Volunteer Spotlight: Ali Pester

photo2 (2).jpg

Mercy For Animals Canada is lucky to have hundreds of dedicated and compassionate volunteers across the country! 

One volunteer who stood out for her efforts this month is Ali Pester. Ali studied human rights and transnational law at Carleton University in Ottawa and has just been accepted at Osgoode Hall Law School at York University in Toronto. In addition to being a student, Ali is a devoted advocate for animals and regularly takes part in Mercy For Animals Canada volunteer initiatives.

We recently spoke with Ali to learn more about her passion for animal protection.

Q: What first inspired you to become a vegan? 

A: I went vegetarian in high school mainly because I knew I cared about animals, though I had no real knowledge about the extent of their suffering on factory farms at the time. As I began to learn more about why people go vegetarian and to justify it to myself, I started to read the websites of animal rights organizations, and I saw Earthlings during my first month living away at university. I went vegan while watching Earthlings and I’ve never gone back. All it took was learning the realities that animals face in modern farming for me to decide that it was not something that I could rationally contribute to.

Q: What are some of your favourite foods?

A: I love curries, veggie burgers, and stir-fries, but my favourite lazy vegan product is Amy’s roasted vegetable pizza. I also have many favourites from veg restaurants in my city and around North America. Specifically, I’d say anything from Auntie Loo’s bakery here in Ottawa, and anything from Hogtown Vegan in Toronto are favourites as well. 

Q: Why did you choose to volunteer with MFA Canada? 

A: I’ve been following the work of Mercy For Animals in the U.S. since I first went vegan and I have spent the last few years involved in other organizations based in the U.S., such as Vegan Outreach and The Humane League. While I am still involved in these organizations, I had been waiting for an organization to come to Canada that is as effective and whose work I enjoy taking part in as much as these organizations and MFA in the States. When I found out that MFA Canada was starting, it was obvious to me that I would become involved with them. I’m so grateful for the work they are doing in this country and I think that the organization is going to continue to make huge change for farmed animals in Canada.

Q: What do you like most about volunteering with MFA Canada? 

A: First of all, I’m incredibly proud of the work that they do. These groundbreaking investigations into factory farms have really opened people’s eyes to the fact that these abuses that we are learning run rampant in modern farms in the United States are happening in our own backyard as well. I also like volunteering with MFA Canada because the organization gets results and makes measurable change through working with corporations to change their policies and even working with individuals to take animals off their plates. MFA Canada takes a very professional, realistic approach, and it has been an important experience watching how effective we can be in changing people’s habits to help animals. 

Q: What is the key to your success as an activist? 

A: When I first got involved in animal activism, I was very angry about what was happening to animals, not just on farms but in the fashion, cosmetics, and entertainment industries. That anger was very unproductive and alienating to people who actually wanted to be on my side. Learning the importance of focusing on points of agreement as opposed to disagreement and being compassionate not just to animals but to people has been a noticeable game changer in my efficacy as an activist.

Being angry that someone is not vegan will not make someone vegan and it has never helped me in trying to get them to see things the way that I see them. I think another way to be successful as an activist is to contribute to and foster a community. Much of what I have learned as an activist comes from the incredible activists I’ve gotten to work with and have friendships with. I cannot stress enough how important it is to participate in a positive community that can relate to the feelings that come along with taking on a cause for oppressed animals. 

Q: Can you offer any insight for others interested in becoming involved with animal rights activism? 

A: Being involved in any type of activism can be very nerve-wracking for people and it has been that way for me in the past as well. Sometimes it still is. I think like anything else, I’d encourage people to go out of their comfort zones a little bit at a time. I cannot think of anything more rewarding now than going out and leafleting and having conversations with people about factory farms and reducing their meat consumption. It may seem difficult, but it is so worth it. 

Want to join our volunteer network? Sign up today! We also have an Action Centre where you’ll find easy steps for making the world a kinder place for animals. Each month we spotlight one amazing volunteer. Next month it could be you

Written by: Lucas Solowey