Activist Profile: Monica Ferroe

As we did in 2005, Vegan Outreach is profiling some of the top leafleters from our Adopt A College campaign. Here is Monica Ferroe's profile:

Where are you from and where do you live now?

I am from New Orleans, and I live in New Orleans.

What do you do for relaxation/entertainment?

Relax??? What is that? I like being physical. Instead of driving, I try to ride my bike as often as possible- at least 5 times a week. I also enjoy skating with the Big Easy Rollergirls. I take great pleasure in disproving the myth that vegans are weak and scrawny, by slamming into meat-eaters as hard as I can. Our league has 3 vegans on it -- and lots of vegetarians that are soon-to-be vegans!

What was the last good book you've read or good movie you've seen?

I read David Sedaris' book, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim. [ed note: Sedaris' books are even better when you listen to them as he reads them.] The book was great except the last chapter, where he killed a mouse -- it was horrible! Just today, I saw Michael Moore's movie, Sicko. Wow... I need to polish up on my French -- anyone want to move to France with me?

Who has been / is a major influence in your life and why?

ALL OF THE VO LEAFLETTERS influence me!!! If I have to name names, Jon Camp, Victor Tsou, and Casey Constable are major influences in my life. They are all hard workers and devoted to making a difference in the world. It is good to know that people like this exist in the world. I have much respect for Rosa Parks, too.

How long have you been involved in animal rights and how did you get interested?

I have been involved in animal rights since attending a Peta "Helping Animals 101" conference in Nov 2005. (btw: That's how Casey and I know each other!) I was motivated to register for this conference after seeing Bea Arthur's PSA regarding chickens raised for KFC.

What made you decide to start leafleting? If you were nervous the first time, how did you get over it?

I decided to leaflet with Jon Camp as a volunteer just to help out during his tour of the south Feb 2006. I knew little of the AAC program, although I had been to the website many times. As with anything that is new and unpracticed, there is some uncomfortable anxiety. But that anxiety fades over time. I was so nervous the first few times that I thought I would never want to leaflet on my own. There is absolutely nothing to be afraid of, because most people are genuinely concerned about these issues. On average, the ratio of negative reactions to positive is probably 1:300. Another thing that helps me get over any nervousness is knowing that as an AAC leafletter, to endure a mere hour of nervousness or aggravation is nothing compared to the fear and discomfort that factory farmed animals experience 24 hours everyday of their miserable tortured lives.

What was your most positive leafleting experience this year and why?

There were so many positive experiences this year, I cannot remember anything specific. I get lots of "thank you's." I can say that I NEVER regret leafletting.

What would you say to individuals hesitant about leafleting?

Stay positive! Take some deep breaths and DO it! Also, I think that it is important to try leafletting more than once. Practice makes perfect -- when you figure out the best locations, the best times, and your approach, you will witness for yourself that the AAC program is the most effective way to spread the word. So, do not hesitate ... we all need to speak up for these animals. If you have any questions, just ask -- anyone on the AAC mailing list would be happy to help out!

You can see previous issues of Vegan Outreach's e-newsletter here.

Vegan Outreach
P.O. Box 30865
Tucson, AZ 85751-0865

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