Our friends at CAPS (the Captive Animal Protection Society) have asked us to pass on this opportunity to join their campaigns team:
Campaigns Officer (Full-time)
One of the most exciting and rewarding roles in the CAPS team has become available and we are looking for a dedicated, creative and hard working campaigner to fill the post.
Working with the Director, our supporters, fellow animal protection campaigners and partner organisations, the Campaigns Officer is a pivotal role which covers all areas of our work for captive animals.
Who are we looking for?
The successful Campaigns Officer will be able to demonstrate and give evidence of:
- Experience of working at organisational level within a campaign organisation
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, are key requisites
- Experience of writing news releases and campaign materials
- Ability to use database, word processing and e-mail packages
- Enthusiastic and self-motivated and able to work without constant supervision as a member of a small team
- Presentation and public speaking skills and/or experience
- Understanding of, and commitment to, the values of CAPS
- Clear understanding of captive animal issues
- Supporting the general philosophy of animal rights
- Willingness to work beyond normal working hours when required
- Be vegetarian or vegan
Role outline:
- Assisting with researching and writing articles, press releases and campaign materials
- Providing ideas for campaigns and co-ordinating some projects
- Assisting with enquiries from the public, media and others on all areas of our work
- Liaising with local supporters and campaigners
- Giving talks and media interviews when required
- Campaign administration, including dealing with correspondence and filing
- Recruiting and line managing volunteers
- Monitoring the media and responding promptly to new developments
Hours and pay:
The role will be based in our Salford office, Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm (37.5 hours per week).>
In 1985 Veggies helped establish Nottingham’s Rainbow Centre, later taking on the co-ordination of the running of the space. In 2001 the support generated over the previous decades enabled the purchase of the Sumac Centre, a collectively owned space supporting a wide range of interconnected initiatives, including being the home of Veggies Catering Campaign.
On Satuday 8th December 2012 there is to be a discussion on the future of the Sumac Centre noting, amongst other things, its role as “a meeting place for politically motivated activists, a resource centre and library. Meeting place for vegans and animal rights activists/campaigners and a tool for their propaganda.”
This role hasn’t just happened in isolation.
It is due to Veggies and others being centrally involved in the running of Sumac from 15 years before it even existed. We may feel this role to be carved in stone, and this may well be the case.
However Sumac is simply the sum of its parts so we, as ‘vegans and animal rights activists/campaigners’ must continue to play our part.
If you are free on Saturday 8/12/12 (11am-6pm) please consider supporting the vegan status of the Sumac Centre and its role as a national resource for the animal rights movement.
This Saturday is a Sumac visioning day, a chance for all of you who come to the Sumac Center to bring your excitement, enthusiasm and inspiration in order to help shape the future of the Sumac Centre.
1) Intro
2) Use
- How is the Sumac used?
Meeting place, tat storage, music venue, peoples kitchen, food bank, a base for lots of varied campaigns/alternative cultures, bike project, fundraiser events, information and awareness raising events, film screenings, autonomous DIY infrastructure, ABC letter writing, gardening club.
- Is this the kind of useage we want to continue?
3) Purpose
- What is the current purpose of the Sumac?
A meeting place for politically motivated activists, a resource centre and library. Meeting place for vegans and animal rights activists/campaigners and a tool for their propaganda.
This will include a conversation about whether the sumac is there to engage with the local geographical community or the activist community. It’s a stable part of infrastructure for ‘our movement’.
- Is this the purpose we want to go forward with?
There will be lunch in the middle and we’ll all have a big ole delicous peoples kitchen at the end.
Hope to see you all there.
The Sumac Centre http://www.sumac.org.uk
0845 458 9595
245 Gladstone Street, Forest Fields, Nottingham, NG7 6HX
The Sumac Centre is an independent community and activist resource centre. It is made up of a community cafe, social club, library, exhibition space, veggie catering campaign, filmnights, talks, meeting spaces and the residents. The centre is used by various campaign groups and collectives working towards social change and justice for all. Come and visit us!
