Earlier this month, two of our Food for Thought staff members traveled to Phoenix to attend the Association of Professional Humane Educators 2019 National Conference at the Arizona Humane Society. Liz Walch, Great Lakes and Canada Coordinator, and Allie Gunter, West Coast Coordinator, had the opportunity to learn about the future of the humane education field, as well as meet professionals from across North America and discuss with them why their respective organizations should adopt animal- and earth-friendly menu policies. Liz and Allie attended workshops with topics focused on the welfare of companion animals, farmed animals, and the planet too.
Liz also spoke on behalf of Food for Thought. Her presentation, Modeling Your Message: Increasing Your Organization’s Impact, discussed one simple change nonprofits can make to expand the scope of their impact for animals and the environment: adopting a veg-only menu policy for sponsored events and fundraisers. (You can catch a recording of it here on our Facebook page.) She heard great feedback from some of the attendees who said they were ready to go back to their organizations and make some changes! Having the opportunity to speak was wonderful, and it was a privilege to talk with such caring people about making positive changes for animals and our food systems.
APHE put on a spectacular event filled with knowledgeable speakers, fun networking opportunities, and delicious and nutritious plant-based meals. We are so grateful to be able to send our staff to conferences to not only spread the word about Food for Thought but to also learn more about the future of animal welfare. Seeing firsthand how many compassionate people are out there fighting for animals and the earth always fills us with hope and motivation!