The Liberation Pledge
The pledge is simple:
one Publicly pledge to live vegan.
two Refuse to stay or remain where animals are exploited, sold or consumed.
three Encourage others to take the pledge.
WHAT
Often when dining with others, we are forced to confront a disturbing reality: the corpse of a victim of violence on the dinner table. But this year, we’re banding together to push back against violent traditions with the Liberation Pledge.
Pledge to show respect for victims of violence, to demonstrate opposition to a brutal system, and to push all those around us to build a more peaceful world by refusing to eat animals -- or sit at a table where a victim’s body is being eaten.
Be proud of this conviction -- be open, honest and outright. Wear a fork bracelet as a symbol of this pledge, and to show support for others who have taken it as well.
Take the Liberation Pledge to not only promise to live vegan, but to demonstrate formal opposition to the brutal system of violence against animals.
Wear a fork bracelet as a symbol of this pledge, and to show support for others who have taken it as well.
Take the Liberation Pledge now.
WHY
It’s no secret that commoditization of animals is inherently violent, even when animal industry uses intentionally misleading messages touting themselves as humane.
Animal rights groups have investigated some of the most celebrated farms in the world, certified humane suppliers of animals bodies, and found unimaginable cruelty. While animal agriculture industry claims concern for animal welfare, we know the truth: eating animal products requires violence against the innocent.
To show this truth to the world, however, we have to make a public stand and create social norms that contend animals are not ours to use. Refusing to sit where the bodies of victims lie and publicly displaying your commitment with a fork bracelet, is a powerful way to do this.
ORIGINS
The Pledge was started in 2015 by organizers with Direct Action Everywhere inspired by the historical campaign against foot binding in China. Education, lobbying, and countless other methods made no traction in stopping what was, like eating animals today, considered a “traditional” practice.
But in 1890 campaigners found the magic solution. They created a public pledge where families could group together and promise to:
• never bind their daughters’ feet; and
• refuse to allow their sons to marry
women with bound feet.
These pledges, while initially difficult, grew like wildfire and, after 1000 years of suffering, completely ended the practice of foot binding.
We can do the same for animals by refusing to participate in violent practices, but also refusing to accept violent practices in our community.
WHAT'S THE FORK?
Many taking the LiberationPledge also make and wear a fork bracelet -- a fork bent to fit around a wrist.
By bending a fork into a symbol of nonviolence, we reclaim a tool that is, indirectly, the single tool most responsible for the immense suffering and unsurvivable violence inflicted on animals.
Many taking the LiberationPledge also make and wear a fork bracelet -- a bracelet made from a fork bent to fit around a wrist.
Why the fork? By bending a fork into a symbol of nonviolence -- we reclaim a tool that is indirectly, the single tool most responsible for the immense suffering and unimaginable deaths animals endure. Effectively, we aim to beat swords into plowshares.
Want to make your own? See our resources section.
GETTING STARTED
- Take the Liberation Pledge.
- Make a fork bracelet.
- Talk to friends or family members who might be used to eating animals around you and request they abstain or make plans to see them another time.
- Suggest alternatives. Prepare a vegan meal or recommend a fully vegan venue. Offer to help by hosting, cooking or planning.
- Share the Liberation Pledge.
- Seek out community support on our secure signal group.
RESOURCES
New to navigating the Liberation Pledge? Here are some suggestions that may help.
1 - Make a flexible request. Emphasize a variety of ways you’re willing help find solutions, cooking, catering, hosting all vegan meals or at vegan venues.
2 - Offer an alternative meal or activity. There are many online resources for preparing animal-free meals, vegan owned restaurants and entertainment activities which do not exploit animals.
3 - Suggest an alternative arrangement. If the hosts insist on eating animal products, or attending an animal exploitation activity, discuss joining them for a different meal or activity at a vegan venue on another date.
4 - Make the first invitation. Movies, games, happy hours, and other activities offer day-to-day alternatives to social meals, and you can arrange separate gatherings not involving animal products.
5 - Make the request about you. They don’t have to accept or understand veganism, only that it is your practice. By emphasizing these are your boundaries, you can make the request about consideration for you.
6 - Consider attending, but request to be informed when products of animal violence are in the air, on display or consumed. Be prepared to leave and cite the Liberation Pledge as your reason.
If anyone asks, you might say, “If your loved ones had been killed and were laid on the table, you might understandably create a dramatic scene. However, I know how difficult it is for most prople to view animals they will never meet as individuals worthy of care and respect. So, for this reason, I am simply peacefully removing myself as a formal protest. This is to protect me from suffering and feeling negligent in my duty to defend the innocent while using non-violent protest to signal my strong dissent against this horrifically violent behavior against animals.”
MAKING A LIBERATION BAND
Making a liberation band by yourself is simple and requires only a few basic tools. Forks can be sharp, so make sure you handle them with care.
1 - Find a fork. A cheaper, flimsier fork is best. You'll need something easy to bend.
2 - Find some tools. You'll need two pairs of pliers. In a pinch, an adjustable wrench/spanner could work.
3 - Bend like hell. With a pair of pliers carefully gripping either end, bend the fork into a bracelet.
SAMPLE ANNOUNCEMENT
“As many of you know, I am dedicated to eradicating human-animal conflict and exploitation through my practice of veganism. I’ve decided that in order to truly live my beliefs, I will fully respect animals as a conscientious objector by refusing to stay or remain in tacit consent while others order, profit from or consume the products of violence against them. Please visit the Liberation Pledge website to learn more about why I've taken this step to defend animals from unnecessary suffering.”
HELP
I am struggling. Where can I get support?
The Liberation Pledge has a private encrypted signal group of people willing to listen, discuss, and give advice.
Read what other pledgers have to say about their experience with the Liberation Pledge
Additionally, we are looking forward to hearing from you. info「Ⓐ」liberationpledge.com
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