Whilst this has for a long time been blindingly obvious, this position is now the ‘official’ view of the scientific community.
New Scientist says that “Now that scientists have belatedly declared that mammals, birds and many other animals are conscious, it is time for society to act.
“ARE animals conscious? This question has a long and venerable history. Charles Darwin asked it when pondering the evolution of consciousness. His ideas about evolutionary continuity – that differences between species are differences in degree rather than kind – lead to a firm conclusion that if we have something, “they” (other animals) have it too.
“In July of this year, the question was discussed in detail by a group of scientists gathered at the University of Cambridge for the first annual Francis Crick Memorial Conference. Crick, co-discoverer of DNA, spent the latter part of his career studying consciousness and in 1994 published a book about it, The Astonishing Hypothesis: The scientific search for the soul.
“The upshot of the meeting was the Cambridge Declaration on Consciousness, which was publicly proclaimed by three eminent neuroscientists, David Edelman of the Neurosciences Institute in La Jolla, California, Philip Low of Stanford University and Christof Koch of the California Institute of Technology.
“The declaration concludes that “non-human animals have the neuroanatomical, neurochemical, and neurophysiological substrates of conscious states along with the capacity to exhibit intentional behaviors. Consequently, the weight of evidence indicates that humans are not unique in possessing the neurological substrates that generate consciousness. Non-human animals, including all mammals and birds, and many other creatures, including octopuses, also possess these neurological substrates.”
“My first take on the declaration was incredulity. Did we really need this statement of the obvious? Many renowned researchers reached the same conclusion years ago.
“The declaration also contains some omissions. All but one of the signatories are lab researchers; the declaration would have benefited from perspectives from researchers who have done long-term studies of wild animals, including nonhuman primates, social carnivores, cetaceans, rodents and birds.
“I was also disappointed that the declaration did not include fish, because the evidence supporting consciousness in this group of vertebrates is also compelling.
“Nevertheless, we should applaud them for doing this. The declaration is not aimed at scientists: as its author, Low, said prior to the declaration: “We came to a consensus that now was perhaps the time to make a statement for the public… It might be obvious to everybody in this room that animals have consciousness; it is not obvious to the rest of the world.”
“The important question now is: will this declaration make a difference? What are these scientists and others going to do now that they agree that consciousness is widespread in the animal kingdom?
“I hope the declaration will be used to protect animals from being treated abusively and inhumanely. All to often, sound scientific knowledge about animal cognition, emotions and consciousness is not recognised in animal welfare laws. We know, for example, that mice, rats and chickens display empathy, but this knowledge has not been factored into the US Federal Animal Welfare Act. Around 25 million of these animals, including fish, are used in invasive research each year. They account for more than 95 per cent of animals used in research in the US. I’m constantly astounded that those who decide on regulations on animal use have ignored these data.
“Not all legislation ignores the science. The European Union’s Treaty of Lisbon, which came into force on 1 December 2009, recognises that animals are sentient beings and calls on member states to “pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals” in agriculture, fisheries, transport, research and development and space policies.
“There are still scientific sceptics about animal consciousness. In his book, Crick wrote “it is sentimental to idealize animals” and that for many animals life in captivity is better, longer and less brutal than life in the wild.
“Similar views still prevail in some quarters. In her recent book Why Animals Matter: Animal consciousness, animal welfare, and human well-being, Marian Stamp Dawkins at the University of Oxford claims we still don’t really know if other animals are conscious and that we should “remain skeptical and agnostic… Militantly agnostic if necessary.”
“Dawkins inexplicably ignores the data that those at the meeting used to formulate their declaration, and goes so far as to claim that it is actually harmful to animals to base welfare decisions on their being conscious.
