Carley Betts
A report from the frontlines: From protests to policy, meet the people fueling OWA’s next era of protections for chickens worldwide.
I was in Warsaw with more than 100 activists from 39 countries—standing together for chickens. What I saw reminded me how powerful this movement really is.
I’m Carley, Director of the Open Wing Alliance at The Humane League. Last month, I had the honor of joining our global partners for the 2025 OWA Global Summit in Warsaw, Poland.
For three powerful days, activists from Colombia, Hong Kong, Tanzania, Australia, Indonesia, Peru, and dozens of other countries gathered to share bold tactics, protest side by side, and deepen our shared commitment to ending cruelty to chickens.
What’s stayed with me most wasn’t the presentations, but the people. Being surrounded by so many folks who care deeply about animals left me recharged and ready.
Protest. Pressure. Progress.
One of the most unforgettable moments came when our coalition took to the streets—twice—to call out Radisson Hotels for breaking its global promise to spare hens from cages by 2025.
Armed with megaphones, signs, and sheer determination, activists made it impossible for Radisson to ignore us. We showed up at two hotel locations and sent a clear, global message: a brand built on comfort shouldn’t turn away from cruelty.
This was just one example of what makes the Open Wing Alliance different. We don’t build power behind closed doors—we bring it to the streets, to boardrooms, and across borders.
Different countries, common cause
We heard from groups pushing boundaries in countries where organizing isn’t just difficult—it can be dangerous. One standout panel focused on our global and regional cage-free strategies. It opened with an overview of our global roadmap, followed by updates from Latin America, Asia, and Europe. We closed with a Q&A that reinforced a powerful truth: courage looks different everywhere—and every version matters.
One of the moments that stuck with me most was hearing how three OWA groups in Peru teamed up and built something bigger than any of them could’ve done alone. They started small—just a few folks who realized they’d have more power if they worked together. Now, they’re running joint campaigns, hosting in-person events, and even launched a fellowship program that spans multiple countries. But what really hit me was how clearly they said it: the animals come first. No ego, no competition—just shared purpose, and proof that impact starts with solidarity.
When global gains become regional wins
This summit was the launchpad for a bold new chapter. In the coming months, we will continue to expand the movement through training, grants, and in-person support.
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In October, we’re headed to Serbia to train five more groups, bringing the total to 18 trained in 2025 alone. \
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In 2026, we’ll host four regional summits—across Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Europe—to help grassroots leaders collaborate, strategize, and scale their work.
This is what real change looks like: local campaigns fueled by global strategy. And it’s only possible because of the alliance we’ve built—together.
Why showing up matters
For me, the most powerful part of the summit wasn’t a protest or a panel. It was being surrounded by people who truly get it—who see chickens not as products, but as individuals. Living, feeling beings who deserve a world where cruelty is never justified by profit.
Whether you’ve been with us for years or just found your way here, this movement needs you. Every voice matters. Every action adds up.
Because what we’re building isn’t small—it’s global.
And we’re not done yet.
