Get Active for Animals!

There are loads of fun and interesting ways to get the cruelty-free message out there. Here are just a few ideas for activities on campus or in the local area...
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Got a bright idea for an activity or event? Tell us!
Still stuck for what to do? Take a peek at what others are up to, in events around the country. Whatever you decide to do, remember two important things: keep it legal and HAVE FUN!

Set up a SAAC group How?
Getting other people involved in your activities can make them so much more fun (not to mention easier!), so if there's not already a group at your uni why not set one up!
Have a stall in your union or somewhere on campus How?
Stalls are a great way to engage with people. It could be information on a specific subject such as vivisection, a food stall, or general animal rights/vegetarianism.
Do regular leafleting sessions for your favourite organisations
This could be on campus (you will need to check university regulations) or in the town centre. Door to door leafleting is also very effective.
You could combine the leafleting with a mini-demo, making sure it is eye-catching; hire a costume or paint yourself!
Be careful not to get the group into trouble with this one, but randomly leaving leaflets around campus is good, also on trains etc. If the group becomes established, you know your stuff and have cash, why not make your own leaflets?
Spread the word about Humane Education
Loads of biology, medical and other health sciences students (and staff) don't really want to harm animals for their studies but don't know of any other way. InterNICHE can show you what to do instead.
Campaign against vivisection at your university How?
Does your university carry out animal experiments? Start a campaign for ethical science and tell people what really goes on behind locked doors.
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Organise a veggie/vegan food fayre or cruelty-free festival How?
Perhaps tied to a seasonal theme like Christmas or Easter, or just a general 'look how fun vegetarian food is' fayre.
Have a cruelty-free fashion show
This could be a lot of fun, and could include cruelty-free cosmetics, faux leather etc
Organise a debate How?
There are some issues, such as vivisection, that everyone seems to have an opinion on, regardless of what side of the fence they sit. Specialists advocating both sides are willing to participate or you could use students from your university. The Vegan Society even offer specialist debating team volunteers to help you get stuck in!
Invite a speaker to your college or uni
Inviting a specialist to speak at your meeting/class/event can really get people thinking and stimulate discussion. Several organisations will provide speakers, usually for free or very minimal expenses. For example: ask a scientist from Europeans for Medical Progress to give a talk on the human cost of vivisection; invite an Animal Aid school speaker to give a talk or cookery demonstration; or for those interested in the biological or health sciences, InterNICHE can give fascinating demonstrations of alternatives to harmful animal use in education.
Get better provision of veggie food in the campus shops and eateries
Not happy with the veggie/vegan options on the menu and in the shop? Make your voice heard! Arrange a meeting with the manager and maybe even take along a petition. Don't seem too aggressive as you'll want to appear frustrated but diplomatic, as this gets the best results. They'll need to see you're adults with a lifestyle choice, rather than a kid who will grow out of 'this phase'! The Vegan Society do an information guide for caterers which you could take with you to help explain what can be done.
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Get more compassionate products sold in campus shops
Most leading brands of cosmetics, toiletries and household cleaning products are tested on animals. Persuade the shops to replace them with cruelty-free options.
Do the shops sell battery eggs or factory farmed meat? Get them to stock scrummy vegan options instead.
Try submitting a motion to the student council; You might even find that the union already has a policy regarding animal tested products or factory farming, and it just needs to be implemented.
Choose a cruelty-free lifestyle
Minimise the amount of suffering you cause by simple lifestyle changes, such as avoiding animal products in food, clothing and other consumables, and choosing toiletries, cosmetics & household products which haven't been tested on animals.
Hire out your union bar and have a party
This could even be fancy dress with an animal theme. Make it seem as 'normal' as possible but with the underlying cause throughout.
Have a raffle
Raffles raise money for your own group or a national/local charity, plus it is a good opportunity to get people using cruelty-free goods.
Host a dinner party
For members of your group and any curious friends. Either rotate the honours or get everybody to bring a contribution.
Go for a meal
Try your nearest veg restaurant, or a pizza parlour like Pizza Express (whose base is vegan) and take your own vegan melting cheese.
Put posters up around campus (if you are allowed)
Let your fellow students know that it's Veggie Month, advertise your group, whatever, just get the word out there where all can see it.
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