“I consider this irresponsible. Those who choose to harm animals can easily use Dawkins’s position to justify their actions. Perhaps given the conclusions of the Cambridge gathering, what I call “Dawkins’s Dangerous Idea” will finally be shelved. I don’t see how anyone who keeps abreast of the literature on animal pain, sentience and consciousness – and has worked closely with any of a wide array of animals – could remain sceptical and agnostic about whether they are conscious.
“Let us applaud the Cambridge Declaration on Consciousness and work hard to get animals the protection they deserve. And let us hope that the declaration is not simply a grandstanding gesture but rather something with teeth, something that leads to action. We should all take this opportunity to stop the abuse of millions upon millions of conscious animals in the name of science, education, food, clothing and entertainment. We owe it to them to use what we know on their behalf and to factor compassion and empathy into our treatment of them.”
Marc Bekoff is an emeritus professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He has written many essays and books about animal emotions, animal consciousness and animal protection
Local activists – top trainers – revolution – non-violence – learning from other movements – community – glorious countryside.
Join us in 2012 for more discussions, training and debates on nonviolence, education and the anti-war movement, fuelled by “wonderful (vegan) food from Veggies of Nottingham”
Wednesday 1st to Monday 6th August Ecological Direct Action without Compromise
Workshops, skill sharing and planning action, plus low-impact living without leaders. Meet people, learn skills, take action.
The Earth First! Summer Gathering is the place where people involved in radical ecological direct action – or those who want to be involved – get together for five days of time and space to talk, walk, share skills, learn, play, rant, find out what’s going on, find out what’s next, live outside, strategise, hang out, incite, laugh and conspire.
The 2012 Earth First Summer Gathering will be held on the first weekend of August.
As ever Veggies will be co-ordinating the d-i-y cafe space and holding cake baking workshops.
The UK Animal Rights Gathering is to a great weekend not to be missed, with talks, discussions and workshops on a wide range of issues and activities related to animal rights campaigning, as well as a chance to relax with like-minded people and socialise and network with other campaigners from all over the UK.
The 2012 Animal Rights Summer Gathering on the second weekend of August.
As ever Veggies will be co-ordinating the catering, running a cafe space and holding vegan cookery workshops. More AR Gathering Details…
These three key Gatherings, inspiring and networking for action for humans, animals and the environment, are all to be hosted by hosted by Crabapple Housing Co-op near Shrewsbury.
F.R.I.E.N.D Animal Sanctuary is a safe haven for predominantly farmed animals who will live out their lives in the beautiful Kent countryside.
Kerbear writes…
Sadly , has been taken seriously ill and hospitalised. However I would like to keep this appeal going for her so she doesn’t need to have any worries and can concentrate on getting well. Anyone who knows her knows what a wonderful woman she is, so please help me to help her.
Her original appeal is below as although we have received some of the more urgent items, we can never have enough of things like dog beds, animal feed etc so I have left those on there. I have also set up a standing order form to set up a monthly contribution (pdf opens in new tab).
Please keep this appeal going, we will have an open day in the summer so you will all be welcome to come and visit these gorgeous animals you are helping!
Contact: Kerry 0786 687 9851
As of the 17th March, Marion has left hospital and returned home. We are still not sure as to what exactly is wrong with her. Cards (and large cheques can be sent to the usual address…Linton View, 89 Bush Rd, East Peckham, Tonbridge, Kent, TN12 5LJ. Thanks.
DESPERATE APPEAL FROM F.R.I.E.N.D ANIMAL SANCTUARY
F.R.I.E.N.D Animal Sanctuary is a safe haven for predominantly farmed animals who will live out their lives in the beautiful Kent countryside. These include a herd of cows, a flock of sheep, a goat and 30 pigs as well as geese and chickens. We are also home to 11 dogs, 6 domestic cats, a large feral colony, 3 ferrets, a deer and a blind hedgehog named Elliot!
Sadly, our resources are severely strained so we are asking, hat in hand, for animal lovers out there to help us to continue to give the animals in our care the blissful life they would never have had. Most of the farmed animals have been saved from the “meat” industry, all the dogs and cats are rescues and the wildlife are rehabilitated and released where possible.
