So, your school doesn't have an animal rights group, and you think it should! Hmmm, what to do? Don't wait for others to start one—do it yourself!
Starting a group is easy. First, round up the other classroom crusaders who think that animal abuse bites. One-on-one recruiting works best:Talk to your friends and classmates, and ask them to help spread the word. To get buzz on your first meeting, post fliers on your school bulletin board.
If you want to hold meetings at school, you may need a faculty advisor.Try to enlist the aid of a friendly teacher. Don't be discouraged if teach turns you down, tho—you can always hook up at the local library or your own garage.
Next, decide what your group will do. We've got ideas galore, but feel free to go with your own:
Cut out dissection. Does your school have animal-friendly alternatives to dissection, like computer programs or models? If not, hold a fundraiser, and use the money that you raise to buy some.
Make your school a cruelty-free zone. Ask the person who purchases office and cleaning supplies to buy products that aren't tested on animals. PETA can send you a free list of cruelty-free companies.
Veganize your cafeteria. Encourage school officials to start offering vegan options at every meal. Even meatheads will help you out on this one—nobody likes that lunch-line mystery meat! Visit PETAKids.com for tips.
Let 'em eat cupcakes! Give out free samples of your favorite vegan foods at your school's Earth Day events and multicultural festivals.
Set up library displays with info on vegetarianism, fur, animal experiments, and other hot topics.
Take a field trip. Grab your protest posters the next time the circus or rodeo comes to town and do a demo. Several days before your event, alert the local media—a piece on your protest will educate hundreds of people.
If you need help or want leaflets or stickers for your group, write to us here at PETA or visit PETAKids.com.
