This morning, I participated in a large activism event.
Over 10,000 people were on hand for a 5 mile walk. Everyone was wearing T-shirts and there were signs. There was a large police presence, but no police brutality was in evidence.
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It was the annual Walk for Animals, put on by the Animal Humane Society here in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. Everyone had their pet with them on the walk. There were more dogs than other pets, but I also saw cats, birds, and even a couple of ferrets being walked by their owners. Many of the pets, like my dog, Dude, were rescued from shelters run by that organization or from other shelters in the area. Like similar organizations across the country, the AHS sponsors spay and neuter clinics, shelters animals of all kinds, and encourages people to adopt shelter dogs to save their lives.
It's not "political" activism, but the sheer numbers of people who participate in this event each year draws media attention to the issues of abandoned animals, and raises large amounts to keep such programs running. It's a good model for any activist organization, and is very effective in getting attention and getting the message out.
I met many very friendly people and many very very dogs during this event. Dude got petted by more people than he could believe. I only wish that political activism got such large turnouts. Maybe we're doing it wrong?
