Whether you want to be an open rescue leader, behind-the-scene advocate, or even a frontlines open rescue Champion, this summit is your opportunity to find your role in the movement for open rescue.
REGISTER HERE (REQUIRED - FREE!):
https://forms.gle/LxVzsJfXTaM7it9Q6The Open Rescue Leadership Summit (August 2023) will be an opportunity to challenge the violence against animals that’s happening right next door, harness the upcoming felony Sonoma Rescue Trial to amplify the story of animals, and dive deep into the strategy behind the right to rescue in order to give you the skills and knowledge you need to become the strongest advocate for animals, as our friends face years in prison.
In 2018 and 2019, hundreds of animal rights activists peacefully entered factory farms and slaughterhouses in Sonoma County to give aid to sick and dying animals. Now that movement for #MassOpenRescue faces its most important challenge: the felony prosecution of defendants who were leaders of the actions. At issue is not just the freedom of the defendants, however, but important legal precedents for animal rights, including the question of whether animals are “persons” or “property” under the law.
The Sonoma Rescue Trial will not just unfold in the court of law, however. It will also be fought in the court of public opinion. This summit will give you the tools you need to be an effective advocate in that struggle - and join the movement to establish a right for every animal to be safe, happy, and free.
This summit will feature a panel and in-depth training on Saturday, followed by hands-on projects and collaboration opportunities on Sunday in one of our three impact areas (trainings, storytelling, legal).
Additionally, this summit will discuss the Ridglan Farms trial in which open rescuers are facing felony charges for investigating a facility in Wisconsin that raises beagles for experimentation.
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SCHEDULE
Saturday, August 12
11am - 12:30pm
DxE Saturday Meetup: Sonoma Defendants Panel
Open to the public and brunch included.
Join in-person at 11am or join on Zoom at dxe.io/meetupzoom at 11:15am PT.
1pm - 6pm
The (Mass) Open Rescue Experience
In-person only, not on Zoom.
In the wake of two historic victories in court, join animal rights attorney and veteran rescuer Wayne Hsiung as he takes you behind the scenes of some of the most dramatic rescues and trials in animal rights history – and shows you how you can be a high impact part of the movement for open rescue! This interactive workshop takes participants through the entire process of planning and executing an open rescue – from initial surveillance to defending activists at trial. You will join a mock open rescue team and work with your team members in a simulated effort to expose cruelty and give aid to sick and dying animals. While the open rescue you are planning is simulated, the examples from the training are based on real events in history – including the Smithfield trial that ended with a full acquittal in October 2022.
NOTE: This special version of The Open Rescue Experience will be adapted for mass open rescues, such as those in the Sonoma trial.
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Sunday, August 13
10-11:30am
Defend Yourself in Trial workshop
Participate in mock closing arguments in a simulated finale of an open rescue trial. Building on knowledge from the previous day, you will have the opportunity to present a closing argument as if you yourself were a defendant in your own open rescue trial.
11:30am-5pm
Open Rescue Create-a-Thon
In-person only
Put your skills into practice in this hands-on collaboration session facilitated by Simple Heart. Building on your knowledge from The (Mass) Open Rescue Experience, you will be able to work on storytelling and legal projects related to open rescue. Decide on your own projects, collaborate with other participants, connect with open rescue leaders and Champions, and finish the day with real projects that make an impact for the Right to Rescue.
Plan ahead! See what you'd like to do for your Create-a-Thon project at thesimpleheart.org/projects.
For those interested, successful completion of these projects will make you eligible to advance in the Simple Heart ladder of engagement (Advocates + Change Agents) and level up as a leader in open rescue. Learn more at thesimpleheart.org/ladder.
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Location:
Berkeley Animal Rights Center (ARC West)
2414 Sixth St. Berkeley, CA 94710
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Event page on Facebook:
https://facebook.com/events/s/the-open-rescue-leadership-sum/233165556209723/