FRIDAY SCHEDULE (6/26/09)
7:00 PM – 10:00 pm
Room 228 / Conference Opener and Kick-Off Party
Hello! Your presence is requested at the Let Live Conference kickoff party, Friday night, June 26. Please join us for a night of community building, vegan soft serve ice cream eating (thanksBlossoming Lotus), and off the hook fun. All speakers and attendees are invited. The festivities will begin with a talk by Will Potter about the importance of community in this movement and how important it is for all of us to support each other in the pursuit of our common goals for the animals. This talk gets to the heart of what this conference is all about and will set the tone for the weekend.
Once the hugfest is complete, the karaoke machine will roar to life and your greatest triumph/humiliation will be set to begin. Hopped up on soft serve, surrounded by a room full of new and old friends, your performance is bound for legendom! Bring your voice and your guts and lay it down! A warning: Word on the street is that some amongst us have been practicing for months.
If you aren’t the karoake type, you can camp out by the soft serve machine, filling your belly, making friends, and cheering on the singers.
We are hoping this conference will blur the lines between speakers and attendees, beginners and more seasoned activists. We could think of no better way to do that than belting out the hits with each other. Come sing, laugh, and cheer, or just laugh and cheer. Whatever you do, just don’t miss this!
SATURDAY SCHEDULE (6/27/09)
Registration starts at 8:00am // Tabling is in the Ballroom from 9:00am-6:30pm
Opening talk is in room 228 from 10:00am to 10:45am with Kim McCoy
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Workshops
11:00AM-11:50PM
Room 228 // Thinking Outside the Lockbox: Making Our Actions Count in a Changing Activist Environment
David Hayden, Justin Goodman
All too often when we see a tactic work in one setting we jump to the assumption that tactic will work in any situation. But to be effective activists it is imperative that we select our tactics based on a particular campaign strategy that has been crafted to meet specific goals. This topic would focus on getting beyond the rhetoric and examining how to effectively mesh goals, strategy and tactics
Room 236 // From “Arrest” To “Sentence”
Lauren Regan, Esq.
Criminal Law 101 for activists. This visual presentation will outline the steps that occur from the time you are arrested to the time you are sentenced.
Room 298 // ANIMAL ISSUES FOR THE BEGINNING ACTIVIST
Nathan Runkle, Matt Rossell, Elaine Close
Our panel of experienced presenters will discuss the fur, vivisection, and animals in entertainment industries. This talk will focus on how animals are exploited and how activists can combat these industries.
Room 333 // Tools for Civil Disobedience: Lockbox Construction and Use
Gedden Cascadia
The lockbox can be a very effective tool for activists choosing to engage in civil disobedience. This workshop will teach you the basics for finding materials to build an effective and safe lockbox, and how to use it in a manner that will properly convey your message.
Room 328/9 // Creative Fundraising and Publicity for your group
Jenny Brown
Paying the bills, raising money for new campaigns, and getting media and public attention can be a daunting task for any size group. Jenny Brown has been finding creative ways to tackle these problems for years and will lead a discussion to help the rest of us.
Room 238 // Jail Support: Preparing for Arrest
Stephanie Boston, Stu Sugarman
The possibility of arrest during protests and civil disobedience events is often a concern for activists, especially when more controversial tactics are employed. This workshop will focus on what activists can do to prepare for arrest, and demonstrate how others can support those that have been arrested.
Room 327 // Family Time
Hang out time in the family room. Art supplies, books, and toys will be made available or bring your own. Parents can chat with other parents, kids can meet and play. Feel free to bring nap supplies if it’s about that time.
Room 294 // How to reach Environmentalists
Peter Spendelow
The environmental community should be a natural partner with the animal rights community since they share many common goals, but sometimes our interactions lead to suspicion and defensiveness. This workshop will examine how to appeal to the environmental community. It will examine the consequences farmed animals have on the environment, and will also look at how this information might be presented to lead to acceptance rather than defensiveness.
Lunch: 12:00-1:30pm
1:30pm-2:20pm
Room 236 // Protest Conduct and First Amendment Issues
Jenn Kaplan, Esq.
This talk will discuss the parameters of the First Amendment as it relates to animal rights activism, including publication of information, conduct at protests, and dealing with injunctions.