The most common question I get asked by well meaning people is, “What can I do to help?”, and as there is always so much I don’t know where to start! So I have sat down and written a list of what we really need. Please view our list below and if you can respond in any way to this VERY SERIOUS appeal, know you truly are making a difference to the lives of these animals.
Any monetary donations are gratefully received, every penny helps!
Building materials:
Posts and Rails
Pallets
Screws
Sterling board
Timber, any size
Roof slates
Bricks
Concrete
Corrugated iron
Solar lights / panels
Use your imagination, if you think we could put it to good use, we probably can!
Unwanted / Broken jewellery
Warm winter clothing (second hand of course!) Including wellies and gloves of all sizes for volunteers.
Dog coats of all sizes
Leads and collars of all sizes
Water troughs
Cat litter
Coal
Single Mattresses
Paint: any old cans of paint collecting dust in your garage could be used here! We will happily take your old brushes and rollers off you too
Old bedding: in this cold weather, your old bedding will make an old dog very happy indeed!
Brick-a-brack: we plan to do as many boot fairs as possible this summer so would be happy to relieve you of unwanted possessions
Cleaning products – as you can imagine, especially in the muddy winter months, we have a lot of cleaning to do so we are asking for ethical cleaning products.
Animal feed:
Dog and cat food
Ferret food
Sheep nuts
Mixed corn – all the farmed animals love mixed corn and it is so good for them!
VOLUNTEERS
Handy people: We have been given a used shed, so if any handy people out there would like to donate a few hours of their time to help us put it together, we guarantee a delicious Vegan meal as thanks!
Motor Mechanics: We have two vehicles at the sanctuary and both are indispensable. Our tractor, an old Ford 3000, is essential in the winter to ensure the cows, sheep and pigs are regularly strawed out to keep warm and to transport the hay to the sheep and cows. Our Transit van is used daily to collect the pig feed and we would be lost without it. Mechanics are expensive so if any mechanics are out there who are willing to very occasionally volunteer their time, then please give us
a call!
Fundraisers: We hold an annual fundraiser at the sanctuary but due to commitments at the sanctuary are not able to hold more than one a year. So please use some of your spare time to organise a fundraiser to raise awareness of F.R.I.E.N.D and much needed funds for the sanctuary.
Builders: As you will see in this appeal we have asked for posts and rails, this is to redo the fencing for the pigs and the sheep as it is falling down! If you are able to help with some physical labour then please get in touch.
Others: Whilst we don’t have jobs for other skills sets at this time, the future is very fluid so if you think you have skills we may need then PLEASE let us know so we can keep your details on file for future. We do accept no for an answer if you are not able to help at the drop of a hat
WISH LIST
To try and earn money for the sanctuary during these difficult times which have resulted in donations drying up, my husband is looking for work doing odd jobs in the neighbourhood, one of these being gardening. So if you have any gardening tools you would be happy to part with then please send them our way. If you are updating to a new lawnmower we would be happy to take your old one off your hands!
A steam cleaner would be a great help for heavy duty soiling in some of the buildings and a jet wash for cleaning animal pens would be invaluable and a huge time saver.
The house is very old and very drafty so if any of you are in the window replacement business, or if you have contacts in the industry, then please contact me.
If you have a working printer you no longer need, preferably one where the inks don’t cost the earth, we would like to start printing appeals for bedding, animal feed etc to put up in our local area.
Each year we hold a Festival Fundraiser and have to hire a marque, if you have one you are willing to loan to us for a few days in July that would be fantastic. Of course if you had one you wanted to get rid of that would be even better
OTHER
Our vet bills are never ending and although the support we received after our last appeal has been so heartening, we have had to make use of our vet numerous times since then and that pesky bill is still there! If anyone would like to assist, our vet will accept contributions directly, his details are: Putlands Veterinary Surgery, T: 01892 835 456. Please specify that the money is towards the vet bills for Marion Eaton, the founder of F.R.I.E.N.D.
