Join us at the Eco Fair on Summit this May! We will be helping to educate attendees on the sustainability benefits of plant-based eating by offering a trivia game and educational materials, and helping people write to the Senators supporting legal protections for animals. CAA will be in Tent #1, the more westward tent.
Volunteering at the Eco Fair on Summit
CAA at the Eco Fair on Summit last year.
At the front table, we’ll have a spin wheel game where attendees figure out the answer to a question that helps them learn about the ways animal agriculture harms the environment. All the answers (along with explanations and sources) are available to volunteers on a cheat sheet. Sample spin wheel questions include:
- What crop in the US uses the most fresh water? [Answer: alfalfa hay, according to USDA stats.]
- A huge amount of pollution is created to grow corn and soy. What happens to most of the corn and soy grown in the US? [Answer: it’s fed to millions of farmed animals, according to industry groups.]
We’ll also offer educational materials like our Minnesota Veg Living magazine, and invite game-players to take the actions we have on offer – like filling out a letter to their representative, trying a plant-based food sample, or signing up for our email list.
Outreach has overwhelmingly positive interactions. Most people care about both animal welfare and the environment, and are at the fair to learn more! You don’t need to know everything or be a master debater coming into outreach. You’ll have some time after arrival to read over the materials and trivia questions to get the hang of things. The most important things are to be a good representative for CAA and plant-based eating – to be friendly and positive when engaging people – and to have a good balance between asking about their thoughts and questions and sharing your own information and experiences.
Who can volunteer and attend?
If you’re passionate about the climate impact of our diet, or about helping people move towards plant-based eating, this event is for you, whether you’ve done outreach before or not, and whether you’re 100% vegan or not. We’ll support you in how to do effective outreach.
We ask that volunteers under 16 years old be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult. (Please sign up for just one volunteer slot together.)
The venue for the event itself is fairly mobility-accessible – it is in a large, flat parking lot under a big tent, so there are no stairs to get in or leave. Restrooms are located inside the House of Hope Church; there are no auto-open doors, and there are three steps to get inside. Quiet space is available in the Children’s Library space inside the Church. Gender-neutral bathrooms are available.
How can I sign up to volunteer?
You can scroll down and sign up for this event below, or go to the volunteer page to see all volunteer opportunities!
What is the Eco Fair on Summit?
The Eco Fair on Summit, organized by Interfaith Power and Light, features a variety of local vendors with products, information, and activities related to sustainability. From electric trucks to plant-based cooking demos to wilderness protection to CAA’s eco trivia to pollinator experts to primarily vegetarian vendors, the Eco Fair on Summit is a place for people to learn about, enjoy, and take action on sustainability.
Resources for Volunteers
We’ll reach out to you via email prior to the event to share contact info and location info at the event.
At the event, you’ll meet the other people participating in outreach, and read over all the outreach materials we are using. Then we’ll help you know what to say to attendees and give you spin wheel questions. If you’re new to outreach, you’re welcome to watch several interactions between other people to get an idea of how conversations typically go!
We’ll have snacks, drinks, sunscreen, and non-deet bug repellent available to volunteers at the event.
Get involved at other Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA) events!
Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA) hosts many events throughout the year, including Twin Cities Veg Fest, Vegan Recipe Club, the Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge, cooking classes, potlucks, outreach events, and so much more! If you can’t make this event, or just want to know about other opportunities to get involved with CAA, we’ve got so many ways to connect with the community, learn, and make a difference for animals. Visit our volunteer page to see all opportunities!
