easy, non-confrontational way to pass on information related to veganism.

Highlights 

Arguably the chillest form of activism. The people who take your materials and run away are one step closer to learning about veganism because of you. 

Good for… 

beginners, introverts, badasses with strong forearms for olympic level paper passing 

Outreach

Like mind control but using impenetrable logic 

Quick and Dirty

Outreach at its simplest, is talking to people. You can do it alone or in groups, with props or without -- but no matter what, the goal of your outreach is to start a conversation. You’ll often do this by asking people questions that get them to think and (hopefully) arrive at the conclusion of veganism without actually telling them to go vegan. In the end, you’ll be successful regardless of the outcome. If you convince them, high five! If you don’t, high five anyways! You got that person to think more about animal rights than they otherwise would have. Pat yourself on the back. You are officially a budding Earthling Ed, and therefore, a winner. 

Highlights

Opportunities for good and “bad” conversations. But the best conversations are the bad ones. If they’re fighting back hard, it’s probably because they know you’re right. 

Good for… 

smooth talkers, debate enthusiasts, extroverts

Protest

What you think of when you think of “activism”

Peter Herrera

Quick and dirty

Think of a protest like making an important announcement to the public. We’re not necessarily there to educate or convince. Our main goal is to draw attention to something important and inspire others to look into it too. That usually involves yelling in unison (aka chanting), yelling in megaphones (aka yelling really really loud), and yelling in anger (aka just plain yelling). If you don’t want to talk to anyone, you don’t have to. Show up, hold a sign, and -- if you’re up for it -- yell a little bit. Congratulations, you’re officially an activist. 

Highlights

Bring your megaphone if you have one! It’s not a requirement but this can be a good outlet for all that pent up vegan frustration.

Good for…

introverts (surprisingly), energizer bunnies, people who like to yell

Vigil

Crying is likely, but it’s okay because everyone else will be crying too

Quick and dirty

There’s a reason people call vigils “bearing witness.” They require activists to go somewhere where animals are being abused (usually a slaughterhouse) and witness their pain and suffering. While you’re there you may take photos and videos of the animals to share on social media; showing others the reality of animal abuse.

But more than anything, your job is to comfort the animals. Giving them some water and a pat on the head is likely the only kindness they've ever received. I’ve got no funny or sarcastic jokes for you about this one. An event like this will change your life and make you remember why you’re fighting for the animals in the first place. 

Highlights

It will light a fire under your ass and remind you why you’re vegan. Every activist should attend a vigil at least once. 

Good for…

introverts, empaths, those who want to connect with the animals

Demo 

What you think of when you think “PETA”

Quick and dirty

Adding an element of theater to activism makes it more entertaining and attracts public attention. Demos do this intentionally by having activists wear costumes or props in a way that elevates their message. Demos can involve anything from walking around covered in “blood” (*cough* red corn syrup *cough*) to dressing up in a cow costume with their giant udders flapping around.

You may have heard of a popular demo-style action called a Cube of Truth. At these events, activists wear masks and hold TVs in a coordinated shape that confuses and intrigues the public. They can’t help but to ask… what the ever loving f*!k is going on here? 

Highlights

From technology to costumes; if it involves a non-traditional or artistic element, it’s probably a demo 

Good for…

creatives, the quirky crowd, theater nerds

Disruption

I sense a disturbance in the force (of carnism)

Quick and dirty

A disruption is like a protest. On private property. They’re loud, sudden, and… well, they’re disruptive; that’s the point. Imagine walking into a steakhouse with a megaphone and reminding everyone that they’re eating the rotting flesh of an animal that didn’t want to die. Imagine running on stage in the middle of a presentation at an animal farming conference and screaming “meat is murder!” You’re probably not going to make any friends doing that and you’re probably not going to make any vegans either. But you will do two things: 1) Normalize other less “extreme” activism; and 2) Get people talking (good, bad, doesn’t matter) about animal rights. 

Highlights

Controversial though it may be, this is the form of activism that pushes the envelope and allows the other forms to make headway

Good for…

daredevils, angry vegans, those unafraid of the humans in blue

The Bottom Line

We know that the unknown is scary. We hope that by breaking down activism in this way we can prevent some of the anxiety that new activists might experience. That being said, our word isn’t the vegan gospel. Different people like different types of events, and that's okay.

If you attend an event and it doesn’t work for you, don’t give up. Worry not, my friend, there is another form of activism out there that you will actually enjoy. And, for events that involve more than one of the elements listed above, you’ll likely be able to pick and choose what you’d rather do. 

Don’t like yelling? You can go to a protest and just hold a sign. Not interested in talking with the public? Skip the outreach and don the cow costume at the next demo instead!

See you at the next event.