Get Involved

Tools and Resources

Tips for Effective Leafleting

Leafleting is a simple way to educate thousands of people on a variety of issues — from the cruelties of veal production to reasons to go vegan. Handing out literature and having one-on-one conversations with individuals in our communities are inexpensive yet powerful ways to influence people to lead more compassionate lives. Countless Americans are unaware of the cruelties farm animals experience on modern-day farms, at stockyards, and in slaughterhouses. Once they become aware of these cruelties, most people are appalled, and many are willing to change their lifestyles to help end the suffering of farm animals. The knowledge one leaflet can provide has the power to change a life forever.

A compassionate world begins with you. Leafleting is a great first step!

Go where the people are
Consider the high foot traffic areas that are in your community: retail districts, dining hotspots, entertainment venues, public transportation hotspots. In general, you can leaflet in public spaces but not on private property without the express permission of the property owner. If you are not sure if a particular location is open for leafleting, call your mayor’s office or local police station and ask.

Stick with one leaflet
It keeps things simple and your message focused to stick to one leaflet. Farm Sanctuary produces many different leaflets to help advocates educate people in their communities. Please click here to see our current literature selection. If you want to distribute a number of different pieces, consider setting up a table. You can experiment with a variety of leaflets to see what resonates most with you or your community.

Be friendly and approachable
Approach people with a smile and a simple question, such as, “Would you like a free recipe guide?” or a friendly statement like, "20 reasons to go veg for life.” Hand the leaflet directly to them as if they have already agreed to take it. Make eye contact, smile, thank them, and move on to the next person — unless, of course, they would like to know more. When you are polite and outgoing, people will be more likely to slow down and consider your leaflet. It also helps to dress appropriately for your audience. Our goal is for our message to be considered mainstream; so it is best to look the part.

Stay positive and on message
Keep discussions to a minimum. Don’t dwell on negative comments or be lured into an off-topic debate. Not everyone is ready to accept the truth behind factory farming the first (or second, or third) time they hear about it. If people want to get more involved, have them contact Farm Sanctuary and invite them to join you the next time you leaflet.

Make the best use of your time
Spend as much, or as little, time leafleting as you have. Fifteen minutes out of your lunch hour once a week is the same as spending an hour on the weekend once a month. You can also incorporate leafleting into your other activities, like waiting for the bus or visiting your community shopping or dining district. Also remember that the first leaflet you hand out is the most difficult — it will get easier with the second leaflet, third, etc

You don’t need to be an expert on factory farming to leaflet, although you may want to read up on factory farming issues before you start.

Not yet a member of our Advocacy Campaign Team? Join today!

To obtain Farm Sanctuary literature for your leafleting, or if you'd like additional information, please call 607-583-2225 ext. 229 or
e-mail activist@farmsanctuary.org.