Bonus: 'How I Learned To Love Shrimp' & David Coman-Hidy
Nov 24, 2023
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Former President of The Humane League, David Coman-Hidy, discusses scaling organizations and recognizing the need for change. They also explore the pragmatist vs abolitionist debate in animal advocacy, navigating critiques, and maintaining collaboration in animal activism. The impact of salary and professionalization in organizations is examined, along with the harmful campaign by Adam International. Positive news in the animal world, including achievements of the Open Wing Alliance and New York hospital system's increase in plant-based options, is also discussed.
Building a strong political movement within the animal advocacy movement can lead to significant change, similar to successes seen in other social justice movements.
Embracing a combined arms approach that includes political campaigning, grassroots activism, and corporate campaigns can help overcome the debate between welfare-focused and abolitionist approaches within the animal rights movement.
Creating a more inclusive and accessible community within the animal rights movement by organizing events and conferences that cater to a broader audience and lowering the bar for involvement can foster a diverse and engaged community.
Deep dives
Building a Strong Political Movement
Dave emphasizes the importance of building a strong political movement within the animal advocacy movement. He suggests creating local voting blocks and political organizations that engage and mobilize animal activists to support and vote for animal-friendly policies and candidates. Dave believes that forming alliances and having a political presence can lead to significant change, similar to successes seen in other social justice movements.
Overcoming the Welfare versus Abolitionism Debate
Dave discusses the long-standing debate within the animal rights movement between welfare-focused approaches and abolitionist approaches. He argues that this debate can be unproductive and hinder progress. Dave encourages a combined arms approach that embraces a variety of strategies, such as political campaigning, grassroots activism, and corporate campaigns. He also emphasizes the need for open-mindedness, collaboration, and humility in order to effectively navigate the complex issues and challenges within the movement.
The Need for Strong Community and Lower Bar for Involvement
Dave highlights the lack of a strong community within the animal rights movement and the need for greater inclusivity and accessibility. He suggests creating more events and conferences that cater to a broader audience and provide opportunities for meaningful connections and enjoyment. Dave encourages lowering the bar for involvement in the movement and moving away from the martyrdom mentality, allowing for a more diverse and engaged community.
Lessons from Successful Activist Movements
Dave recommends reading the book 'Engines of Liberty' which explores the successful fights for same-sex marriage, gun rights, and ending torture in the United States. He finds inspiration in these movements' ability to rapidly shift public opinion and change the political landscape. Dave believes that studying and learning from successful activist movements can provide valuable insights and strategies for the animal rights movement.
Importance of Local Activists and Long-Term Legal Strategy
The podcast discusses the importance of using local activists to achieve small political wins at the early stages of a project. This approach allows activists to develop skills and influence over time. Additionally, the podcast highlights the significance of a long-term legal strategy, such as promoting a fringe point of view through lectures in law schools. By shifting the interpretation of the Second Amendment, the NRA was able to change the generational point of view on gun rights.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Animal Movement
The podcast delves into the challenges and opportunities in the animal movement. It suggests that the movement should adopt strategies similar to those used in the same-sex marriage fight, such as focusing on local political achievements and gradually building momentum. The podcast also emphasizes the need for greater experimentation in media and public persuasion, as well as fostering a more open-minded and less measurable-centric approach. It calls for a balance between measurement and exploration to effectively advance the cause of animal rights.
In this bonus episode we are sharing an episode by another podcast: How I Learned To Love Shrimp. It is co-hosted by Amy Odene and James Ozden, who together are "showcasing innovative and impactful ways to help animals".
In this interview they speak to David Coman-Hidy, who is the former President of The Humane –League, one of the largest farm animal advocacy organisations in the world. He now works as a Partner at Sharpen Strategy working to coach animal advocacy organisations.
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