Taking Action for Animals conference, 2011

This weekend, I’ll once again be participating in what has become one of my favorite events of the year, the Taking Action for Animals Conference in Washington, D.C., hosted and organized by the Humane Society of the United States. People from all over the country come together to learn, to share their own efforts and inspirations, and to celebrate the victories on behalf of the animals for the past year.

For me, the fun starts on Friday night with the Pro Bono Litigation Awards, a cocktail reception to honor all the attorneys and law firms who give their time, energy, and expertise to help animals throughout the year.

One thing that’s really cool about the conference is that it organizes sessions along different “tracks” that coincide with different interests that the 1000+ attendees may have as their personal focus:

• Building Skills (campaigns and strategies for advocacy)
• Learning the Issues (from puppy mills to factory farming)
• Public Policy (attorneys, lobbyists)
• Reaching Out (media, grassroots)

In between sessions, there are wonderful vegan snacks and lunches to enjoy while mingling with people from all over the country, not to mention the swanky dress-up banquet on Saturday night that features a lavish dinner (vegan), top-notch entertainment, and an inspiring talk by CEO & President of the HSUS, Wayne Pacelle.

Letters To Pushkin at last year's TAFA

In addition, my husband Seth and I keep extra-busy because we are both attendees and exhibitors at the conference, through Letters to Pushkin. For the second year in a row, we will be at our table in the Exhibit Hall helping to spread the word about LTP, a free web site that gives people the opportunity to use letter-writing as a means of coping with the loss of a loved one.

Inspired by my own grieving process after the loss of our beagle Pushkin, I wanted to honor the memory of Pushkin by creating a place of comfort and healing for others. The collection of shared letters also serves as a testament to the special role companion animals have in our homes as members of our family: since its creation in September 2009, more than 125 letters have been shared publicly on the site — to dogs, cats, fish, rabbits, horses… and human family members, too. And the LTP facebook page has more than 5100 fans!  Needless to say, I’m very grateful that such good can come out of what was a devastating loss for me and my family. It warms my heart whenever someone comes up to me and says Pushkin’s name aloud. And I always hope that somehow the spirit that came to me in a little beagle body knows what’s happening, and is smiling.

The conference culminates each year with  ”Lobby Day” on  Monday, and many of the attendees stick around to participate, getting the chance to meet with their own state representatives on Capitol Hill to talk about animal welfare issues.

In sum, it’s a very empowering event. I’m inspired when I hear what my TAFA friends have been up to since the last time we got together, and we leave the conference recharged for another year of giving our voice to the voiceless. Each year brings progress, along with the continued call to action for us all.

And — once again  – kudos to the Washington Marriott Wardman Park, for the feather-free (cruelty-free!) rooms.

Catch the TAFA fever this weekend by following on Twitter!
Look for #TAFA11, or follow @letterspushkin for the scoop.

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