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Outstanding Activist!
Mark
Perman decided to find out first-hand what Farm Sanctuary was all about
in August of 2000, when he came out to our New York Shelter to visit the
farm. Describing himself as a "Jewish boy from Brooklyn", Mark
was raised on many meat-based dishes and came to the Farm with compassionate
in his heart, and left with vegetarianism on his mind.
"I
have always considered myself a compassionate person but once I was made
aware of the way thousands upon thousands of animals were treated on industrial
farms, I had no choice but to join the effort to help change some of the
most egregious practices," Mark says.
Mark's
first step was to change his diet. After going veg, he started to speak
on behalf of farm animals and the issues involved with factory farming
to anyone who would listen at the synagogue where he served as Cantor.
At his temple's religious school, he organized a letter writing campaign
to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture regarding their failure to
draft mandated humane standards for farm animals. Mark then urged several
New Jersey towns to pass a Sentient Beings Proclamation officially recognizing
farm animals as beings capable of feeling suffering and pain. Mark's efforts
resulted in three towns drafting proclamations: Cedar Grove, Newark, and
Montclair, NJ! His efforts also established a precedent for other New
Jersey towns to hop on the compassion band-wagon.
Mark
has also organized numerous tabling events in the Montclair area, as well
as hosting radio and cable TV shows where Farm Sanctuary staff members
have been able to speak out and raise awareness about farm animal suffering.
Farm
Sanctuary was honored to have Mark speak at our 2003 Farm Animal Forum
activist training conference. Participants learned from Mark's vast experience
about the "how to's" of grassroots activism. He is an inspiration
to us all...providing an example of all that one dedicated person can
accomplish for farm animals. Thank you, Mark, for your drive, initiative
and commitment, and all that you have achieved.
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!