Ever wonder what it would be like to intern with Mercy For Animals? We interviewed Laura Doersam, an animal activist from Germany who recently completed an internship in our New York campaigns office, and asked her to give us the scoop. Prior to interning with Mercy For Animals, Laura was an avid promoter of vegetarianism at her university in Marburg, Germany, educating fellow students about the cruelties of factory farming through grassroots activism. During her free time in New York City, Laura enjoyed shopping at Brooklyn thrift stores, lounging in Central Park, exploring the NYC vegan food scene, and making new friends.
What first inspired you to become a vegan?
I never really liked eating meat because I didn’t like the idea of eating animals. When I learned about the cruelties in the dairy and egg industries, I could no longer support those businesses either.
What is your favorite vegan/animal rights resource?
One of my favorite resources is ChooseVeg.com because of the many different topics it covers. You can find awesome and easy recipes there, as well as lots of helpful information on the health and environmental benefits of going vegan. Also, I really like Jonathan Safran Foer’s book Eating Animals. It’s well-researched, and gives readers an insight into many important topics concerning the meat industry, including its impact on the environment.
Why did you choose to intern with MFA?
I really like MFA’s approach of promoting vegetarianism to the general meat-eating population. I think vegetarian leafleting is an incredible and easy way to reach people to make them think about where their food comes from. Additionally, I like that MFA staff and volunteers are really passionate about their work.
What did you like most about interning with MFA?
I enjoyed everything about my internship! I loved leafleting and talking to the people, but I especially loved hosting “Paid-Per-View” events at festivals, as you can see change happening in people right away.
What is the key to your success as an activist?
I’m motivated by the positive feedback people give me during outreach events, especially when people tell me that they became vegetarian or vegan because of our work, proving that we really are saving lives!
Can you offer any insight for others interested in becoming involved with animal rights activism?
You can advocate for animals on many different levels. Getting involved with an established advocacy group is the best way to get your foot in the door. While interning with MFA, I not only got the chance to meet so many awesome and impressive activists, but I also got the chance to gain an insight into MFA’s wonderful and multifaceted work. This internship will certainly help me with my activism in the future!
Inspired? Click here to learn about MFA’s internship program and apply today for an exciting internship in one of our campaigns offices.