I am pleased to welcome NARN back to the show to find out about their current campaigns and collaborations, including a collab with Portland's ARCPDX (arcpdx.org)! I spoke with Rachel Bjork, Board President, and Amada Elyse, Policy & Program Lead, about many topics, including NARN's history, animals in labs, wildlife, and more.
The Northwest Animal Rights Network (NARN) advocates for the rights of all sentient beings—to be free from oppression and exploitation—by pursuing campaigns, facilitating education, and connecting Pacific Northwest organizations.
Their efforts include outreach, demonstrations, litigation, and educational events. They also advocate that veganism is the best and most consistent way to respect the lives of animals; by rejecting the support of products and companies that deny them their inherent rights to live a life of freedom and fulfillment of their interests, it is the living practice of animal rights.
NARN holds these values as the core of operating as an organization: Compassion and Respect, Non-violence, Education, Community, and Action.
Rachel Bjork: Rachel has over 25 years of experience in advocacy for animals. She brings experience in social justice, ethics, campaigning, and program management, and she has been a part of NARN for 23 years. Rachel loves being on the board of NARN because NARN centers community, inclusion, and respect for all beings as foundations of a social justice movement. She has a particular personal focus on ending animal vivisection.
Amanda Elyse: Policy & Programs Lead; Amanda’s experience in animal advocacy spans grassroots, nonprofit, and academic spaces, and it spans issues that include factory farming, fur farming, and more. She has significant experience working to end animal testing and has led national and international campaigns. She has also authored law journal articles about pathways to end animal testing. She appreciates that NARN’s intersectional, multi-faceted approach to advocacy aligns with her interest in approaching campaigns with a critical and strategic lens.
Upcoming events mentioned on the show:
Feb 5: NARN + ARCPDX Action Hour (recurring monthly)
Feb 11: Animals in Labs Committee Meeting (recurring monthly)
April 11: Conversation with Melanie D.G. Kaplan, Author of Lab Dog
If you would like to learn more about NARN you can find more information on their website (Home - NARN - Northwest Animal Rights Network) and social media https://www.facebook.com/NorthwestAnimalRightsNetwork, Northwest Animal Rights Network (@narnnw) • Instagram photos and videos
Interview from November 2023: Northwest Animal Rights Network (NARN) Interview | KBOO