Ever wonder what it would be like to volunteer with Mercy For Animals as a campaign assistant? We interviewed Rachel Curit, who’s been working hard for the animals in our L.A. office for the last three months, and asked her to give us the scoop.
In addition to her work with Mercy For Animals, in her spare time Rachel runs The Vegan Mishmash, a blog that aims to share her favorite foods, cookbooks, and everything else vegan!
Whether she’s hosting Paid-Per-View events on college campuses, leafleting, or helping us around the office, Rachel proves herself time and again to be an incredible and dedicated animal activist.
What first inspired you to become a vegan?
I had been vegetarian for almost 12 years before I started researching the treatment of animals in factory farms. When I learned how egg-laying hens and dairy cows were being treated, it was clear to me that I had to go vegan. Two years ago, I finally made the switch.
What is your favorite vegan/animal rights resource?
Colleen Patrick-Goudreau’s podcast Food for Thought is a great resource for people just starting out. She talks about everything from how to eat on a budget to how the animals are treated to how to be authentic and compassionate with people who are still eating meat. I think it would’ve taken me longer to become vegan without her.
Why did you choose to volunteer with MFA?
Mercy For Animals has always been one of my favorite animal rights organizations. I love the focus on farmed animals and when I found out that there were volunteer opportunities, I knew I had to apply.
What is your favorite food?
Why are you making me choose? Okay, if I had to pick I would say pineapple yellow curry with fried tofu. However, I also love chocolate cake and vegan macaroni and cheese, among other things.
What are your most memorable experiences volunteering with MFA?
The Paid-Per-Views definitely have created a lot of memorable experiences for me. I love having the opportunity to talk to someone who has just learned the truth about meat. They are usually shocked by what they’ve just seen and have great questions for me. It gives me hope that the world is changing for the better.
What is the key to your success as an activist?
Trying to stay positive and laughing when people are negative has definitely contributed to my success as an activist. When I’m smiling and laughing, people are always more receptive.
