Why I Love Making Phone Calls to Help Animals (and You Might Too!)

My love for animals started early—back in sixth grade, I was already supporting The Michigan Humane Society. When I discovered The Humane League a few years ago, I jumped right into what I jokingly call my “professional begging”—making phone calls for animals. And I haven’t stopped since.

Every time I call, I feel hopeful. I know I’m doing something good, and honestly, nerves don’t get to me anymore. If I get rejected, it’s no big deal—I just go on to the next call. The very thought of helping animals keeps me coming back, again and again.

Picking up the phone—why it matters

Corporate executives and customer service reps hear from a lot of people. But when a company’s phone lines start lighting up with passionate, polite calls about animals, it gets noticed. I like to think of every call as a small act of accountability—a gentle nudge reminding companies that people care, and that transparency matters.

When I call a company like Ahold Delhaize, I’m not just a voice on the line. I’m a real customer, a neighbor, a person who wants to see animals treated as living, feeling beings. Giving feedback—whether it’s chatting with customer service or simply saying “I care about this issue”—feels good.

I’ve seen firsthand how a flood of calls can sway a company’s decision. When enough of us pick up the phone, we’re not just making noise—we’re sending a clear message: animal suffering isn’t a hidden issue, and people want better.

Most of all, phone actions are empowering. I get to use my own voice, in my own words. Some days I leave a quick, friendly voice message sharing why cage-free matters. Other days, I ask a manager if their store will join the movement to spare hens from cages. Either way, I know I’m helping keep companies honest.

Real conversations, real impact

One of the most memorable calls I’ve made was to Crumbl Cookies—the Michigan Ave franchise owner himself, Billy, picked up. He was upset that we were protesting in front of his store, but he understood where we were coming from and promised to take it up with corporate. That’s the power of a personal conversation: you can connect, explain where you’re coming from, and sometimes even move the needle.

When I called my representatives in the House and Senate to oppose the Food Security and Farm Protection Act bill, I ended up building relationships with some of the interns—I called so often that they recognized me! They assured me they’d pass my message to the right folks. It’s these connections that make phone actions unique—you’re not just a number in a spreadsheet, you’re a real person with a real voice.

My advice: just give it a try

If you’ve never done a phone action before and feel intimidated, here’s what I’d say: most people you’ll reach are nice to deal with. If someone rejects you, remember, they’re not rejecting you—they’re just not interested in the idea you’re representing. The worst-case scenario? They’re not interested, and you move on to the next call. “No” means “maybe,” and every rejection is one step closer to success.

If you ever feel anxious, I recommend checking out resources like Calm for deep breathing, or Progressive Relaxation techniques by Johns Hopkins—they can help you relax before dialing.

And don’t forget to lean on other people for support. Being part of the Fast Action Network (FAN) and the Changemaker community gives me the direction and support I need to take action. Without this group, I wouldn’t even know where to start. We all work together, and that makes every call feel like it’s part of something bigger.

How you can get started

I’ve tried all kinds of advocacy—protests, emails, social media—but phone actions are special. They bring a personal touch. You’re talking to another human, holding them accountable, and you can follow up. That direct contact makes a difference.

If you’ve ever wondered if one call can make a difference—try it. The Humane League’s Fast Action Network makes it so easy to jump in, with step-by-step instructions, scripts, and a supportive community cheering you on.

Here’s what I do:

1. Sign up for FAN and look out for phone action opportunities.
2. Read the suggested talking points (or make them your own).
3. Take a deep breath, dial the number, and speak from the heart.

You don’t need to be an expert or even an extrovert. You just need to care—and trust me, that comes through loud and clear.

Every phone call is a step toward a world where animals are seen as living, feeling beings—not just products. If you’ve ever wondered if your voice matters, trust me, it does. And if you’ve ever felt alone in this work, remember: you’re part of a community that’s with you every step of the way.

Let’s keep dialing for change—one call, one conversation, one animal spared at a time.