Room 298 // Student Activism
Pulin Modi
Students have a unique opportunity to reach open-minded individuals while creating institutional change. Learn how to structure a campus campaign, take advantage of student resources, and take maximize outreach opportunities at your school.
Room 238 // Dealing with Confrontation at Outreach Events
Nik Hensey, Matt Rossell
During outreach, protest, and tabling events activists will sometimes be forced to deal with confrontational people. We will discuss common challenges street level activists may encounter and how we can diffuse tense situations, calm negative interactions, and refocus the discussion on the issue at hand.
Room 328/9 // Communicating Visually: Graphic design tips and tools
Josh Hooten
A discussion on how to design more visually appealing posters, flyers, banners, etc. and the tools to help you.
Room 333 // Prisoner Support: Longterm Solidarity for those “Inside”
Peter Young, Nick Atwood
With convictions of animal liberation activists on the rise, it is crucial activists “on the outside” create a worthy network of support for those enduring long prison terms. This workshop will discuss simple ways you can show solidarity to those activists who lost their freedom to help animals.
Room 327 // KID’S STORY TIME!
Hey families, join us for story time in the family room. We will read animal friendly books while we hang out and enjoy each others company.
Room 294 // Getting the Dirt: Researching Animal Abuse
Jeremy Beckham, Nathan Runkle, Erica Meier
Ever wonder how to find out where animal abuse facilities are and what they are up to? This workshop will examine guerilla and mainstream tactics useful to getting the information every activist needs on animal abuse industries. Attention will also be paid to the special issues surrounding investigations of vivisection.
Room 228 // Regional Issues in Animal Activism
Tim Hitchins, Cat, Jeph Nor, Jeff Wirth
This panel will give an overview of ongoing regional campaigns and issues. Topics covered will include fur, primate research, foie grois, and sea lion defense. The goal will be to familiarize ourselves with the issues and campaigns and provide the opportunity for attendees get involved.
2:30pm-3:20pm
Room 236 // Grand Jury Basics
Stu Sugarman, Esq., Christine Garcia, Esq. and Craig Rosebraugh
Grand Jury basics: From arrest and search warrant to subpoena. What to do and what not to do when you think you might be subpoenaed.
Room 298 // Starting a Grassroots Organization
Nathan Runkle, Jeph Nor
This workshop will share tips on how to launch your own grassroots organization. We will cover setting goals, deciding on campaigns, consensus decision making, and infrastructure options to help your group be more effective and run more smoothly. We will also discuss how to set up and maintain your email list as well as how to find and book meeting space as well as other related issues.
Room 238 // Report Back: Protesting the International Whaling Commission
Gedden Cascadia
This slideshow presentation will illuminate the experiences of Portland activists who travelled to Santiago, Chile in South America to work with other local grassroots groups protesting the International Whaling Commission’s annual meeting.
Room 328/9 // Online Social Networking as an Activist Tool
Glenn Gaetz, Pulin Modi
Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, etc. can be powerful tools for activism. This workshop will focus on how to access and use them effectively.
Room 333 // HLS: The Final Nail
Camille Hankins
Despite serious legal repression and corporate intimidation, the hard-hitting campaign to close down Huntingdon Life Science (HLS) continues wth great force. In this discussion, your will learn about the current status of the campaign and what you can do to help close HLS for good.
Room 327 // Family Time
Hang out time in the family room. Art supplies, books, and toys will be made available or bring your own. Parents can chat with other parents, kids can meet and play. Feel free to bring nap supplies if it’s about that time.
Room 294 // Campaign Development: Goals, Strategy, and Tactics
lauren Ornelas
Grassroots animal liberation activists take on billion-dollar industries every day. Despite the odds against us we refuse to back down and, time after time, we win. This is not luck. This is a result of dedication and understanding the importance of making the most out of our limited resources by building strategic campaigns. Join us in examining how to make our actions count, set achievable goals, and develop campaign strategies and tactics that will help ensure victory.
Room 228 // A Complete Guide to Farm Animal Advocacy
Jasmin Singer
Jasmin Singer of Farm Sanctuary will educate activists how to efficiently and effectively advocate for farm animals. Whatever your talent, interest, or special skill, you can put it to use in order to spread compassion and awareness about farm animal issues, and inspire others to act for those who can’t.
