Before launching the Caucus, we had several internal conversations about what we should name the space. We landed on “POC Caucus” because “POC” is widely used in the U.S.; however, there are a number of critiques for this term that we believe apply to the caucus so we have determined that POC is not the best descriptor. We are now choosing to harness the globally inclusive spirit of a new term: People of the Global Majority.

As an animal protection group that focuses on racial justice, part of what Encompass does is shine a light on the connections people in our movement may not see. Specifically, we spotlight institutional racism because it is typically couched behind the veil of “how things are” and it deserves to be disinfected by sunlight. We care deeply about animals and the people who fight for them, and we also care deeply about those who are stuck in exploitative jobs in the food industry with no other options. The overwhelming majority of these are people of color and/or recent immigrants.

Incorporating DEI into an organization’s culture requires a paradigm shift. It requires everyone in the organization—from top to bottom, no matter how they racially identify—to be willing to grapple with how race affects our work for animals and our movement at-large. DEI work can take many forms and for some, it may be a brand new concept. We created this fact sheet to summarize how we help organizations realize their DEI goals.

Activists are special. They choose to work in service of others, at a time when most people choose to work in service of self. Encompass supports activists and activist organizations, helping them create the conditions that will allow them to focus on their work, reach their goals, and thrive.

To truly understand intersectionality we have to go back to the creator of the term itself, Kimberlé Crenshaw, who back in 1989 used it to address the dual systems of gender and race, specifically for Black women. Today “intersectionality” is often incorrectly used to explain just about any intersection of oppression.

In early December 2018, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ)––the most outspoken ethical vegan in Congress––expressed his support for Encompass. Check out his video here.

We interviewed Berto Calkins influencer at the Tatted Vegan and board member of Woodstock Farm Sanctuary to better understand his approach to animal advocacy and why Woodstock has upgraded its mission to live by the principle that inclusivity strengthens an organization.

At Encompass, we’re interested in getting to the root of the issue because the evidence is clear: racial diversity—without emphasis on equity, inclusion, and belonging—is ineffective. This post takes a deep dive not just into why we do this work, but how (and it’s chock full of references).

Growing up in rural Virginia, veganism was never on the menu. It was one of the many things I simply did not know about until later in my life—much like the idea that I could love women, or that I am complicit in systems that oppress people of color.

I’ve struggled with identity and place my whole life. I never feel totally at home anywhere, so I’m always searching to belong. As I’ve worked to develop the core tenets of Encompass, I’ve realized that, like me, most advocates of color also need a sense of belonging to thrive in this movement.

Encompass launched on August 1, 2017—less than one year ago—and the enthusiasm we’ve received, and the momentum we’ve created, has surpassed my wildest expectations. Here are some highlights from our one-year report.

As an animal group that discusses issues related to race, it can sometimes be difficult to know when to wade into the national political conversation. But as the child of immigrant parents, I can’t help but feel a certain type of closeness with these children. As a movement, as people who show compassion to nonhuman animals, we must show this to our fellow humans.

I care about many issues because they often affect me directly, and a huge part of my empathy for animals stems from my own experience being “othered.” La Raza For Liberation’s mission is to educate and empower our communities in a way that is relatable, accessible, and historically accurate. We reject the idea that all Latin Americans are Mexican, look the same, or that all Latin Americans come from the exact same culture and have the exact same needs and experiences. We are a diverse people, and our work should reflect that.

At Encompass, our core goal is to build a racially diverse, equitable, and inclusive farmed animal protection movement. However, we recognize that systems of oppression don’t operate independently. We believe that sexism, racism, ableism, and other forms of prejudice deserve introspection, analysis, and a framework for a path forward.

I grew up thinking I was white because of a technicality. But after my racial awakening, I claimed boldly and proudly my identity as a woman of color. As an animal advocate, I want to help facilitate a conversation that in the professional movement we have avoided for far too long. Let’s do this together!

As one of a few women of color working in the big groups, and one of even fewer women of color working in the high-pressure, white-male-dominated corporate outreach space, I have struggled. In my daily dealings with companies, colleagues, and members of the broader animal rights community, I have had to cope repeatedly with microaggressions and, at times, outright racism. Just as animals should be respected, their advocates should be too.

We all want to feel like we belong, like we’re welcome, like we’re understood, and like we matter just as much as the next person. If people feel alienated, misrepresented, or unrepresented, we’re not going to see the change our movement is tirelessly striving for -- and, unfortunately, these feelings are often the reality for many people of color who come to our movement.

Progress requires the tireless effort of people who are committed to making our world a more inclusive, equitable, and justice-minded place. Patiently waiting for the animal movement to diversify itself would be a mistake because as MLK noted, social progress is not inevitable. If we hope to see consistent progress in the animal protection movement then we must act on our internal impulse and seek to change the racial and gender demographics of our movement and our leadership.

Amplification is when people support your message or point by referring to it, crediting it, and/or building on it. When each person’s contribution is marred due to explicit or implicit bias, lack of connection or ignorance, the project and the company lose.

The professional farmed animal protection movement wants to be a global powerhouse capable of taking on and eliminating practices and industries that have existed for decades. It wants mainstream support—to no longer be seen as a radical, niche passion. In order to get to this place, we must examine the state of our organizations and the movement at large. Is it equitable? Is it conscious and inclusive? Can people all over the identity spectrum see themselves represented?