Only 16 years old, Riley
Howard is already a rock star for the animals. A vegetarian for most of her
life, she became vegan in 2012, after learning about the horrific ways that
animals are treated before they reach our plates.
Riley started an animal
rights club at her school last year, and earlier this year interned at the MFA office in Chicago. Most recently she won
the Spring Student Activist Award from VegYouth and is returning to intern for MFA
again later this year in our LA office.
We caught
up with Riley to learn more about her incredible journey:
What inspired you to go vegan?
My
sister, Hayley, has been the biggest inspiration for me. She exposed me to
videos, documentaries, and vegan literature, which completely changed the way I
thought about the meat and dairy industry.
Why do you volunteer your time to help
farmed animals?
For
me, being vegan isn’t enough. With the knowledge that every day,
countless farmed animals are slaughtered for the sake of our diets, and most
Americans are simply unaware, I know I need to help. It’s important to
volunteer and advocate for the animals, because without people like me, their
suffering would continue, unheard.
Tell us about your work with VegYouth and
the award you just won.
I
started the Animal Rights Club at my school in August of 2014 and joined
VegYouth in January of 2015. VegYouth has opened up a whole community of
like-minded vegans who inspire and challenge me every day to
work my hardest for the animals. I am so honored that I won the Spring Student Activist Award. Right now, I’m
thinking of using the money I won to invite vegan advocates to come and speak
to the students and faculty at my school.
What is your favorite food?
Vegan
sushi!
Can you offer any insight for others
interested in becoming involved with animal rights activism?
Although
activism can seem a little intimidating at first, don’t be hesitant. It’s one
of the best ways to help animals and is so fulfilling because you know what you
are doing is truly helping.
Animal
rights activism is so versatile; there are so many different ways you can
contribute to the cause. You can start or join a
club, host documentary or paid-per-view
screenings, hand out fliers, and so much more; the opportunities are
endless! Start small and work your way up, and eventually you’ll be a great
activist.
What is your favorite thing about
interning with MFA and what would you say to someone thinking about doing it?
The
best parts about interning with MFA were the people and community. They opened
up a whole world that I wouldn’t be a part of otherwise.
For
anyone thinking about interning, it is a great experience and you will not
regret it. MFA showed me the essentials of effective activism, and gave me the
resources to take everything I learned back to my hometown and school. I am so
grateful for my internship with MFA and I know I will continue to work with
them in the future.
Is there anything you would like to add?
I’ve
learned that one of the best ways to advocate for animals is to be a walking,
talking advertisement for veganism. I try to keep myself healthy and happy to
show others that veganism is truly the best lifestyle. Friends and family are
more likely to make the switch if they know a vegan who isn’t having any
trouble. That being said, we’re all human, so don’t stress out trying to be
perfect, just be the best you possible.
Interested
in becoming an intern with MFA? Click here to apply.