Can We Save Animals and Support Vegan ‘Influencers’ at the Same Time?

This week, a developing news story about a prominent vegan animal rights activist and known influencer emerged. According to reports, the vegan activist invested a substantial amount of money into digital currency. It was alleged that the money was collected from fans and crowdfunding patrons. The vegan activist’s actions have since sparked debate about whether the general public should help fund vegan influencers/activists in their quest to save animals.

Vegan influencers can amplify a message that may go unnoticed or unheard. However, there is a fine line between advocating for animal rights and maintaining an ‘influencer’s’ lifestyle. So, can we help save animals and support vegan influencers at the same time?

The devil is in the detail…     

For example, fans often wonder whether they should support vegan influencers through crowd-funding means. If you want to support someone in this way, be mindful about how the crowd-funding activity is being communicated.

Does the influencer make it clear about how funds will be used? Or, is there a specific project (e.g. a registered vegan-friendly animal rescue group or sanctuary) they wish to support? If so, does the vegan influencer have an existing, trustworthy relationship with the registered group?

As much as there’s an onus on you, the onus is also on the vegan influencer. We can only do our best to conduct our own due diligence and we trust the vegan influencer will honour their part of the deal. Sometimes, it might be too late; especially when trust is already built and followers have amassed.

You may need to cut out the middle person

If a vegan influencer doesn’t make it clear about how crowdfunding funds are used, then cut out the middle person. For example, you could do your own research about a vegan restaurant the influencer has recommended. Or, take a look at the influencer’s social media profiles to see which registered animal rescue groups or sanctuaries they mention and look them up yourself. If they are legitimate, donate your money to the group directly. Also, you might know a local group in your area that desperately needs your help. Help can be in the form of money, purchasing ‘wishlist’ supplies or even volunteering.  That way, you know your contribution will go directly to the animals via those who work tirelessly to save them.

You can support vegan influencers in alternative ways

If you want to support a vegan influencer you can still do so without paying money. Follow their pages, engage with their posts and sign up to their newsletters. Also, absorb the helpful knowledge they share for free. A vegan influencer’s expertise is a good resource so you can learn what works and what doesn’t work. Then, you can use that knowledge in your daily life so you can save animals in a way that’s most practical for you. For the influencer, saving animals’ lives means saving as many lives as possible without exploiting others (including humans) in the process.

You’ll still save animals’ lives without drama or controversy…

Creating distrust is the ultimate consequence of a vegan influencer’s questionable decision. Also, distrust can fuel drama and draw attention away from those who matter most. So if a vegan influencer makes a bad decision, or a decision that seems off-putting to you, it’s best to cut your ties with them.

In addition, make it your wish to improve the lives of animals everywhere by focusing on what is in your control. Choose a vegan diet, say no to products derived from animals and avoid entertainment involving the exploitation of animals. Book with vegan-friendly and cruelty-free travel providers. Keep abreast across the animal issues in your immediate community and help out when you can. Attend protests and vegan-friendly fundraisers or join a reputable animal advocacy group. Grassroots decisions like these can and will make the most difference for the animals.

At the end of the day, vegan influencers need to be accountable…

If vegan influencers gain and build trust in the digital space, then they need to go above and beyond to protect that trust. Vegan influencers need to check their communications and messages regularly, and keep returning to why they became animal activists in the first place. The workload is shared yet the heavier load ultimately lies on the vegan influencer’s shoulders. Animals’ lives depend on it.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this blog post are those of Justine de Jonge of Fire & Tea for information purposes and public debate only. Justine de Jonge of Fire & Tea does not take any responsibility for any misinformation or losses (including financial) experienced by the reader and those referred to in this post.

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