Member Reviews
Striking at the Roots: A Practical Guide to Animal Activism 10th Anniversary Edition - New Tactics, New Technology by Mark Hawthorne is, as you might expect from the title, an updated book about how things have changed and how we can continue to help. The book references changes from the last 10 years including the rise of social media, which is now a key part of any campaign. The book brings together the most effective tactics for speaking out for animal rights. Activists from around the globe explain why their models of activism have been successful - and how you can become involved. Concise and full of practical examples and resources, this manual for success demonstrates how many of the world's most engaged activists effectively speak to the public, lobby policymakers, and deal with law enforcement - all while keeping their eyes on the prize of achieving victories for animals. This book will empower you to make the most of your skills. From simple leafleting to taking direct action, each chapter clearly explains where to begin, what to expect, and how to ensure your message is heard.
Striking at the Roots is a resource for learning about what other animal activists have done, and how you might be able to step forward and take action as well. I like that the book covers a wide and varied number of activist actions. There is something here from just about every personality type- for the outgoing activists there are things like manning an information table protesting, or handing out leaflets and for the more introverted there is the use of social media, writing letters, and other less social possibilities. I loved reading about the animal sanctuaries, the stories of what some have done to help, and suggestions as to how readers can get involved. I also liked the mention of how activists should be cautious with the articles and news they share, making sure of its accuracy before sharing and using its information as a source. Too many people on all sides of all issues look to see if something supports their world view rather than taking the time to see if it is factual. I will say that I like that the book offers suggestions for going vegan, and many suggestions for convincing others to do the same. It is a little heavy handed on the topic on occasion, but that is not expected given the topic of the book. There are some methods listed in the book that I fully endorse (such as using the legal system and rescues to help create change) and some that I worry about (such as stealing lobsters or livestock from private property in order to liberate them). I highly suggest readers consider their personal strength, goals, and future to decide how they can do the most good. I found the final chapter, about taking care of yourself so that you can keep going, and the appendixes of extra information to be very useful and will greatly assist readers when are deciding what they are going to do, and how to do it effectively and safely
Striking at the Roots is not a fun or comfortable read. However it is a very useful tool and resource for those determined to make a difference on behalf of animals. If you are looking for ideas, tools, and information about changes you can make and how you can encourage others to make changes as well then I would recommend this book.
A powerful and inspiring read. It will not only help me with my teaching of religion and animal rights, but on a personal level it really made me feel supported.
"Striking at the Roots: A Practical Guide to Animal Activism" by Mark Hawthorne is the definitive guide to activism for those seeking information on how to be effective in their protest in many different modalities. As a vegan and life long animal advocate I was thrilled to receive this book for review. Thank you to Net Galley and to the publisher. My opinion is my own.
"Striking at the Roots" is written for animal activists. This is the 10th anniversary edition re released with 100 pages of how to advocate and use social media to be effective. it would be useful for people fighting for any kind of social change to use as a guidebook. I also recommend it for people who want an introduction to animal issues and are not sure where to start to be effective.
The author has covered successful campaigns of many activist and included their guides to a successful advocacy. Included are leafleting and tabling, writing (articles, letters, op-eds etc), to protests and demonstrations, food fairs, and corporate campaigning, direct action, lobbying in detail. Whether you are new into animal activism, or already a educated activist, there is something here that is helpful .
This is a definitive guide to animal activism . I highly recommend this book for both beginners and those seeking to add to their advocacy.
I'd never read the original version of this book, but I was very interested when I saw the updated version available. Having been vegetarian since I was a preteen and more recently vegan, this book speaks to my heart. Striking at the Roots is a perfect resource for anyone interested in getting involved (or getting more involved) in animal activism and covers various levels of action, providing multiple ways to get involved in whatever way the reader desires.
Thank you to John Hunt Publishing Ltd and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this information book in exchange for my honest review.
With incidences of animal cruelty being at a four-year high last year as reported by the RSPCA with some truly shocking examples, we owe it to defenceless animals to try to prevent these occurrences in the first place by making the possibility and length of incarceration a deterrent to those who carry out such horrifying attacks. In my opinion, these attacks are tantamount to preying on the vulnerable within society and reflect the moral bankruptcy of such individuals. With the extent and frequency of animal cruelty, it is now a fantastic time to update the animal activists bible Striking at the Roots for a new generation.
Originally published in 2007, this is the 10th-anniversary addition and adds over 100 pages to the previous incarnation with a focus on important developments from those intervening ten years, especially the rise of social media. Over 100 animal activists discuss the models of activism that work best for advancing animal rights and animal welfare. It explores leafleting, writing, tabling, protesting, corporate campaigning, legislation, lobbying, multimedia, direct action, and using vegan food as outreach. This is an in-depth guide which encompasses all a person would need to know should they wish to campaign on animal rights. It explores how to get started and make sure your messages are received loud and clear. By far the most definitive guide on activism on the market. Add to that the excellent organisation of the information and you've got yourself a superb resource.
Many thanks to Changemakers Books for an ARC.
The original version of Striking at the Roots: A Practical Guide to Animal Activism was published in 2008, and now ten years later comes a majorly revised version, incorporating social media and other newer resources to this awesome book.
Each chapter follows a clearly accessible pattern: a way to make a change, examples of how it can be successful, efficient ways of working, and different ways you can help. From leafleting and tabling, writing (articles, letters, op-eds etc), to protests and demonstrations, food fairs, and corporate campaigning, direct action, lobbying, and beyond: everything is covered in detail. Whether you are newly into animal activism, or already a seasoned activist, there is something to help everyone in this book.
There are so many helpful parts in this book: it really is a hugely important guidebook to those interested in delving deeper into animal activism, and activism in general. I really like that it covers literally everything from leafleting to possible incarceration and how to deal with it, and also contains a chapter on activist self-care, which is so important. There are also several appendices at the end which provide tons of information on how things are changing thanks to the continued hard work of activists around the world, steps each of us can easily take to make a changes, and also important facts for activists in different countries (laws, what to do if arrested etc).
I love the whole concept that changing just one person’s mind can make a huge difference, a kind of ripple effect so to speak. I did it at home by serving up vegan dishes to my other half, a professional cook and meat lover. It made him realize how much further we could go in terms of providing delicious options to counter meat dishes in restaurants. If we all do this type of work we can collectively make real change.
This book is so easy to read and so helpful – I already know a few people that I want to get it for as a Christmas gift. I have taken so many notes while writing this book, with ideas for blog articles, op-eds, as well as challenges to do with the family at home, and I think that many people will appreciate it in the same way as I did. I love how accessible it is too, there really is something for everyone inside it.