Nikki Benoit was FVA's Outreach Coordinator for 15 months.  Here's her exit summary:

In 2008, I spoke with then presidential candidate Barack Obama at a town hall meeting in St. Pete about sustainable agriculture; distributed 46,868 Vegan Outreach leaflets at colleges and events (this is just what I've kept track of and reported - volunteer numbers not included); delivered numerous presentations/speaking engagements to colleges (two states), high schools and a middle school; attended legislative action sessions (HSUS lobby day - to promote humane legislation) and conferences (Governors 2nd Annual Climate Summit in Miami - among the dozens of attendees and officials we reached out to, I spoke with our states Deputy Agriculture Commissioner and the head of our Department of Environmental Protection to promote sustainable food choices); attended and spoke at multiple public hearings (state, county and city commissions) for wildlife, companion animals and animals in entertainment; re-ignited 7 months worth of KFC demos - even garnering media attention!; substantial media outreach and interviews (too numerous to list here - visit our FVA In The Media link from our website) covering all animal issues; dozens of tabling events and demo's; re-ignited monthly attendance at USF Tampa's IACUC meetings [Institute for Animal Care and Use Committee for laboratory research animals] creating a presence for the animals while establishing a professional image for animal advocates; outreach with local businesses and special interest groups; petition drives for restaurants to remove veal from their menu's and for the government to include vegetarian/vegan options as part of the School Lunch Program.

As I'm sure we all agree, it's a shame that we can't continue full time advocacy.  If anything I've done these past 15 months has a profound effect, I hope it's that I've inspired others to "speak [their] minds, even if [their] voice shakes".  I feel that's the biggest piece missing from this movement.  With as many strong, powerful and beautiful souls living their days compassionately for other species, not many feel confident enough to speak up in the face of adversity. 


Please remember that this is your animal advocacy group.  As an entity, it will only grow and strengthen with the combined efforts of all of you.  Being an all volunteer group, it will depend upon all of us donating time, energy and resources.  This doesn't mean huge sacrifices of your lives, but rather offering your skills and energy, or even submitting your ideas for what could work.

Don't forget, we've created a Membership Package with numerous participating entities offering discounts when you show your card.  If you're not already a paid member of FVA, scroll to the bottom of the home page and learn how to join now!

Again, it's been an honor and a privilege.  I look forward to the amazing transitions our communities and nations will make towards compassion for all.

Onward, upward and plant-ward, my friends!