It's been a couple years now since I enjoyed two brief moments of "Farm Sanctuary celebrity". The first was when I unexpectedly won the "Friend of Farm Animals Award (West)" for 2010 and the second was when I was the top fundraiser for the Berkeley Walk for Farm Animals. In each case my opinion was suddenly in demand in terms of how to be a good advocate for Farm Animals and how to parlay that to the most powerful effect. My responses in both cases were the same. I believe that we have excellent opportunities to advance our respective causes just by being good and kind people. The first impression that we make extends to beyond some one's impression of us but also encompasses their future impressions of any messages we may choose to share. The bottom line: If people like you, they will be more open to your message because the door will be open.
Now in writing that, I am immediately aware of the fact that this could be interpreted as "salesmanship", and in its purest sense, I guess you could say it is. It is a shame that this admirable trait has been sullied by the industries that conspire to use it against us in unseemly ways. What I am recommending is probably better classified as "conscious kindness and sincerity".
Several years ago, I remember reading a book called, "Now Discover Your Strengths". I would be lying if I said I remembered everything about the book, but the core tenant stuck with me. The book was basically about recognizing the things that you are good at and giving yourself credit for those and developing them. It wasn't until I had the chance to meet some seemingly angry, militant advocates that I realized that I had the strength of conscious kindness and sincerity. While I don't want to discredit the militants' message (Mostly because it is in sync with my own), I for one was alienated by them and disinterested in what they had to say in spite of their obvious passion for it.
As an example of what I mean by this concept, I will refer to a recent paragraph from the Sacramento Valley Mirror written by Darlene Friesen in her "About Town" column:
If you want to reach your potential as an advocate, always remember that you are a key part of your message, if not the most important part..
