Ever wonder what it would be like to intern with Mercy For Animals? We interviewed Julie Rothman, who recently completed an internship at our Los Angeles office, and asked her to give us the scoop.
A native Bostonian, Julie adopted a vegetarian diet after realizing that cows, pigs, chickens, and other farmed animals deserve respect and compassion just like the cats and dogs with whom we share our lives. She interned at MFA’s Dallas office before heading to California to assist with outreach and fundraising at MFA’s new Los Angeles headquarters.
What first inspired you to become a vegan?
In college, I came across information about the cruelties of the egg and dairy industries. It shocked me to learn that male chicks are commonly thrown into grinders because they’re useless to the egg industry. The more I learned about the suffering of farmed animals, the more motivated I became to distance myself from these inhumane industries.
What is your favorite vegan/animal rights resource?
One of my favorite books is Thanking the Monkey: Rethinking the Way We Treat Animals by Karen Dawn. It’s beautifully illustrated and provides a very readable overview of factory farming along with other important issues affecting animals. Also, I love to travel and definitely rely on VegGuide.org for finding local veg-friendly restaurants and stores.
Why did you choose to intern with MFA?
What’s not to love about Mercy For Animals?! I was especially impressed by MFA’s focus on farmed animal advocacy and the friendly, results-driven approach to helping animals.
What did you like most about interning with MFA?
Everything – the whole experience was amazing! I enjoyed handing out booklets at Los Angeles’ bustling Union Station. It was rewarding to hear from people who were motivated to adopt a vegetarian diet after reading MFA’s literature. I also loved working as a development intern and acknowledging the people who make MFA’s lifesaving work possible.
What is the key to your success as an activist?
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the scope of suffering and injustice in the world. At the same time, I’ve found that it’s impossible to open people’s hearts and minds when activism comes from a place of anger. I try to add humor to my life and focus on the potential for change, so I can act from a more joyful and hopeful place.
Can you offer any insight for others interested in becoming involved with animal rights activism?
Getting involved with a local animal advocacy group like MFA is the easiest way to meet like-minded people and learn about effective animal advocacy. MFA’s online Action Center also has so many useful tips on making a difference for farmed animals – no matter where you live!
Inspired? Click here to learn about MFA’s internship program and apply today for an exciting internship in sunny Los Angeles!
Photos courtesy of Sylvia Elzafon.
