If you're a kid that really wants to make a difference, there are tons of things you can do to help prevent animal cruelty. In addition to the general tips for preventing animal cruelty, consider some of the fun and powerful projects suggested on this page.
The key to a successful project is to do something you enjoy. Your enthusiasm for the project will help get others excited about it! Plus, effective projects usually require a bit of work, so picking something you like will make it easier for you to follow it through.
The power of the pen
If you enjoy writing and your school has a school newspaper, consider writing an article about animal issues that are important to you. If your school doesn't have a school paper, talk to your English teacher and ask about starting one up! Talk to your teacher about having a recurring column about animal issues, and think up a clever name for it to get people talking about it.
A note from the Pet-Abuse.Com founder:
"When I was in 7th and 8th grade, I wrote for my school paper. In addition to short stories, I wrote several articles about animal issues, including the dangers of purse nets in the tuna fishing industry and the importance of adopting retired racing greyhounds as pets. Not only did other students stop me in the halls to talk to me and ask questions about the issues I wrote about, I was even able to teach my teachers a few things!"
Call your local animal control or humane law enforcement department and ask if you can interview one of the officers for the school paper. If they grant your request, be sure to have a short list of questions prepared (10-15 would be ideal) and be ready to schedule a time for a phone or in-person interview. Be organized during the interview, and take detailed notes. If possible, bring a small tape recorder so that you can go back and review the officer's answers.
Write letters to the editor of your local newspaper. Your opinions will be able to reach your entire community if they are published. Be sure to keep your letters short and to the point, and include researched facts to support your position.
Organize a community bake sale to benefit your local shelter
If you enjoy cooking, ask your parents or guardians if they would be willing to help you with a bake sale. Ask your principal if you can go to other classrooms in the school and ask students to participate. If your school has an art department, see if they would be willing to come up with fliers and small tags for the wrapped treats.
Organize a school shelter-drive
Talk to your principal about organizing a supply drive for your local animal shelter. Ask people to bring in pet food, toys, old blankets, and other items your local shelter needs. (Be sure to contact the shelter to find out what they need most!)
Hold an animal-friendly art contest at your school
Talk to your principal about holding an art contest in your school. Ask students to come up with posters or other artwork that sends a compassionate message.
Start an after-school animal welfare club
Ask your teachers if they would be willing to supervise an after-school club for like-minded students. Develop a game plan, answering the following questions:
How often will the club meet?
How many students are interested in joining?
What kinds of activities will your club be doing?
What kind of assistance will you need from the teacher?
What kind of supplies will your club need to complete your projects?
Create a sign-up sheet to determine student interest. Post it on the bulletin board or ask your teachers if you can pass it around class, so you'll have some idea of how many kids would like to get involved. (Be sure to include information about what the club will be doing so students can decide if your club is right for them.)
Additional Suggestions
Talk to the media: Send a letter or e-mail to your local newspapers and television stations - let them know about your event, and ask them to mention it in their reports. They may even be interested in doing a story on you! And don't be shy - if they ask to interview you, say yes! When other young adults see the great things you're doing, you'll help raise awareness and inspire them to get involved in their own schools.
Stay positive! Never underestimate the impact you can have on your school and your community. You may be young, but you are far from powerless.
Send us your suggestions: If you're working on a project not covered here, let us know!
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