Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Does the way we talk about animals actually affect their rights? The answer is a resounding yes.
This special Guardian Month fireside chat explores how language can be a powerful force for good — or a hidden barrier to justice. Phrases we don't even think about can unintentionally create a wall between us and our nonhuman kin. It’s time to bridge that gap.
The Expert Panel
We’ve gathered a powerhouse group of advocates and media experts to guide this conversation:
- Carrie Freeman & Debra Merskin: Representing Animals & Media, experts in how representation shapes reality.
- Jane Velez-Mitchell: The fearless voice behind UNCHAINED TV and our 2026 Guardian Award winner.
- Mary Essency: Development Specialist from In Defense of Animals.
It’s not just what you say; it’s how you say it. This session provides practical guidance on how to make your word choices match your advocacy.
- Root Out Hidden Biases: Identify the everyday terms that subtly detach us from other animals and undermine their status as sentient beings.
- Language as Advocacy: Learn how to turn every conversation into a form of activism by choosing words that honor animal rights.
- Practical Tools: Gain simple, actionable tips to ensure your vocabulary reflects your values.
- The Power of Connection: Discover how shifting our language can help us reconnect with our animal kin and build a more compassionate world.
Refine your voice and become a more effective guardian for those who cannot speak for themselves.
RESOURCES TO DISCOVER
UnchainedTV: unchainedtv.com
Animals & Media: animalsandmedia.org
In Defense of Animals' Guardian Campaign and Pledge: idausa.org/campaign/guardian
Sign our alert: idausa.org/campaign/guardian/latest-news/change-the-world-for-animals-with-words-this-guardian-month
Join Veg Media Watch: vegmediawatch.org
Review the Slides: docs.google.com/presentation/d/1edLvAnYjlfmj1W4TpiqjT2vs6yTMWiN3tWTA9BfcYtQ/edit?usp=sharing
Support the Guardian Campaign: idausa.org/about/donation
Does the way we talk about animals actually affect their rights? The answer is a resounding yes.
This special Guardian Month fireside chat explores how language can be a powerful force for good — or a hidden barrier to justice. Phrases we don't even think about can unintentionally create a wall between us and our nonhuman kin. It’s time to bridge that gap.
The Expert Panel
We’ve gathered a powerhouse group of advocates and media experts to guide this conversation:
- Carrie Freeman & Debra Merskin: Representing Animals & Media, experts in how representation shapes reality.
- Jane Velez-Mitchell: The fearless voice behind UNCHAINED TV and our 2026 Guardian Award winner.
- Mary Essency: Development Specialist from In Defense of Animals.
It’s not just what you say; it’s how you say it. This session provides practical guidance on how to make your word choices match your advocacy.
- Root Out Hidden Biases: Identify the everyday terms that subtly detach us from other animals and undermine their status as sentient beings.
- Language as Advocacy: Learn how to turn every conversation into a form of activism by choosing words that honor animal rights.
- Practical Tools: Gain simple, actionable tips to ensure your vocabulary reflects your values.
- The Power of Connection: Discover how shifting our language can help us reconnect with our animal kin and build a more compassionate world.
Refine your voice and become a more effective guardian for those who cannot speak for themselves.
RESOURCES TO DISCOVER
UnchainedTV: unchainedtv.com
Animals & Media: animalsandmedia.org
In Defense of Animals' Guardian Campaign and Pledge: idausa.org/campaign/guardian
Sign our alert: idausa.org/campaign/guardian/latest-news/change-the-world-for-animals-with-words-this-guardian-month
Join Veg Media Watch: vegmediawatch.org
Review the Slides: docs.google.com/presentation/d/1edLvAnYjlfmj1W4TpiqjT2vs6yTMWiN3tWTA9BfcYtQ/edit?usp=sharing
Support the Guardian Campaign: idausa.org/about/donation
