Vegans For Farmers - thomasmoulson

#Resource - How come farming is such a small part of our food system? The fact they have high suicide rate is something to focus on with communication with farmers # Farmer Dialogue Principles #### Animal Farmers Deserve Respect and Kindness: We view animal farmers with the eyes of compassion, we seek to build relationships with them and value them. #### Solidarity: We seek to build relationships based on solidarity with farmers. Recognising that our causes are interrelated. That the systems which cause suffering to animals also harm farmers and all of humanity and all species. We do not seek to convert farmers to our cause, but we seek to build honest relationships, showing genuine support to them. We have faith that solidarity given, in the long term will be reciprocated. #### Compassion and Deep Listening: We recognise that farmers suffer as a result of our actions and perspective. we listen deeply to their perspective, seeking to learn and grow from it. We apologise for any personal suffering we cause to them. #### Authenticity: We speak openly and honestly to farmers about how we believe change ought to happen, we don't sugarcoat our perspective or what change we are calling for, but we do so without blame and shame. We are honest in acknowledging it is a hard pill for farmers and a radical change to their lives, but we also are honest in that transition is an opportunity for farmers. #### System Change: Our focus is not on getting individual farmers to transition, one by one change is not enough, we are calling for farmers to join us in asking government to invest in supporting farmers to transition to a plant based food system and rewilding of land - this needs to be a collective effort. We do welcome farmers doing individual transition if they so wish. #### Engage with farmers directly: To seek to build relationship with the communities, not the corporations or trade associations which supposedly represent them. Building grassroots connection. ## Focus on the farmer's feelings rather than their opinions Hidden emotions are usually at the heart of failed communication. They often disturb and sabotage communication from within and cannot be addressed and solved because they are not known to your communication partner. Express your emotions in a considerate way, without judgment. Also evaluate what the person is saying when they make a statement. For example: British meat is much better for the environment and we've been providing food the nation for years. Solution: They are worried their industry will become obsolete. Reassure them that they have a part to play in providing food in the future. ## Session 1: Introduction to nonviolence, VSF and how we relate to farmers The training session begins with introductions, where participants will share who we are and why we want to do farmer dialogue. We will also outline the Local Vegans, Local Farmers plan and provide an overview of the training agenda. The next section focuses on nonviolence, exploring its meaning and significance. We will discuss how nonviolence serves as the foundation of AR’s mission, drawing inspiration from historical figures such as Martin Luther King, Frederick Douglass, and Daryl Davis. It will reflect on what nonviolence means for how we perceive farmers and engage with them in conversations. Moving on to Animal Rising, we will delve into our history of working with farmers, highlighting key moments such as the Save British Farming protest in 2021. We will also cover the Farmer Dialogue tour in 2023, emphasizing the importance of building bridges and fostering understanding. In the final section, we will explore inspiring examples such as Riverford’s sustainable farming model and draw parallels to movements like Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners. We will outline our demands and share insights into how marathons and fundraising efforts contribute to our mission. Suggested Resources: - ["Loving Your Enemies,"](https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/king-papers/documents/loving-your-enemies-sermon-delivered-dexter-avenue-baptist-church) Sermon Delivered at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church by Martin Luther King. - [What is Nonviolence?](https://www.facebook.com/EmbeddingNonViolence/videos/709981509553856/) By Rowan Tilly: this video discusses how nonviolence is not "not-being-violent", which is passive and ineffective. - Read the wiki on [Frederick Douglass](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Douglass), a former slave who became leader of the abolition movement, as his attitude towards slave owners is relevant to our work. He was open to engaging with them to end slavery and even wished no harm on his slave owner despite the shadow he cast on his entire life with the threat of bounty-hunters capturing and returning him. You can read more about the emotional meeting between Douglass and slave owner Thomas Auld, [here](https://www.history.com/news/frederick-douglass-meeting-former-master) - The work of [Daryl Davis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daryl_Davis), a black musician who went into KKK communities, is useful for how we become friends with those opposed to us. His friendship with KKK members led him to being invited to meetings and accepted by them despite his skin colour. He was able to help many leave the organisation and change their opinion of black people. He has a [short TED talk here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw0vS0qvYo0&t=34s). - The movie [Pride](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3169706/) - the story of [Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lesbians_and_Gays_Support_the_Miners) ## Session 2: The situation of farmers today and mythbusting The session begins with an exploration of what is farming today with a heavy lean towards UK farming (but the same issues have led to protest in the EU), providing participants with key statistics and facts to