By Julie Knopp, CAA Volunteer

In the months preceding the general election, I wrote more than 200 postcards to encourage voter turnout. It was a wonderful experience to feel like I was taking part in something bigger than myself during a time of isolation. When the election came to a close, I wondered if there might be other fun ways to volunteer from home.

Evidence suggests that the simple act of writing postcards can have a significant impact on voter participation. As I reflected on the power of this grassroots concept, I wondered if animal advocates might also accelerate change by sending postcards promoting plant-based eating. And now, we’re inviting you to join 25+ volunteers helping Compassionate Action for Animals meet our 1,500 postcard goal by March 15!

This is a flexible volunteer opportunity, and it’s easy to get started. You simply fill out this short form to let us know how many postcards you want, and we’ll send you the postcards, postage, message, and addresses. Then you can write and mail the postcards on your own schedule to start making change for animals!

Read on to meet three wonderful CAA volunteers and learn why they’re sending Postcards for Animals.

David Feldmann

“I’ve been a vegetarian since 2002 and a vegan since 2009. I was so glad to hear about the Postcards for Animals project — happy to lend a hand! Prior to becoming a bus driver for Metro Transit, I spent several years working as a postman for the USPS. I love to send postcards and letters to friends and family, so sending mail to promote veganism was right up my alley. So far, I’ve only sent a few dozen postcards but I plan to make it a regular activity. I think it’s fair to say receiving actual mail is a lot more fun than receiving an e-mail. I hope the postcards help steer folks in the direction of adopting a plant-based diet – for the environment, our own personal health, and, most importantly, the animals. 

I don’t consider myself an activist but if one person out there goes vegan because of a postcard I’ve sent, I’ll consider the hours and hours I plan to spend writing them to have been worthwhile.”

Cari Lombardi

“Like many of you, I’ve loved animals for as long as I can remember. My interest in advocating for animals was a natural outcrop of my love and care for them, starting with my own companion animals. I wanted them to be treated with kindness and respect, and lead lives free from pain and suffering. 

My early advocacy work focused mainly on companion animal issues, but as I learned more about the perpetual and widespread abuse of farmed animals, I couldn’t turn away from the overwhelming and obvious suffering. I read books and watched videos (Peaceable Kingdom was my first) to educate myself, and sought opportunities to help create awareness of the issues facing these forgotten animals. I also made the decision to take animals off my plate, which has been one of the most important and impactful decisions of my life. 

I signed up to write postcards because it can be done from home, and on my own schedule. I also believe that a handwritten message lends a personal touch to the valuable message being shared — plus who isn’t delighted to get something other than a bill in the mail these days?!

Recent political campaigns have found great success in using postcards to boost voter registration. My hope is that Postcards for Animals will also prove to be an effective means of inspiring recipients to take action, whether it be trying some great vegan food and recipes on their own, or signing up for the Explore Veg Challenge.”

Stefanee Bakke

“I’ve been an animal lover since I can remember, and old pictures show possibly even before that. All animals are friends, not food and glimpsing the dairy industry was overwhelmingly heartbreaking so I easily transitioned from a vegetarian to a vegan. Like most, I wish I would’ve converted sooner and those that have, thank you and congratulations. It’s so easy to do, especially in Minnesota, there are so many great resources, accommodating restaurants and boundless support. 

It has been very difficult to do any hands on volunteering during the pandemic, this was a way to contribute safely and I like the personal connection of doing something hand-written versus email. I’ve long been a volunteer through shelter transport, fostering and anything dog related, and I’m happy to be reaching out for ALL animals.

I hope that the personal nature of this outreach is effective and those receiving the postcards know it’s a real person behind the message and a very positive impact is possible and attainable.”

Thank you, David, Cari, and Stefanee, for volunteering to help farmed animals and invite more people in our community to try plant-based eating. You can join David, Cari, and Stefanee by signing up for your postcards today!