Be an Animal Hero Just By Conquering Boredom!

School holidays are awesome, but it's usually around about this time in the proceedings that you really feel the need to actually DO something? And unless you have a crystal clear swimming pool with cool fresh water to dive into for a refreshing burst of icy cold ... sorry got a bit carried away there "ahem" you may even be relegated to the couch to escape the heat (or torrential downpours depending on which part of Australia you're in!).

Either way there's heaps of things you can do in your holidays that will not only conquer your boredom but will be a huge help for animals who need you to use your voice (or keyboard, or facebook account) for them.

Indoors?

OK, there's so much stuff you can do with the click of a mouse it's incredible.

• You can sign online petitions or send instant emails to key decision makers to ask that they help animals too. This live export advocacy is ultra important right now, and will get you started.
• If there's an issue that is really important to you, you could write a letter to the editor of your local paper, or even a national paper. This is a great way to make sure people become of aware of issues that may not be hitting the news daily, but go on constantly (like testing cosmetics on animals, or the killing of calves in the dairy industry, for example). The more letters you write the more chance you'll get one printed (that will massively impress your mates too!)
• Twitter and Facebook are so much more than fabulous time wasters. By posting links on your page, you loudly spread the word about animal cruelty and how it can be stopped without even clearing your throat. Back in August, Unleashed members posted a link to a petition to ban circuses. It generated thousands of signatures and by November, the ban was in place! Ok, so a little more went into that campaign than the petition, but every little bit helps! (Like a letter in a newspaper, online links keep issues in people's minds whereas they may have forgotten about them otherwise).

Not Raining? Not scorching?

Then get out there and let everyone see your beautiful face!

• Handing out leaflets in a friendly manner in a busy area can generate a lot of interest from passers by and more importantly, raise awareness on issues that are usually hidden from view (like factory farming!). Unleashed members are great and proactive when it comes to things like this, so if you want to get involved, join the Action Team or jump on the forum to see what's coming up in your area (or arrange your own leafleting session!)
• This time of year the shelters for homeless dogs and cats are, unfortunately, bursting at the seams. So it's a good thing you have some time on your hands to volunteer and help out. Dogs need to be walked, cages need to be cleaned, and tummies need to be tickled. So contact your local shelter now and see how you can help.

That should keep you busy until (gulp) school goes back. But why break new habits? You can keep these things up for as long as you want!
Do you have any other cool ideas? How are you gonna spend the rest of your holidays?

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