Why I’m hopeful for our movement in 2025

When times are tough, I’m reminded of their compassion and commitment. It’s what got us through campaign after campaign, year after year. And it’s what will get us through this year—and every year, until every factory farm is shut down.

These dedicated volunteers show up after work, on weekends, and even in freezing temperatures—all to demand that companies stop profiting off the abuse of animals in their supply chains.

I had the privilege of closing out 2024 with one last powerful disruption against cookie company Crumbl alongside my NYC Changemaker family. We are standing up to Crumbl because it’s one of the biggest laggards in the food industry, as it refuses to commit to basic animal welfare standards.

Together with my incredible Captains, their teams, and about 30 unwavering activists, we took over half a city block—armed with just a sound permit, and our shared commitment to justice. The energy was electric, the chants were fierce, and the memories will likely haunt Crumbl co-founder Sawyer Hemsley in his dreams.

But this moment isn’t just about the action itself—it’s about the people. On the Organizing team we practice something called relational organizing. That means building connections, fostering conversations about values, and equipping activists with the skills they need to lead.

Over the past five years, I’ve witnessed some of the most inspiring transformations:

• A petition signer, who turned into a megaphone-wielding leader.
• A self-described introvert (and regular The Humane League donor) who became one of NYC’s most passionate action leaders.
• A passerby who joined our movement after watching a protest—and never looked back.

These stories are proof of the power of collective action. These volunteers are Chris and Janani and Allen and Cyrus and so many other incredible individuals who created our thriving NYC Changemaker community. They are not just allies in the fight; they are friends who believe in peaceful, persistent disruption for a better world.

One of my favorite moments of that night? A woman who came for her “free birthday cookie” at Crumbl was enraged by what she learned about Crumbl, and its support of animal cruelty—so much so that she joined our protest instead. She held a sign, chanted alongside us, and instead left with a cruelty-free vegan cookie to celebrate her big day.

These individual moments when we connect meaningfully with passersby are the fuel that keeps tired activists in the fight.

And I am grateful for every single last organizer on my team for regularly inspiring their Changemakers through storytelling, coaching, and regional travel—and ultimately, inspiring me.

Here’s to every Changemaker who makes this work possible. Together, we’re not just hoping for a kinder world—we’re demanding it. The year is just beginning—and so are our efforts to fight to protect factory-farmed animals.

Or as Janani reminded us in our final chant of the night, “We'll be back, and we always win.”