**UPDATE: March 31, 2026 — This page was published long before allegations regarding Cesar Chavez came to light in March 2026. As an organization dedicated to justice and compassion for all beings, In Defense of Animals takes these reports very seriously. We echo the courage and clarity of youth animal rights advocate Genesis Butler — Chavez’s own great-grandniece — who addressed the allegations by stating, "I stand with those who have come forward." Like Genesis, we believe that "our movements are rooted in integrity, not silence," and we remain committed to nonviolence against all beings and supporting those who speak out against harm. For free, confidential support, contact our Animal Activist Support Line: www.idausa.org/activistsupport

Enjoy this summary of the self-care tips from our staff for Activist Appreciation Month, including new bonus tips! Looking for more? Call, text, or email us at (800) 705-0425, activistsupport@idausa.org.

As Operations Manager for In Defense of Animals Hope Animal Sanctuary, I am exposed to abuse and neglect of animals on a daily basis. The pain and suffering that my colleagues and I are exposed to takes a heavy toll. Abuse and neglect never take a day off, a vacation, or a holiday and so I rarely take time off either. My days are long since animals in need do not keep regular hours. For me, taking pictures of the animals we save so they are able to find loving guardians rejuvenates me and allows me to move forward. The support of friends in rescue is of paramount importance and helps me realize I am not alone in this fight.

As part of In Defense of Animals’ thirtieth anniversary we are beginning a new tradition, the annual William Dewitt Dyer Activist Award. In Defense of Animals works to encourage the public to fight apathy, build empathy and take concrete action to end all forms of animal exploitation worldwide. We seek to redefine the role of animals in society on local, national and international levels by elevating human perception of animals from that of mere property, objects and things, to that where animals are recognized to be individuals, with feelings, needs and interests of their own.

Our very first William Dewitt Dyer Activist Award will be given to Linda Middlesworth for her outstanding commitment to animal advocacy. As a vegan mentor, Linda helps people transition to a vegan lifestyle. She is the chief organizer for the Sacramento Vegan Society and the co-organizer for Sacramento Animal Rights Advocates. Linda is well-known throughout the animal protection movement and has been a powerful local leader for over twenty years. She is active in many of IDA’s campaigns: she organizes outreach events, spearheads Sacramento’s annual Fur Free Friday, and recently spoke at a wolf rally at the California state capital on IDA’s behalf.

[singlepic id=214 w=320 h=240 float=left]The William Dewitt Dyer Activist Award is named after a longtime animal activist, singer, producer, and recipient of an IDA Lifetime Achievement Award. Bill is considered by many, to be the heart and soul of In Defense of Animals. We chose to give out this special award on Cesar Chavez’s birthday because he was not only an inspirational civil rights leader, but also a strong animal advocate. Cesar Chavez, the founder and president of the United Farm Workers of America, was awarded an IDA Lifetime Achievement Award in 1992. At the ceremony he said:

“We need, in a special way, to work twice as hard to make all people understand that animals are fellow creatures, that we must protect them and love them as we love ourselves… The basis for peace is respecting all creatures… That’s the basis, the beginning for peace…We know we cannot defend or be kind to animals until we stop exploiting them – exploiting them in the name of science, exploiting animals in the name of sport, exploiting animals in the name of fashion, and yes, exploiting animals in the name of food.”