Brian Pietrzycki is an outstanding MFA outreach coordinator who spearheads all leafleting events in the great city of Chicago. Since getting active last year, he has been responsible for the distribution of thousands of leaflets, marched in several parades, and persuaded hundreds of people to watch the powerful four-minute edit of MFA’s documentary Farm to Fridge. Brian has also exhibited at some of the city’s largest festivals and trained up-and-coming animal advocates.
Brian is known for his friendly demeanor and always having a smile on his face. We recently caught up with Brian to find out about this rock star activist’s future plans and his experience with MFA.
What first inspired you to become a vegan?
I’ve always been an animal lover so the notion of eating animals was an uncomfortable one for me. I never saw the difference between the cat who cuddled on my lap and the cow who ended up on people’s plates. Ditching meat was easy. Upon discovering the cruelties inherent in both the egg and dairy industries, I bid a long-overdue farewell to all animal products and have been a happy and healthy vegan ever since.
Why did you choose to volunteer with MFA?
MFA kind of chose me! After going vegan, I had a sense of urgency concerning my desire to get active in animal protection. I knew that if more people were made aware of the suffering endured on modern farms like I was, many would choose not to support those industries any longer. Fortuitously right around that time, I ran into an MFA leafleter one day on the street who put me in touch with Mikael Nielsen, MFA’s national volunteer coordinator. A couple of weeks later, I was leafleting myself.
What do you like most about volunteering with MFA?
I find it extremely inspiring knowing that through something as simple as handing out a leaflet I am potentially changing someone’s entire worldview, helping to make a shift towards a more compassionate future. Every day we do outreach I am reminded that what we are doing makes a difference. Here in Chicago, we have some of the most dedicated and brilliant advocates! Through volunteering, I’ve been fortunate to meet some truly incredible people who’ve become some of my dearest friends.
What memorable experiences have you had since you started volunteering with MFA?
Countless ones! Almost every time I do outreach, I encounter others who are inspired to make changes in their life as a result of the information provided. Just recently, I had an amazing interaction with a professional bodybuilder. He stopped to talk, mentioning how a lot of his friends were trying plant-based diets and excelling in their performance as a result. After a really good conversation, we parted with his declaration that he was going vegetarian that day and planned to transition to vegan within the month. Inspiring stuff!
What is your favorite food?
Chicago has some of the best veg-friendly restaurants anywhere, and I love pretty much all of them. I still enjoy all the foods I loved before I went vegan: burgers, pizza, tacos, etc. There are plant-based varieties of practically everything.
Favorite quote?
“There is not enough darkness in all the world to put out the light of even one small candle” – Robert Alden
What’s next for you?
With the summer coming up, Team Chicago is going to be out there in full force with our message of compassion, inspiring change, and helping to create a kinder future for all animals. I can’t wait to get started!
