Motivational Methods for Vegan Advocacy: A Clinical Psychology Perspective

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for effective ways to advocate veganism. When I first went vegan I had no real grasp on specific methods of advocating for others to go vegan-- I was essentially the militant vegan society claims all of us to be. I felt baffled as to how the majority of people around me weren't vegan given the pain and detriment their diets and habits caused. In turn, a lot of people felt adamant about discussing veganism because the nature of the discussions always turned hostile. Over time I gave up speaking out about veganism with friends, family members, or even acquaintances because I didn't know how to navigate through the conversation without putting the other person on defense while effectively helping them understand the importance of ceasing animal exploitation at any level.This book explains thoroughly how one should go about in their advocating methods and I'm very glad to have purchased this book. There are multiple examples of non-effective methods and effective methods for those who want tangible examples. Having read this book, even if it's quite short, I'm highly confident that whenever I go into a discussion with non-vegans I'll be able to discuss in a constructive manner that engages their interest and makes them think, genuinely think.

I was able to use this book to guide me on a dissertation, essentially an argument for veganism. It guided me to write on the core of the issue, ethics, rather than other justifications I might have emphasized (health, environmentalism, etc). As a vegan of over 5 years I was able to read this and feel recentered. I do think it helped me to write a more powerful essay, and it's also influenced the way I deal with non-vegans on a day-to-day basis - for the better! I was a little abrasive in the past, and Dr. Taft helped me correct that behavior. Great book for a good price and a good cause.

Confused trying to sort out all the "methods" being recommended by various animal groups? This is the only book we need. Not only based on actual clinical psychological methodology relative to human-on-human domestic violence, but actually recognizes and acknowledges what's happening to non-human animals as the monumental social injustice it is, and consistently, genuinely, professionally, logically and productively shines a light on it as the core, the foundation, of what we need to do to try and eliminate it...not reduce or regulate, but eliminate. Well and illuminatingly written!!

I was very interested to read Casey Taft's work, as I thought he could offer some great insights into how one can refine their advocacy in their day to day lives. This book did not disappoint. His expertise in behavioral science was evident in his sensitive approach to handling discussions you may find yourself having with people on social media, friends, and family members, with his real-world examples of such dialogue serving as a great template to base any future responses. I particularly like that throughout the book, Taft employs a strong social justice ethic to his narrative; emphasizing that to truly inspire a global paradigm shift away from using animals, the vegan movement must be one of a unified community, and one which destroys barriers preventing other marginalized groups from joining the vegan movement. There hasn't been a book like this - specifically dealing with our methods of advocacy - and it's an excellent addition to the growing body of intellectual work on the ethical status of animals. I would have given it 5 out of 5, but I thought it was a little too short (for me - maybe a little more theory), but then again in a world of social media it probably pays to be concise.

Not a long read, but it is information dense. It can make those family gatherings that you dread so much a lot less stressful when you know that your responses are anchored in good science. Informative and inspirational. I recommend getting the paperback version because you will want to bookmark it and refer to various sections in the future. The methods discussed can also be used for topics other than veganism.

Should be on the required reading list for all ethical vegans and animal activists. Taft is speaking from experience of helping people change their behaviors away from violence - there are some very relevant parallels drawn between domestic abuse and carnism, particularly with regards to the readiness of people to change their behaviors. By applying tested practical and theory-based suggestions, a framework for constructive and motivational - yet unapologetic and assertive - approaches is set for any passionate animal advocate. Read this book, apply the principles, be accountable, drive positive change!

This is the best resource I've found so far for the vegan activist who wants to effectively connect with others, share ideas and raise awareness. Written by a psychologist, it's brimming with great advice and information. When discussing veganism, we often see dialogue cut short with tempers flaring as either party becomes hostile or defensive. Casey shows us how to avoid these conversational pitfalls and have a respectful, productive conversation without compromising values or upsetting others. This is the book our movement needs.

Finally some actual science to support the effectiveness of various advocacy tactics. This is the best book, by far, that i have ever read concerning activism tactics. I have been advocating for animals for over 20 years and found this book extremely helpful and motivating. Just read it, you won't be sorry!

The clinical psychologist view on violence reduction is priceless. Author put soul in this seminal work

Dieses kompakte Büchlein sei jedem ans Herz gelegt, der sich im Bereich Bewusstseinarbeit engagiert. Eine brauchbare, praktische Anweisung an Aktivist*innen im Bereich veganes Leben. Direkt umsetzbar.