3:30pm-4:20pm
Room 236 // Civil Injunctions
Christine Garcia
A scare tactic by big business is to sue grassroots activists, thinking that if they drain the activist of their resources, they will go away. This session will explain what a civil injunction is, how to deal with it, and how to let it NOT affect your activism.
Room 298 // Write for the Animals: Changing Lives, One Word at a Time
Jasmin Singer
The written word is a powerful way to influence behavior and affect social change. Learn how you can use the communication skills you already have to speak up for animals. Discover where you can gather new tools so that you can strengthen the effectiveness of your written voice. From writing articles in your local paper; publishing a letter-to-the-editor or OP-ED; blogging; or even through personal narrative, the art of the written word is something any activist can tap into. Join Farm Sanctuary’s National Advocacy Organizer, Jasmin Singer, as she walks you through how even a non-writer can get active for farm animals. Jasmin will talk from personal experience in the blogosphere world – including the trend of blogging as a means to create social change. She will also tell you how she became a freelance writer with several magazines and online publications – and how you can too. Most importantly, you will leave with the ability to take the first steps in speaking out for the animals by using your written voice to raise awareness and compassion.
Room 333 // AETA and You: Resisting “The Chill”
Will Potter, Peter Young
Never underestimate the power of the individual in the struggle for animal liberation. Even if you aren’t a part of a larger group you can speak out and be heard. This workshop will cover many of the tools and tactics available to you, with a focus on writing as a way to promote animal rights and spread information.
Room 328/9 // Hunt Sabotage: Planning Basics and Legal Challenges
Nik Hensey, Jami Pannell
As one of the oldest civil disobedience activities in the animal rights movement, hunt sabotage has a long history of strategic campaigning victories despite numerous legal obstacles. In this workshop you will learn the basics for organizing a campaign and be informed of the legal implications that might arise.
Room 238 // On the Frontlines: Stories of Anti-vivisection Activists
Camille Hankins, Jeremy Beckham, Justin Goodman
Our speakers will recount their experiences working to end animal research. Come hear their frontline stories of anti-vivisection campaigning and learn how to apply their lessons to your own activism.
Room 327 // Discussion: Raising Vegan Kids in a Non-Vegan World
Charles Evans
Join us for a discussion about the hurdles we face as parents trying to raise compassion kids in a non-vegan world. Share your triumphs, your failures, and bring your questions so we can all help each other.
Room 294 // Transforming Group Dynamics: Effective Strategies to Empower and Energize Activist Groups
Melanie Joy, Karen Hixson
Are you tired of group dynamics getting in the way of activism? Rather than continuing on the path of frustration and burnout, we are committed to increasing awareness of effective internal strategies to support our activist groups. Join us for a one hour interactive discussion where we will offer case studies that describe common challenges groups encounter and possible solutions. Bring your ideas and resources as we support each other in making our groups more energized, healthy and sustainable.
Room 228 // History of Direct Action in Social Justice Movements
J Johnson, Craig Rosebraugh
A talk highlighting the history of direct action in past social justice movements in an attempt to shine some light on its importance in the animal rights movement today.
4:30pm-5:30pm
Room 228 // That Just Happened!
J Johnson, Rosebraugh, Baur, Ornelas, McCoy, TBA
Everybody huddle up in the big room! Join us for an hour of our panel’s funniest/most embarrassing stories from their activist past. Really, you don’t want to miss this one. Common ground shall be found.
After Party Benefit at Bye and Bye
Your presence is requested at the Let Live Benefit Party at Bye and Bye, Portland’s favorite vegan bar. The festivities will begin at 8pm on Saturday the 27th. Age 21+ w/ valid ID, sorry kids. Come and blow off some steam, have a drink (with or without alcohol), eat some amazing food, and chat it up with all the new friends you made at the conference. Bye and Bye will be donating a percentage of sales, so buy some stuff if you can. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Bye and Bye is a 10 minute cab ride from PSU. Feel free to share a ride with other attendees. Everyone is welcome.
What: Let Live Benefit Party
When: Saturday, June 27th 8PM
Where: Bye and Bye - 1011 NE Alberta St Portland, OR 97211
Local Cab Companies:
Radio Cab 503.227.1212
Broadway Cab 503.227.1234
Portland Taxi 503.256.5400
SUNDAY SCHEDULE (6/28/09)
Registration starts at 8:00am // Tabling is in the Ballroom from 9:00am-5:00pm
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Workshops
10:00-10:50am
Room 236 // Activist Conduct in Criminal and Civil Cases, including activist relationship with attorneys
Shannon Keith, Esq.
