December 15, 2025
Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA) recently sent two staff members, Jodi Gruhn, Wholesome Minnesota Director, and Kelso Anderson, Program Assistant, to the Animal Policy Alliance (APA) Summit in New Orleans. The summit brought together animal advocates from across the country to share strategies for farmed animal policy, coalition building, and advocacy. Both Jodi and Kelso returned inspired and ready to put what they learned into action in Minnesota.
Caption: APA conference attendees (Kelso back row right side and Jodi fifth from the left in the center row)
Learning Practical Tools for Farmed Animal Advocacy
Jodi described the summit as “an eye-opening experience that provided me with strategic tools for advancing our cause.” She found the “theory of change” exercise especially useful. “I’ve been using this idea for other campaigns that I’m dreaming up — it ensures a focused and cohesive plan,” she said.
Caption and featured photo for blog: Jodi doing a presentation about Wholesome MN’s work
Jodi also highlighted her learning about the importance of understanding opponents. “Identifying our opponents is crucial. Understanding what our success would cost them and predicting their likely responses enables me to strategize effectively.” She noted that enforcement strategies are essential for successful policy work. “Enforcement was on my mind before the summit, but this only strengthened my resolve to create tools for successful implementation.”
Kelso found the summit practical and informative. “The sessions covered a wide range of practical issues in farmed-animal policy work, including coalition building, theories of change, and effective implementation and enforcement of pro-animal legislation” he said. He valued learning from experienced activists and appreciated the chance to connect with other attendees one-on-one.
Building Partnerships and Community Connections
The summit emphasized the value of collaboration. Jodi saw how forming alliances in unexpected places could strengthen advocacy efforts. Sharing knowledge and strategies with other volunteers and organizations can improve the reach and impact of farmed animal campaigns. She also learned that partnerships with unexpected groups can help expand the reach of advocacy. For example, working with egg producers on the EATS initiative allowed activists to use existing infrastructure to help animals.
Kelso also noted that unstructured networking time was valuable. He said he “left with several new ideas — big and small — to help farmed animals” and planned to continue following up on these connections to expand learning and collaboration.
Caption: Conference attendees watching Jodi’s presentation.
Fundraising was another focus of the summit. They learned that small-donor campaigns can connect activists with local communities and build long-term support. Jodi also pointed out that she learned that awards ceremonies can be a strategic tool.
Experiencing New Orleans and Local Vegan Cuisine
The summit was held at the historic Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter. Both staff members enjoyed exploring New Orleans and trying local vegan cuisine. Jodi shared that she “devoured a Southern vegan po’ boy and beignets” at a lively outdoor market. Kelso sampled vegan crabcakes, an Impossible po’ boy, and beignets, noting the city has many vegan-friendly restaurants.
Evenings included group dinners and optional outings that encouraged informal discussion and networking. The hotel provided fully vegan breakfasts each morning, including vegan sausages and tofu scramble. These meals and experiences strengthened the sense of community among all summit participants.
Applying Summit Lessons at CAA
Jodi and Kelso have plans for putting their summit insights to work at CAA. Jodi is using the theory of change and enforcement strategies to improve tools for Wholesome Minnesota’s plant-based school meal program. Kelso plans to use coalition building and implementation strategies to enhance farmed animal advocacy across the state.
The summit reinforced that both strategy and personal connections are essential for effective advocacy. Jodi emphasized careful planning, understanding opponents, and focusing on enforcement as key to policy success. Kelso highlighted the importance of networking and learning from experienced activists.
Advancing Plant-Based Advocacy in Minnesota
The APA Summit experience will help CAA staff strengthen their programs and impact for farmed animals. From creating practical tools for plant-based school meals to building stronger community networks, Jodi and Kelso plan to apply new strategies to expand animal protection efforts in Minnesota.
Both staff members agree the summit was a unique chance to learn, connect, and get inspired to create positive change for farmed animals.
Keywords: Animal Policy Alliance Summit, farmed animal advocacy, plant-based programs, animal advocacy Minnesota, CAA staff, coalition building, theory of change, vegan policy.
