Veteran campaigner and coordinator of the Vegetarian Society in Christchurch, Yolanda Soryl, gave an inspiring and informative talk in Auckland last week on sustainable activism. Yolanda presented a perspective on the animal advocacy movement in New Zealand that spanned twenty years. Reflecting on achievements, what it takes for a group to succeed and what motivates people to remain involved, the group found Yolanda's presentation very useful, says SAFE campaigns assistant Hana Spierer. "Yolanda discussed the pitfalls of activism along with ways to avoid burnout and tips on how to combat fatigue. She outlined the various degrees of people's involvement within a movement," says Hana. "She highlighted that volunteers will accomplish more if they feel they have something to offer a group which helps foster growth and development towards long-term visions. She also noted that when an inspirational person takes the lead and the group works collectively, allowing people to get involved, then the group would naturally achieve more." "Yolanda got us all talking and naming our most inspirational leaders who included Ghandi, Mandela, Geldof, Deirdre Sims and even Yolanda herself. SAFE director Anthony Terry was hailed as an inspiration and featured as an example of early 1990s fashion during the slide show." "She reminded us that people have many different skills and these need to be harnessed. She outlined some of the types of people we need in the animal advocacy movement, all of which are highly valued: activists, administrators, lawyers, spokespeople, researchers, designers, people who wave banners, educators, event organisers, coffee makers and best of all, ginger-slice makers." Hans says the one thing Yolanda enjoys the most is when people say ‘yes' when asked to do something.
Those who missed the talk are welcome to borrow a recording from the Auckland SAFE office.
15 September 2008
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