This talk will discuss how to manage your case and have a good relationship with your attorney in order to attain your desired result and build trust.
Room 298 // Nickle and Dined
Isa Chandra Moskowitz
Why is veganism thought of as elitist when it is actually the most affordable and sustainable way to get all of our nutrients? This discussion will challenge conceptions of veganism as the diet of upper class white people. We’ll also talk about how a plant based pantry can cross class and cultural lines and ultimately we’ll get you cooking cheap but fancy meals to blow minds and topple governments.
Room 333 // Burning Rage of a Dying Planet: Stories from the NAELFPO
Craig Rosebraugh
Craig Rosebraugh is the former spokesperson for the North American Earth Liberation Front Press Office. Despite government attempts to silence him, Craig reported on numerous communiques and spoke out on behalf of the Earth Liberation underground. Hear his stories while serving for the NAELFPO and how they apply to the AR movement today.
Room 328/9 // Blogs: Using them to publish and research
Glenn Gaetz
Running your own blog(s) can be a powerful tool for self publishing. Following other peoples blogs can also be very useful for research, and for keeping up with issues. This workshop will discuss how to start and maintain your own blog as well as how to organize and track other peoples.
Room 238 // Security Culture in an Age of Repression
Nik Hensey, Nick Atwoood
With repressive corporate and government pressure on the rise, it is increasingly important activists employ security measures that keep their group safe from prying eyes. This workshop will discuss common precautions grassroots activists can take to resist infiltration without spreading fear and paranoia.
Room 327 // Humane Education: An Essential Element of Animal Activism
Marsha Rakestraw
Education is a powerful and essential tool for creating a compassionate, just world for all beings, and we as animal activists ignore it at the animals’ peril. In this interactive presentation, learn about the philosophy of comprehensive humane education, which involves helping people make choices that do the most good and least harm for all people, animals and the planet; learn about the importance of approaching global problems from an interconnected perspective, and gain some practical tools for engaging people in exploring the power of their own choices to make personal and systemic change for a better world.
Room 228 // Understanding the Psychology of Meat for Strategic Veg*n Advocacy
Melanie Joy
One of the most common challenges we face as veg*n advocates is communicating with meat eaters who are resistant or even antagonistic to our message. Where does this opposition come from, and how can we best deal with it? In this workshop, you will learn about the psychology of meat eating, discuss the specific defenses meat eaters use to block information that they feel threatens their lifestyle, and learn how to be a more strategic—and therefore more effective—veg*n advocate.
11:00am-11:50pm
Room 236 // FBI/Police CONFRONTATION Role-playing
Shannon Keith, Christine Garcia & Jenn Kaplan
We will act out typical scenarios activists deal with when confronted by police or FBI at protests, in the car and at home. This will be followed with a thorough discussion of the laws that apply in a question and answer session.
Room 298 // Tactics & Tools for the Effective Activist
Erica Meier, Glenn Gaetz
Solo, or with a group, time-tested tools can be crucial for any activist to be effective. This talk will cover some of those proven tools and how to apply them in an organized and efficient manner, including leafleting, feed-ins, reaching out to restaurants, letters to the ed, etc. This talk will also include a basic overview of Internet based activist opportunities.
Room 333 // Home Demos: Being Effective and Coming Prepared
Camille Hankins, Jami Pannell
Considered one of the more controversial tactics AR activists employ, home demonstrations can also be one of more effective. This workshop will discuss what to expect, what to avoid, and how to remain safe while effectively conveying your message at a home demonstration.
Room 328/9 // Computer Security – PGP and Web Proxies
Tim Hitchins, Jeremy Beckham
While it can be an important tool for protection, basic computer security is often dismissed by activists as being to difficult to learn. This workshop will teach you the basics of two of the most useful computer security measures activists can use to protect themselves and their campaigns from unwanted invaders.
Room 238 // Chicago Foie Gras Ban: A Critical Assessment
J Johnson, Nathan Runkle
Though short lived, the ban of foie gras sales in Chicago armed activists with the knowledge of how to achieve such a victory in a large city. Come hear accounts of the how the ban was won, why it was repealed, and what can be learned from the experience.
