Mission Statement:
The Animal Rights Coalition, Inc. (ARC) is dedicated to ending the suffering, abuse, and exploitation of non-human animals through information, education, and advocacy.
The Past ... And The Future :The Animal Rights Coalition is the oldest and most successful animal rights organization in Minnesota, with over a quarter century of helping animals. ARC was founded in 1980 and formally incorporated in 1981. ARC's membership has grown over the years and it continues to be a locally and nationally recognized voice for animal rights in Minnesota.During ARC's first decade, the organization focused on national efforts including national conferences held in Minnesota with internationally known speakers and participants.ARC’s second decade saw many successful campaigns such as stopping the University of Minnesota Medical School from using live dogs in cardiology laboratory exercises and persuading the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley to discontinue using a gas chamber for euthanasia. ARC successfully sued the University of Minnesota for access to records concerning the use of animals in research. Support by ARC members led at least one local school district to recognize students’ rights to non-animal alternatives to dissection. The national controversy over the Make-A-Wish Foundation granting a bear-hunting trip began when ARC formally voiced opposition and led to a ban on such trips.In its third decade ARC is focusing on spreading the word about compassionate living. We believe we can continue to achieve our goals through practicing non-violence and compassion for all (including the human animal) and that positive change comes about from connection, communication, and education.Our current programs include:Community Outreach
Community outreach activities vary from booths at large community events and professional conferences such as the Twin Cities Pet Expo, May Day Festival, Living Green Expo, GLBT Pride Festival, Education Minnesota Professional Conference, and Twin Cities Book Festival to leafletting at events such as the American Veterinary Medical Association national conference, to assisting the hundreds of individuals who call or email us looking for help with issues related to animals.Children's Programs
Compassionate Kids workshops help kids develop compassion and empathy while empowering them to take action for animals in their own communities. With presentations at schools, community events, and scout troops this program has met with glowing reviews from kids, parents, and teachers.All About Animals is a collaborative effort between ARC and Pet Haven to teach kids how to behave around animals so everyone has fun. ARC is working to expand this program to local schools and preschools as well as other children's groups.VegKins is a unique social networking program for families raising vegetarian/vegan children. This program is designed for families with children five years old and under and offers them the opportunity to come together to discuss how they incorporate compassionate eating into their lives.The Wonders of Wildlife: In collaboration with Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release, ARC has developed Wildlife Workshops for kids to learn about respecting wild animals and their habitats. Cuddle Coats is a complementary project where people can donate fur coats to aid orphaned baby wildlife in their recovery.ARC Speaker Series
The ARC Speaker Series regularly brings in nationally known speakers such as Dr. Michael Fox, Harold "Farmer" Brown, Karen Davis, and pattrice jones.Book Signings
ARC hosts book signings with authors such as Peter Young, pattrice jones, Hillary Rettig, Karen Dawn, Gene Baur, Tom Regan, Gary Francione, Dr. Michael Fox, Dr. Andrew Linzey. Dr. Neal Barnard, and many others.Compassionate Eating
Rhymes With Vegan: ARC is teamed up with local vegan chef Meagan Holtgrewe to sponsor her new cooking show "Rhymes with Vegan." ARC is also partnering with Meagan on a "Rhymes with Vegan" cookbook and plans are in the works to offer cooking classes to introduce the public to the delights of compassionate eating.Vegan Backyard BBQ Kit will help you introduce your family and friends to delicious vegan food. We've put together everything you need to encourage people to try vegan cuisine in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Kits include postcard invitations, a suggested menu, vouchers for free vegan products to serve, coupons for vegan products for guests, information on vegan eating to share with guests, and much more.Humane Farming Myth Campaign
ARC's "Humane Farming Myth" brochure challenges the myth of "humanely" produced animal products and is a compelling resource to share with family and friends.501(c)(3) Status
The Animal Rights Coalition is a 501(c)(3) non-profit tax-exempt organization. Donations to ARC are tax deductible.
