Animal Activists Forum 2014 - highlights

This week's show present's highlights from the 2014 Animal Activists Forum, which was held in Sydney last October.We present excerpts from three talks: DANIEL BEECHER & DAVID RISSTROM Experienced Lawyer / Criminal Defence Barrister Legal Aspects of Animal Activism Legal practitioners Daniel Beecher and David Risstrom lead an informative and thought provoking discussion on how activists can prepare for encounters with the legal system, and why it’s important to do so.BEDE CARMODY Sustainable activism: How to avoid burn out Drawing on 21-years of personal experience in the animal rights movement, this workshop focuses on the stresses and strains an individual can face being part of the movement and shares strategies and tactics to avoid becoming “burntout”. Bede Carmody has been involved in social change campaigning since the start of 1994, campaigning on both animal right and human rights. In 2001 he established A poultry place animal sanctuary. Since 2003 he has worked as a community organiser with the human rights organisation Amnesty International, a role which sees him working on a day-to-day basis with volunteer activists.SENATOR LEE RHIANNON Australian greens Senator for NSW The point of lobbying MPs when parliament fails to act on animal cruelty people’s passion for animal welfare crosses all political persuasions but still progress is slow on ending cruelty to domestic and farm animals as well as Australian wildlife. Lee’s talk explores why MPs are dragging the chain on animal welfare, how animal activists can use parliament, and what history shows us are effective tools is winning change. Lee illustrates her talk with two campaigns - end live exports and ban the import of cosmetics tested on animals – to examine why these campaigns that have mobilised mass support have stalled in parliament.These three excerpts give just a taste of what is in store at this year's Animal Activists Forum, to be held at Melbourne Town Hall on 10th &11th October 2015. Tickets are now on sale! www.activistsforum.comDavid Risstrom, Daniel Beecher, Senator Lee Rhiannon, Bede Carmody