I warbled between 4 stars, which seemed too low, and 5, which seemed too high. (My background is in analytic philosophy, which means that I'm like the kid in The Sixth Sense, except that I don't see dead people, I see faults.)I'm currently making my way through this book for a second time. I've been applying some of the guidance it offers in my advocacy efforts and also in my personal relationships, with promising results. To make the most of the guidance offered, you'll likely have to work at self-development (which, if you're flawed like me, you should be doing anyway). As Dr. Taft indicates, listening skills can be difficult to learn and to apply. Similarly, assertiveness doesn't just pop into existence as soon as one becomes convinced of its importance.I'm grateful that Dr. Taft noticed the lack of a clinical psychology perspective in the world of animal advocacy, and that he's taken it upon himself to begin the process of filling in that void. I also appreciate material that calls out and urges caution against the use of pseudo-science in the animal advocacy movement. As a bit of an aside, I'm left eager to learn more about Dr. Taft's work on the prevention and treatment of intimate partner violence.One word of caution: This book is not intended as the be-all-and-end-all of animal advocacy. It does not aim to become the movement's bible, and it would be a shame if it were treated as such (though it would be a much better bible than many other contenders). Dr. Taft rightfully encourages his readers to continue learning and growing and to think for ourselves, as he is also committed to doing. It's important to not lose sight of, or stop looking for, other worthwhile strategies that may do a lot to help advance our movement, though they might have a quite different look and feel to those that Dr. Taft shares with us.

Eloquently written, Motivational Methods for Vegan Advocacy by Casey Taft, PhD, explains through clinical psychology, why it is best to promote the end goal of veganism and how cutting down on animal products is ineffective advocacy if we expect long-term behavioural change. It also discusses how to go best about promoting veganism by being assertive compared to being aggressive or passive. Not only is this book mandatory reading for every vegan, but also for all animal lovers everywhere if we expect to live in a just and peaceful world.- Michael Lanfield, The #1 Amazon best-selling author of The Interconnectedness of Life,The Journey, and also the author of The Lost Love

This is a valuable, inspiring and helpful book for all vegans, however vocal or active they may or may not be in their advocacy for other animals, written from the perspective of a practising clinical psychologist, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Casey Taft, and taking account of the underlying mind-set (including resistances) of the average person likely to be communicated with. It also takes account of the science behind what advocacy methods have been demonstrated to work.There are numerous tips and strategies on offer: for example, in directing us towards motivational approaches to encouraging lasting and meaningful change and to goal-setting through different stages of progression and in the use most effective language to use (for example: “Rather than referring to “meat”, the expression “animal flesh” is a more apt descriptor. Rather than using “pork”, “beef”, or any other similar terms, it is best to call it what it actually is: the flesh from a pig or cow”). The language we use is a reflection of an underlying perception, premise or attitude to those referents (which is often deeply prejudicial), so it is important that we try to shift this deeply-entrenched and prevailing ideology via the language we use.Incidentally, I also wholeheartedly recommend Joan Dunayer’s book Animal Equality: Language and Liberation for a full examination of how language is a prelude to, contributes to, legitimises and institutionalises our treatment of other animals, arising from our culturally derived biases and prejudices. She says “As history shows, humans readily take advantage of those with less power. Because they receive little moral consideration from humans and lack political power, nonhumans are especially vulnerable to concerted abuse”. And: “As a feminist, I knew that words can foster oppression or liberation, deception or truth”.Casey Taft talks in this book about the importance of relationship building, and positive, assertive, clear, unambiguous communication in bringing about change, and the importance of understanding linked oppressions. He uses case studies and model conversations as examples of good and flawed advocacy and communication methods, arising from different everyday scenarios. He also shows that an angry, dogmatic or belligerent approach is counter-productive.He says that the evidence shows that when people are motivated to go vegan for other animals, or ethical reasons (as opposed to say for health reasons), they are less likely to revert back to consuming animal products. It’s thus important to emphasise these reasons in our advocacy.A couple of random quotations that are indicative of the approach are:“We should always be mindful that while we have cognitively eliminated the learned false distinctions between different sentient beings, those all around us have not, and therefore they really do not truly understand our perspective. The only way for them to know is for us to be clean in our communication with them and letting them in on how we are changing and what we have learned. Some will not want to know, and there is nothing we can do about that. Others may have real interest, though, which can provide us with an important opportunity to talk about our advocacy and seek support in others”.“Our best hope of creating a vegan world is to be calm but impassioned, assertive activists who can show nonvegans that we’re fully rational, compassionate people who want to help animals and prevent needless violence and abuse”.I highly recommend this book to other vegans who would like informed assistance with and confidence-building in talking to others about veganism and justice for other animals. It’s a book which could do with periodic rereading, each read acting as a refresher.