Sharon Nunez and Jose Valle discuss their undercover investigations exposing animal abuse, the impact of their 3D farm experience iAnimal360, challenges in animal advocacy, global expansion strategies, and the success of corporate campaigns in improving animal welfare. They also talk about hiring for social science research, international expansion, skills needed in animal advocacy, and opportunities in the field.
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Quick takeaways
Animal Equality conducts undercover investigations to expose animal abuse in factory farms.
iAnimal360, a 3D virtual-reality farm experience, aims to raise awareness by immersing users in the reality of animal suffering.
The shift from focusing on bullfighting to factory farming was driven by the scale of suffering and potential for impact on animal welfare laws.
Deep dives
Animal Equality's Founding and Growth
Animal Equality was founded as an animal rights nonprofit in Spain and has now grown into a multi-million dollar international project with offices in eight countries. Their rapid expansion was fueled by successful campaigns, including investigations into factory farms and educational outreach on animal cruelty.
Campaign Strategy and Impact
Animal Equality's strategy includes investigations into factory farms, educational campaigns on campuses, corporate outreach to encourage ethical policies in food companies, and engaging with lawmakers for animal-friendly legislation. By showcasing the suffering of animals through footage and persuasive campaigns, they've achieved significant victories and influenced policies that improve animal welfare.
Focus on Farmed Animals
While Animal Equality initially focused on bullfighting, they shifted their attention to farmed animals due to the larger quantity and severity of suffering in that industry. Their goal is to end the cruelty faced by animals in factory farms, and their investigations and advocacy work aim to raise awareness and bring about positive change in animal protection laws.
Challenges and Growth Opportunities
Animal Equality faces challenges in fundraising and talent acquisition, particularly in creative positions like design and video editing. Their international presence allows them to achieve cost-effective results, especially in countries like India and Mexico where campaigns have a significant impact. They plan to continue strengthening their existing countries while exploring new opportunities for expansion.
Available Positions at Animal Equality
Animal Equality is currently hiring for various positions including operations and project manager, admissions coordinator, video editor, food policy manager, general counsel, and general manager. They emphasize the need for individuals who are passionate, proactive, and problem-solvers for these roles. Positions are mainly open in the United States and the United Kingdom with plans to expand internationally.
Skills and Roles in Animal Advocacy
In the realm of animal advocacy, there is a growing need for technical positions such as programmers, data analysts, and individuals familiar with big data. The organization aims to integrate technology effectively into its operations and campaigns. Another crucial area is fundraising, where talents are sought after. Animal advocacy organizations prioritize individuals with passion and essential qualities like flexibility and adaptability to drive impact.
What if you knew that ducks were being killed with pitchforks? Rabbits dumped alive into containers? Or pigs being strangled with forklifts? Would you be willing to go undercover to expose the crime?
That’s a real question that confronts volunteers at Animal Equality (AE). In this episode we speak to Sharon Nunez and Jose Valle, who founded AE in 2006 and then grew it into a multi-million dollar international animal rights organisation. They’ve been chosen as one of the most effective animal protection orgs in the world by Animal Charity Evaluators for the last 3 consecutive years.
In addition to undercover investigations AE has also designed a 3D virtual-reality farm experience called iAnimal360. People get to experience being trapped in a cage – in a room designed to kill then - and can’t just look away. How big an impact is this having on users?
Sharon Nuñez and Jose Valle also tackle:
* How do they track their goals and metrics week to week?
* How much does an undercover investigation cost?
* Why don’t people donate more to factory farmed animals, given that they’re the vast majority of animals harmed directly by humans?
* How risky is it to attempt to build a career in animal advocacy?
* What led to a change in their focus from bullfighting in Spain to animal farming?
* How does working with governments or corporate campaigns compare with early strategies like creating new vegans/vegetarians?
* Has their very rapid growth been difficult to handle?
* What should our listeners study or do if they want to work in this area?
* How can we get across the message that horrific cases are a feature - not a bug - of factory farming?
* Do the owners or workers of factory farms ever express shame at what they do?
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