Room 327 // Family
Room 228 // Stump the Vets
Pulin Modi, Jasmin Singer, lauren Ornelas
Bring your best or most often heard jibe or slight at vegansim or animal rights and hurl it at our panel of vets and see how they respond in those situations.
Lunch 12:00-1:30pm
1:30pm-2:20pm
Room 236 // AETA, The Patriot Act, trespass laws, and more
Lauren Regan, Esq. & Cheryl Leahy, Esq.
This panel of lawyers will cover post 9/11 changes to legal definitions, Patriot Act and Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA) ramifications, as well as terrorism enhancement explanations, including how AETA and trespass affect investigations.
Room 298 // Whaling Update
Kim McCoy
There’s a battle going on in the Southern Ocean, and Sea Shepherd is on the frontlines. Join us for an update on the Whale Wars to learn about illegal whaling activities and our efforts to defend these gentle giants—the whales.
Room 238 // Green Scare 2009: Current Issues and Updates
Will Potter, Nick Atwood
The “Green Scare” refers to efforts by corporations and government to broadly paint environmental and animal liberation activists as terrorists. In fact the U.S. Government has labeled these activist movements the primary domestic threat to national security. As a result many activists have been tagged with “suspected terrorist” warnings on their police records, subjected to F.B.I. surveillance, and are increasingly feeling the pinch of government efforts to suppress their activism. Join us in exposing these government efforts to the public, and help end the “eco-terrorist” hype.
Room 328/9 // Marketing Our Message: Outreach on a budget
Erica Meier
This talk will discuss cost effective ways to reach out to the public including TV, ads, local newspapers, social networking, etc.
Room 333 //Earth First Roadshow
Earth First! Activists
This Roadshows primary intention is to strengthen our radical grassroots ecological network. Solid movements are based on strong personal relationships; we need face-to-face interaction to build trust and support for each other. The Roadshow will be traveling with a variety of skills, topics and resources, including: forming affinity groups and planning direct action; blockading, climbing and occupations; bioregional news from campaigns and projects around the country; tools for challenging oppression; up-to-date news on resisting the Greenscare; independent and corporate media work; community organizing strategies; and more.
Room 327 // Family
Room 228 // Sanctuary Stories: The ups, downs, and effectiveness of sanctuary life
Gene Baur, Jenny Brown
A behind the scenes look at life on an animal sanctuary. Our speakers will discuss the good times, the bad, and how sanctuaries are great outreach tools towards a less violent world.
2:30pm-3:30pm
Room 236 // How to get involved in farm animal issues
Cheryl Leahy, Esq.
This talk will focus on how you can get involved in farm animal issues from a legal standpoint.
Room 298 // Effective Leafletting
Emily Pepe, Ramona Ilea
Many long time activists agree that leafleting is one of the easiest and most effective ways to raise awareness about animal issues. In this workshop, experienced leafleters from Vegan Outreach and Northwest VEG will share comprehensive tips for beginners. After the lecture portion of the workshop, the audience will be given role-playing opportunities in small groups to hone their skills and gain experience.
Room 238 // Street Demonstration Refresher
J Johnson, Camille Hankins
Demonstrations can often be a place of confusion for activists and their audience. This workshop will outline the things organizers can do to ensure a well planned demonstration that clearly conveys their message and make the protest environment one that will encourage activists to come back again.
Room 328/9 // Prop 2: Lessons and Opportunities
Gene Baur, Lauren Ornelas
A discussion on how a huge initiative like this gets off the ground, and how local organizing efforts made it work. Also, a discussion of what doors Prop 2 opens for other types of activism/outreach.
Room 333 // Tactics: Then & Now
Peter Young, David Hayden
Choosing tactics that suit campaign goals is one of the most important considerations for activists who wish to achieve victories. This workshop will review the historical relevance of tactics that have been used and how they can be applied, if at all, to newer campaigns.
Room 327 // Family
Room 228 // Moving Beyond Our Differences
Melanie Joy, Will Potter
There have been, and always will be different factions within the animal advocacy movement. This discussion hopes to help us all acknowledge our differences and recognize our common ground so we can move forward towards our shared goals. This workshop will help all of us find a more productive form of communication and discourse.
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