COK Talks with Alyson Powers

In the heart of Iowa, the nation's top pork- and egg-producing state, Alyson Powers has single-handedly transformed the University of Iowa into a hotbed of vegetarian outreach. A determined animal activist and one of COK's most dedicated volunteers, Alyson epitomizes the idea that one person truly can make a difference.

Q. How did you become aware of animal advocacy issues?

A. During graduate school, I volunteered at a wildlife sanctuary helping rescue and rehabilitate abused and injured animals. One day after returning home from the sanctuary, I prepared a chicken dinner and realized the incredible contradiction in my compassion for the birds at the sanctuary and my disregard for the bird on my plate. After making that connection, I became a vegetarian.

Q. What led you to focus your efforts on farm animals?

A. I was aware of advocacy efforts on behalf of wildlife and companion animals, but it was more challenging to find voices for farm animals. The rationale that animal advocates should concentrate on farm animals due to the sheer number being raised and killed annually made sense to me, so I decided to focus my efforts on reducing their suffering.

Q. When and why did you form the Farm Animal Welfare Network (FAWN)?

A. I established FAWN at the University of Iowa in spring 2004. I thought that in addition to leafleting, starting a student organization dedicated to public education about farm animal issues would effectively mobilize others to help. We've mirrored our campus outreach on COK's activism strategies—placing ads in student newspapers and on campus buses to reach a targeted audience, leafleting vegetarian starter guides, submitting videos to public access TV stations, setting up library displays, and more.

Q. What are some of the most effective ways individuals can make a difference for animals?

A. For those who want to make the world a better place for animals, there is nothing more effective than translating this conviction into action at every meal. If people are saddened by dolphins in far-away oceans being harmed or primates suffering in unseen research labs, we can take indirect steps to speak out against these tragedies. But there is nothing as concrete as making a difference closer to home simply by boycotting animal cruelty in our daily food choices.

For those of us who are already vegan, we need to lead by example to show others that we are healthy and friendly people who engage in calm and rational discussions about important animal issues.

Q. Can you share with us some of your most successful efforts for farm animals?

A. Although it's not as grandiose as planning a big event or coordinating a campaign, I feel that the most effective (and most fun) way to help farm animals is by hosting information tables on factory farming and vegetarian eating, as well as leafleting on campus. We reach scores of people in a short amount of time and with minimal effort—definitely one of the most "bang for your buck" types of activism.

Q. What advice do you have for individuals eager to become more active for animals?

A. When I feel overwhelmed by the amount of suffering farm animals face, I find motivation in reminding myself that I have the choice between sitting at home, feeling sad and angry, or turning that energy into positive action that exposes people to what happens on factory farms. The pro-vegetarian materials I help distribute on campus have planted a seed. Although not everyone will be receptive to the message, I know that I'm making a difference for animals.

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