Small but Mighty: How Long Islanders Are Ending Cages

They’re teachers, social workers, photographers, foodies, travelers—neighbors you might pass in the grocery store or see volunteering at a blood drive. Yet, each brings her own fire for animals, and together, they’re building a movement that will stretch from the tip of Montauk to the heart of Nassau County.

This is the story of a team showing that anyone, from any walk of life, can make a difference for animals.

When passion meets purpose

Ann first tapped into activism at last year’s National Animal Rights Day in New York City—an event that inspired her to reach out, connect, and get involved. Macela—who grew up in Brazil where animal welfare is a bigger deal than it is in the US, but where social gatherings often center around “churrasco” barbecue—brought a knack for organizing from her time volunteering with the Red Cross. Aida, a social worker with deep roots in advocacy, naturally gravitated toward standing up for those whose voices are overlooked—including animals. Raul doesn’t think of himself as a photographer or activist. “But,” he says, “I am passionate about both and do my best to help advance each.”

Each lives in a different corner of Long Island. Instead of letting the distance keep them apart, they saw it as an advantage—stretching their reach across the peninsula’s unique, often isolated communities.

Building a community, one protest at a time

Their first two protests were small but spirited—just Ann, her husband Robert, and Macela. Robert’s real estate background and Macela’s psychology training gave them insights into connecting with people on the street and sparking conversations that matter.

When Aida joined for their third protest, she brought her skills as a photographer and a storyteller. Her photos and videos captured the energy of the team and took their message to a wider audience through social media. Suddenly, the story of animal advocacy on Long Island wasn’t just unfolding—it was being seen, in their very own neighborhoods. Another advocate, who commuted over an hour by public transportation, arrived at the fifth protest with infectious energy and a new chant: “There’s no excuse for animal abuse!” The team’s impact grew that day, thanks also to Raul, a photographer who professionally documented the event, turning moments into memories—and momentum.

Everyday skills, extraordinary change

This team’s strength isn’t just in numbers—it’s in diversity. Ann’s teaching career, Aida’s social work and HR expertise, Macela’s Red Cross volunteering and passion for seeing the world, and Raul’s professional eye all combine to create a group where everyone plays a vital role. Some are bilingual, all are driven, and each person brings something unique to the table.

Through posters, protests, and sharing vegan cookies with QR codes linking to petitions, they’ve engaged Long Islanders in conversations about where their food comes from and what compassion looks like. Together, they’ve organized more than five protests at major retailers, distributed hundreds of campaign materials, gathered dozens of signatures, and—most importantly—built a foundation for a community that cares enough to take action to end cages.

What unites them is simple: a shared belief that animals deserve better, and that people—when they come together—can stand up to corporate greed and spark change. As Aida puts it, “Connecting with like minded people opens the door to not only unite our voices and do great work together, but to also build friendship and community. Who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by animal lovers who stand up for animals’ rights?”

This summer, the team is just getting started. With more protests planned at Subway and Stop & Shop, flyering campaigns, and a keen eye for vegan pop-ups on the east end, Ann, Aida, Macela, Raul, and friends are building a Long Island chapter that’s not just sustainable, but unstoppable.