one Publicly pledge to live vegan
two Refuse to stay or remain where animals are exploited, sold or consumed
three Encourage others to take
the pledge
WHAT
Often when dining with others, we are forced to confront a disturbing reality: the corpse of a victim of violence on the dinner table. Now, the time is right to band together and push back against normalized violence in society with The Liberation Pledge.
Pledge to show respect for victims of human industry, to demonstrate opposition to a brutal system, and to push all those around us to build a more peaceful world by refusing to eat animals -- or sit at a table where a victim's body is being consumed.
Be proud of this conviction -- be open, honest and outright.
Take The Liberation Pledge to not only promise to live vegan, but to demonstrate formal opposition to the brutal system of violent exploitation against animals.
Wear a fork bracelet as a symbol of this pledge, to encourage conversation and to show support for others who have taken it as well.
Take the Liberation Pledge now.
WHY
It's no secret the commoditization of animals is inherently violent, even when animal industry uses intentionally misleading messages touting themselves as ethical and humane.
Animal rights groups have investigated some of the most celebrated farms in the world, certified humane suppliers of animals bodies, and found unimaginable cruelty and wanton mutilation, disease, torture and violence.
While animal industry claims concern for animal welfare, we know the truth: eating animal products requires violence against animals and results in physical and psychological terror and death.
To show this truth to the world, however, we have to make a public stand and create social norms that contend animals are not ours to use.
Refusing to sit where the bodies of victims lie and publicly displaying your commitment with a fork bracelet, is a powerful way to do this.
ORIGINS
The Pledge was started in 2015 by organizers with Direct Action Everywhere inspired by the historical campaign against foot binding in China.
Education, lobbying, and countless other methods made no traction in stopping what was, like eating animals today, considered a “traditional” practice.
But in 1890 campaigners found the magic solution. They created a public pledge where families could group together and promise to:
• never bind their daughters' feet; and
• refuse to allow their sons to marry
women with bound feet.
These pledges, while initially difficult, grew like wildfire and, after 1000 years of suffering, completely ended the practice of foot binding.
We can do the same for animals by refusing to participate in violent practices, but also refusing to accept violent practices in our community.
WHAT'S THE FORK?
Many taking the Liberation Pledge also make and wear a fork bracelet -- a fork bent to fit around a wrist.
By bending a fork into a symbol of nonviolence, we reclaim a tool that is, indirectly, the single tool most responsible for the immense suffering and unsurvivable violence inflicted on animals.
Many taking the LiberationPledge also make and wear a fork bracelet -- a bracelet made from a fork bent to fit around a wrist.
Why the fork? By bending a fork into a symbol of nonviolence -- we reclaim a tool that is indirectly, the single item most responsible for the immense suffering and unimaginable deaths animals endure. Effectively, we aim to beat swords into plowshares.
Want to make your own? See our resources section.
GETTING STARTED
- Take the Liberation Pledge.
- Make a fork bracelet.
- Talk to friends or family members who might be used to eating animals around you and request they abstain or make plans to see them another time.
- Suggest alternatives. Prepare a vegan meal or recommend a fully vegan venue. Offer to help by hosting, cooking or planning.
- Share The Liberation Pledge.
- Seek out community support on our secure signal group.
RESOURCES
New to navigating The Liberation Pledge? Here are some suggestions that may help.
1 - Declare your boundaries. Emphasize your absolute and unbending resolve to denounce violent exploitation in defense of animals locked in conflict with human activity.
2 - Offer an alternative meal or program. Recommend preparing animal-free meals, visiting vegan restaurants or enjoying entertainment activities which do not exploit animals.
3 - Suggest an alternative engagement. If the hosts insist on eating animal products, or attending an animal exploitation activity, discuss joining them for a different meal or activity at vegan venues on another date.
4 - Make the first invitation. Movies, games, happy hours, and other activities offer day-to-day alternatives to social meals, and you can arrange separate gatherings not involving animal products.
5 - Make the request about you. They don't have to understand veganism, only that it is your practice. By emphasizing these are your boundaries, you can make the request about consideration for you and not animals who they may struggle to understand as conscious individuals.
6 - Consider attending, but request to be informed when products of animal violence are in the air, on display or consumed. Be prepared to leave and cite The Liberation Pledge as your reason.
If anyone asks, you might say, “If your loved ones had been killed and were laid on the table, you might understandably create a dramatic scene. However, I know how difficult it is for most people to respect animals they will never know as individuals worthy of care. So, for this reason, I am simply peacefully removing myself as a formal protest. This is to protect me from feeling negligent in my duty to defend animals while signalling my strong dissent against subjugation and violence.”
MAKING A LIBERATION BAND
Making a liberation band by yourself is simple and requires only a few basic tools. Forks can be sharp, so make sure you handle them with care.
1 - Find a fork. A cheaper, flimsier fork is best. You'll want something easy to bend.
2 - Find some tools. You'll want two pairs of pliers. In a pinch, an adjustable wrench/spanner could work.
3 - Bend like hell. With a pair of pliers carefully gripping either end, bend the fork into a bracelet.
SAMPLE ANNOUNCEMENT
“As many of you know, I am dedicated to eradicating animal exploitation through my practice of veganism. I've decided in order to truly live my beliefs, I will fully respect animals as a conscientious objector by refusing to stay or remain in tacit consent while others order and consume the products of violence against them. If you want a longer explanation The Liberation Pledge website details more on why I've taken this step to defend animals from unnecessary suffering.”
HELP
I am struggling. Where can I get support?
The Liberation Pledge has a private encrypted signal group of people willing to listen, discuss, and give advice.
Read what others have to say about their experience with The Liberation Pledge
Additionally, we are looking forward to hearing from you. info「Ⓐ」theliberationpledge.com
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