Have you heard... of Rosa Parks ... Susan B. Anthony?
Probably. How about Henry Spira or Cleveland Amory? You may have, if
you're an animal activist, but do you think that anyone will know or
care who either of them were fifty years from now? The roots of animal
advocacy predate many of the better-known movements of today, yet, until
now, no institutions of higher learning have had comprehensive,
dedicated archives in this area.
Recording Animal Advocacy (RAA) was founded in 1998 to
foster scholarly research and public education in the history of animal
protection, advocacy, and the modern animal rights movement. We actively
encourage and facilitate the collection, preservation, and study of
relevant resources through several means; Our Oral History Project has
begun to gather the life stories and memories of animal advocates,
especially those with first hand experience over the last 30-40 years.
These recordings and transcripts, produced in compliance with
professional oral history guidelines, will be housed in a permanent
collection at Columbia University and made widely available for research
and educational purposes. Oral histories can be used in scholarly
publications, popular writings, and school curricula. They can be
utilized as audio excerpts, in websites, museums, and media
presentations. They remain useful for generations.
RAA's Archive Initiative provides individuals and groups
with information for making use of their historically significant
records, specifically unpublished material such as correspondence,
minutes of meetings, and photographs.
How Does All This Help Animals?
Original historical records are essential if a cause is to gain status
in society and credibility in the eyes of legislators, journalists and
business people. Those who exploit animals have long taken care to
preserve their histories. We must ensure that the important work carried
out by animal advocates in 1960 will not be forgotten in 2020, or
survive only as distorted sound bytes and biased newspaper articles
These records will serve as constructive replies to criticisms of
sensationalism, and lack of sophistication within the animal advocacy
community. Organizations can use them in campaigns and fundraising as
evidence of their accomplishments and strength. Individuals may find
them to be a source of inspiration as well as a guide to how problems
have been tackled in the past.
Do you share our vision? Are you interested in our work?
Do you know someone who can benefit from the information and assistance
we offer? If so, contact us. No question is too big or too small.
If you were involved in the movement in the '70's or
earlier, we'd love to hear some of your recollections. For example:
* Was there a specific incident or individual that got you involved?
* Did you join/ form a group, or act alone?
* How did friends and family react to your activism?
* What were the outstanding issues of the day?
You can Contact Us via
Our Website - www.recordinganimaladvocacy.org
Snailmail - P.O.Box 27022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19118
Phone - 215-247-7753
E-mail - raateam@cswebmail.com
Together, we can use the past to build a better future
for our movement and for the animals
Go on to Last Bastion
of Morality by tapster@mindspring.com
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