Speak to your local shop owners for permission to leave one of our collection tins near the till.
Green Meadow Animal Sanctuary urgently needs donations due to recent considerable vets bills. For example the treatment of a horse for several months has run into thousands of pounds and this has now put the Animal Sanctuary into serious financial difficulties.
Green Meadow Animal Sanctuary has been taking in sick and rescued animals since 1991 and is home to in excess of 100 sheep and various other animals such as goats, turkeys, chickens, ducks, geese, horses, rabbits, cats, etc.
The sanctuary is entirely reliant on volunteers and donations to look after all the rescued and sick animals in their care and now urgently needs your help.
All the animals will live out the rest of their natural lives here, as we operate a strict no-breed and no-kill policy.
Once the animals are here they can roam the 37 acres of land to their hearts content and desire and come in for shelter whenever they want to, into our purpose built accommodation.
We need to stress to people that the situation is now urgent and all animals face slaughter if land has to be sold off. Funds have run out, and with running costs of £2500 per month, things are looking grim if we can’t get money coming in.
Like the Sumac Centre, Veggies’ Nottingham home, Pogo Café in Hackney, London is an autonomous, non-hierarchical 100% vegan space run completely by volunteers.
Pogo aims to encourage veganism and animal liberation by providing delicious, affordable food and useful information to the local community and beyond. They host regular film nights, plus one-off gourmet dinners, raw food parties, poetry nights etc…
Like Veggies and Sumac, they are always looking for new volunteers.
If you would like to get involved in this exciting, unique café please get in touch.
You may not have visited Pogo yet, but they are in the middle of a crisis. There is a shortage of people to take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the cafe, coupled with a gaping hole in the finances, threatening to force Pogo to close once and for all.
Now, more than ever, Pogo needs you!
Please tell your friends in London
Send this message out on your email lists or social networks
Donate a pound or two via their website
If you can’t get to Hackney, you could donate the price of a coffee!
If you really care about animals, the best way you can help is to stop eating them!
Each year in the UK alone approximately 1,000 million animals are farmed and killed for food – and that figure doesn’t include fish.
The average meat-eater consumes around 11,000 animals in their lifetime (including fish and shellfish). Think of all the lives YOU will save simply by turning vegetarian or vegan!
As well as being more humane, an animal-free diet is healthy, environmentally friendly and a better way to use the world’s precious resources.
There are many reasons to go veggie including animal welfare, health, environmental protection and cost. If you are concerned about one or more of these issues, why not take the opportunity to try some more meat-free meals during March or take the veggie challenge?
From 2005 – 2009 the East Midlands’ Vegan Festival welcomed 2000 or more members of the public to the Council House on Nottingham’s Old Market Square on the 2nd Saturday in December.
However the Council House have refused to host further EMVFs so, to maintain public engagement on the urgency of dietary change for the health of people, other animals and the environment worldwide, Nottingham’s vegan campaigners held 9 Vegan Free Food Give-Away and campaign stalls on December 11th, each aiming to reach some 200 members of the public.
The success of the day depended on the support of autonomous self-contained teams of volunteers, each with 3 people including one adult confident to explain the ‘political campaign’ status of their stall to anyone official that might ask.
On the Friday cakes, pizza and other food samples were prepared at the Sumac Centre, and each stall kit was sorted out with tables, literature and utensils.
We then gathered at Sumac from 10am on Saturday to tour around the City, dropping off each stall in turn and collecting each one back as and when time, crew or supplies run out. Base camp was at the Old Angel, Stoney Street off Hockley, opposite the end of Broad (Broadway) Street, with a sampling stall nearby.
Please contact nottsfreefood[at]gmail.com if you are interested in supporting future giveaways, providing some food samples, or helping out in any other way. Or call 07870 861837.
On 
can be sent to the usual address…Linton View, 89 Bush Rd, East Peckham, Tonbridge, Kent, TN12 5LJ. Thanks. 