establish a foundational understanding of the farming industry. This session will offer insights into the scale, diversity, and importance of farming to the nation’s economy and communities. We will then delve into the challenges they encounter in their work. These include environmental concerns, such as the impact of farming on climate change and biodiversity; regulatory pressures and the complexities of compliance; financial difficulties, including fluctuating markets and income insecurity; and the often-overlooked issue of mental health, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll on farmers. We will also address mythbusting - challenging common misconceptions about farmers. We will explore and debunk myths such as “farmers are rich,” “animal farming is heavily subsidized,” “farmers are all conservative,” and “farmers hate animals.” This discussion will encourage participants to approach farmers with empathy and understanding, breaking down stereotypes and fostering constructive dialogue. Suggested Resources: There are several association which help farmers with mental health issues and these are useful to know in case you need to point farmers in the direction of help: - UK Gov publication: [Mental Health Risks to Farmers in the UK](https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/43055/pdf/) - [Young Farmers Survey on Current Concerns](https://www.nfyfc.org.uk/AgricultureandRuralIssues/FutureLandUseSurvey) - [Farmer Outreach Guide](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oWX-_nOnyfYQdAAKchAA_lF2jsAg89yw91N4vo4hXN0/edit?usp=sharing): This is a guide to the situation for UK farmers and farming today. It needs updating as Defra have only just released its new stats and the chaotic way the subsidy system has been implemented means some schemes need adding or removing. PLEASE DON’T READ ALL OF THIS! It is 60 pages long but has some interesting graphs and is broken into chapters that you can look at for relevance. ## Session 3: How to talk to farmers - part one The session introduces the farmer dialogue technique, a powerful method for engaging effectively and empathetically. We begin by exploring the principle of observing without judgment, emphasizing the importance of approaching situations with openness and neutrality. Next, we look at the distinction between thinking vs. feeling, examining how these two approaches influence our perceptions and interactions. We will then do a practical exercise to strengthen these skills. Suggested Resources: Video on Observations vs Judgments: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFb2xnLD8kk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFb2xnLD8kk) Video on Thinking vs Feeling: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQQGYny7pq0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQQGYny7pq0) Melanie Joy talk at IARC: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVnGqibEWVQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVnGqibEWVQ) ## Session 4: How to talk to farmers - part two The session begins with a revision of last week. We then explore strategies vs. needs, focusing on the distinction between actions we take (strategies) and the underlying human needs they aim to fulfill. It will help to understand the difference between what farmers say and what they actually need to feel comfortable talking to us. The next section covers demands vs. invitations, examining the difference between imposing expectations and fostering open, collaborative engagement through including farmers in the conversation and movement for a plant-based food system. Suggested Resources: Video on Needs vs Strategies: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkrBRiB5tXc ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkrBRiB5tXc)Video on Demands vs Invitations: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63xnhHcWfCk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63xnhHcWfCk) ## Session 5: Keeping healthy while doing this difficult work This focuses on giving us the tools and strategies to navigate the challenges of engaging in emotionally and mentally demanding work. The session begins by identifying the difficult situations you are likely to encounter, providing real-world examples of potential conflicts, misunderstandings, or emotionally charged interactions. We will discuss appropriate responses, emphasizing techniques to stay sane and effective. We will also learn strategies for de-escalation, gaining practical skills to diffuse tense situations. We then address the emotional impact of this work, exploring how doing farmer dialogue can affect mental health and well-being. We will learn self-care practices and coping mechanisms to manage stress and maintain resilience. The session concludes with an open Q&A, so we can discuss our hopes and fears for going out on farm visits. Suggested Resources: Video: Melanie Joy, Sustainable Activism: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzNaoSGUmDY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzNaoSGUmDY) ## In-Person Session 6: Practicing Role Plays and Answers to Difficult Questions The in-person session will take place at the Animal Rising office in Hackney, London. We will be recapping and practicing the skills learned over the past weeks, as well as providing lunch and an invitation to an optional social afterwards for us to relax and get to know each other better. The exact schedule will be published closer to the date as the content will be informed by the questions and priorities you suggest during the online training. We will be doing lots of role plays to practice what we have learned and how to answer difficult questions. Contact Details: Kerri Waters Email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) Tel: 07484126280 ** https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zOG8-bpXdXJ4BeY8M4uagFMe5Vnuck453yudMrdhMOc/edit?tab=t.0 `Concepts:` `Knowledge Base:` ![[Camping_Pass_Wristband_T2190B981.pdf]] ![[Ticket_Moulson_Thomas_T2190B916.pdf]]