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Featured Activist!

During the 1980s, when many people were learning how to crimp their hair and look stylish in leg warmers, Jane Shakman chose to latch on to a more lasting trend-treating all sentient beings with compassion and choosing a vegetarian lifestyle. In 2003, Jane went one step further and went vegan when she volunteered at Farm Sanctuary's Farm Animal Forum. "It was the first time I was surrounded by people who felt the way I did about animals," remarks Jane, who was also profoundly moved by the conference's inspiring and passionate speakers and the heartbreaking film Life Behind Bars. Invigorated by all that had transpired at the Forum, Jane knew she could do more for animals on a daily basis by being vegan and getting active.

While some people begin their mornings by reading the paper for weather and sports updates, Jane watches out for animal-related news items she can respond to. Jane ensures that the animals have a voice in news media by submitting countless letters to the editor, many of which have been published in major publications like the New York Times, the Sunday New York Times Magazine, the New York Post, New York Daily News, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, and Christian Science Monitor.

Besides using the almighty pen to help animals, Jane also uses her weekly spot on a New York public access channel to educate her community about the plight of animals. The show, called "Undercover T.V.," often features videos and exposés, including Farm Sanctuary's videos, that are intended to motivate viewers to embrace a more compassionate lifestyle. Harnessing the power of news media to open hearts and minds, Jane also volunteered at the New York City premier of the acclaimed documentary Peaceable Kingdom, and helped to educate hundreds about Farm Sanctuary's rescue efforts.

This positive and energetic activist also leaflets at colleges in her area, sends emails to legislators, tables at festivals, participates in demonstrations, and even assists our humane educator Carol Moon in the classroom when she can! Her latest advocacy goal is to create a monthly program on public access that features companion animals in desperate need of adoption and helps them find the loving homes they deserve.

Enough thanks and praise cannot be extended to this talented, ambitious and most of all compassionate advocate. Thank you, Jane, for showing us that one person can make a huge difference by setting aside just a few minutes each day to help farm animals.

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!