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Outstanding Activist!
Derek
Goodwin became a vegetarian in 1994 after experiencing a profound spiritual
and personal awakening in the desert southwest. Following the example
of friends, he then became a vegan and an activist in 1996. He was an
active member of the Animal Defense League in Rochester, New York from
1996-1999. He was also a member of the Rochester Area Vegetarian Society
during that time, and served on the society's board of directors in 1998.
Driven by a deep compassion and reverence for all life, Derek dedicated
much of his time and energy to helping end animal suffering by participating
in these activities. And when he moved to Northampton, Massachusetts in
2000, he began to do even more.
Once established as a professional photographer in Northampton, Derek began photographing several vegan weddings each year, which he continues to do today. Around the same time, he became the photography advisor for Veg News magazine and began working with Dr. Michael Greger to design and photograph covers for informational nutrition DVD's. More recently, Derek became the co-host and producer of "Vegan Radio" in Northampton, which broadcasts on 103.3 FM and promotes a veg lifestyle to listeners across Western Massachusetts. Derek also started www.veganica.com, a website designed for veg artists, musicians, writers, and craftspeople.
Farm Sanctuary first became aware of Derek's phenomenal work as a photographer in 2001. Responding to his ad in Veg News, we asked if he might volunteer to take photos of our first black-tie Gala for Farm Animals in New York City that year. He generously agreed. Since then, he has never let us down when we needed his time and expertise. Creating a colorful and lasting record of Farm Sanctuary's efforts these past several years, Derek has photographed more than 11 events across the country since 2001, including two more Gala events in Beverly Hills and New York City; 3 Farm Animal Forum events in Boston, Chicago, and New Jersey; and the 2004 and 2005 Celebration for the Turkeys events at our California and New York Shelters.
In addition to working at the events listed above, Derek also photographed the Farm Sanctuary victory party after the passage of SB1520 in California (which banned the sale and production of foie gras in the state), the Chicago foie gras hearings, and the recent rescue of a cow named Annie Dodge. Perhaps most importantly, Derek has taken thousands of photos of the rescued animals living at Farm Sanctuary for our website, newsletters, calendars, and more. These breathtaking shots are Derek's greatest gift to us - and to the animals. They bring the beauty and innocence of sanctuary life to the public, and express Derek's own heartfelt assertion that farm animals deserve our mercy, because "beyond the appearance of their bodies, their souls are much like ours."
Thank you,
Derek, for all that you do on behalf of suffering farm animals! Your compassion
and commitment are an inspiration for many!
Together, we ARE making a difference. If you would like to find out more about volunteering your time to educate others about factory farming and vegetarianism, please contact us at activist@farmsanctuary.org, or call 607-583-2225 ext. 229. Click here to find out what YOU can do to help!