**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 we celebrate the life, compassion, and courage of Cesar Chavez, it seems very appropriate that we share with you, the comments Cesar made after receiving IDA’s Award of Excellence. We were so very honored that day, many years ago, to have the opportunity to present it to him, to express our profound appreciation of all he has done and achieved for his fellow beings, both human and non human alike. We have been truly inspired and motivated by the words, actions and life of this very special and very humble human being. We thank you all, past and present friends and supporters of IDA who have made all our lifesaving achievements possible.

“Dr. Elliot Katz, and all the members and supporters of In Defense of Animals, we bring you greetings from the farm workers and all those who feel we must respect all life without exception. We want to congratulate in a very special way Dr. Katz, and all the people who work with him, and all the people who follow him for making the good fight. Congratulate him and all those who belong to In Defense of Animals for their victories and programs. We want to thank them because the award is especially meaningful to me because it comes from higher caring people.

It is also meaningful to us because it comes from people who put actions where their pronouncements are, and that is important for us. 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. And that the basis for peace is respecting all creatures. We cannot hope to have peace until we respect everyone, respect ourselves, and all living beings. We cannot defend and be kind to animals until we stop exploiting them. Exploiting them in the name of science, exploiting them in the name of sport, exploiting them in the name of fashion, and yes, exploiting them in the name of food.” Cesar Chavez

In Cesar’s honor, on behalf of all our fellow beings and in your honor and of all who have gone before us let us continue to strengthen and grow our efforts in creating the kind of world Cesar and we all would be so very thankful for and proud of.