FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lisa Levinson, lisa@idausa.org, 215-620-2130

Animal Protection Organizations Share the Love During Activist Appreciation Month

San Rafael, CA (February 11, 2016) – In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, In Defense of Animals is holding the first-ever Activist Appreciation Month throughout February, and has joined with other animal protection organizations to provide ongoing support services for people who help animals, including animal rescuers, shelter workers, veterinarians, wildlife rehabilitators, and animal activists.

“We are so glad to be sharing the love with our fellow animal advocates for Valentine’s Day, throughout Activist Appreciation Month and beyond,” said In Defense of Animals President, Dr. Marilyn Kroplick.

“It is vital that we take good care of ourselves so that we can be strong to help the animals who need us. Together, we can develop a resilient animal protection community with the resources to thrive now and in the future!” said In Defense of Animals Sustainable Activism Campaign Director, Lisa Levinson.

In Defense of Animals is collaborating with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Animals & Society Institute, Beyond Carnism, CompassionWorks International, Farm Animal Rights Movement, and A Well-Fed World to provide far-reaching emotional and practical support to animal advocates.

Like others in helping professions, animal activists suffer from a high rate of compassion fatigue, burnout, and depression. Research by sociologist Paul C. Gorski at the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being at George Mason University suggests that 50-60% of all activists have experienced activist burnout – a condition that has a considerable bearing on the success of social justice movements.

In Defense of Animals runs the Animal Activist Mentor Line to assist animal advocates everywhere, regardless of their affiliation. The line offers free counseling for activists, by activists. Mentor Line counselors are trained in nonviolent communication techniques and most are professional therapists and coaches who practice a vegan lifestyle.

In Defense of Animals also offers weekly webinars, online support groups, and training for animal advocates as part of its Sustainable Activism campaign to build a strong, resilient, and agile activist community.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is extending their network of support and resources for their Vegan Mentor Program participants by mentioning In Defense of Animals’ Mentor Line. Farm Animal Rights Movement supports grassroots activists via its Compassionate Activist Network. Beyond Carnism is soon launching the Center for Effective Vegan Advocacy, which will also focus on sustainable activism in its training.

A Well-Fed World enhances activist morale by providing funding, promotion, and encouragement to individuals and small groups, and is promoting In Defense of Animals’ Mentor Line. CompassionWorks International, providing training and resources for activists, and Animals & Society Institute, improving human-animal relationships, are referring their networks of activists to the Mentor Line for emotional support and encourage their supporters to join the Animal Activist Online Support Group http://www.anymeeting.com/PIID=EC51D88484473E

which also has a public Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/480910905448334

All animal protection, advocacy, and rescue organizations are invited to share these much-needed resources with supporters, staff, and volunteers.

Contact an Animal Activist Mentor Line counselor for free by visiting www.idausa.org/mentor or phone (800) 705-0425.

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In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization located in San Rafael, Calif. dedicated to protecting animals’ rights, welfare, and habitats through education, outreach, and our hands-on rescue facilities in India, Africa, and rural Mississippi.

IN DEFENSE OF ANIMALS • 3010 KERNER BLVD. • SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901 • 415-448-0048