In this illuminating episode of Our Hen House, listeners dive into the vibrant ecosystem of grassroots animal advocacy with three powerhouse changemakers who are transforming the movement from the ground up. James Hattersley (We The Free), Carrie LeBlanc (Compassion Works International), and Steven Rouk (Connect For Animals) share their innovative approaches to building sustainable activism networks that create real-world impact. With refreshing honesty and practical wisdom, this conversation unpacks what truly works in mobilizing communities for animals—no corporate polish, just authentic voices with proven strategies and measurable results.
This panel discussion offers both newcomers and seasoned activists practical takeaways for finding their unique place in the movement, proving that grassroots advocacy remains the beating heart of animal protection efforts worldwide.
As the Founder and Executive Director of CompassionWorks International (CWI), Carrie LeBlanc leads groundbreaking animal advocacy campaigns that have successfully shut down multiple circus operations and exotic animal performances nationwide. Her strategic activism approach has transformed public opinion on animal exploitation issues including trophy hunting, rodeos, and both exotic and domestic animal abuse. Before establishing CWI, Carrie developed her animal rights expertise with leading organizations including Mercy For Animals, Compassion Over Killing, and FARM. With academic credentials including a bachelor’s degree in cultural anthropology and a master’s degree in art history from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Carrie brings a unique perspective to animal advocacy as a published art historian. She currently resides in Henderson, Nevada with her husband, rescue dog Bambi, and five rescued guinea pigs.
Steven Rouk is the founder of Connect For Animals, an innovative platform bridging the gap between passionate individuals and effective animal advocacy opportunities. With over a decade of experience in the farmed animal protection movement, Steven specializes in data-driven activism strategies, community building initiatives, and grassroots mobilization techniques that empower everyday people to create meaningful change for animals. His work focuses on solving the fragmentation within animal advocacy by creating centralized resources that help supporters find their perfect fit within the movement. Connect For Animals has become a vital hub for connecting activists with campaigns, events, and actions from numerous nonprofits and local groups working to end factory farming. When not developing digital solutions for animal advocacy, Steven writes about philosophy and ethics, enjoys nonfiction literature, and stays active through running.
James Hattersly, Founder and Executive Director of We The Free, has been at the forefront of vegan activism since 2017, developing innovative grassroots outreach strategies that are transforming animal advocacy worldwide. His diverse activism experience spans street outreach, protest marches, vigils, disruptive actions, targeted campaigns, undercover farm investigations, and direct animal rescue operations. Under his leadership, We The Free has expanded to 160+ teams across 40 countries, reaching millions monthly through their groundbreaking Three Minute Movie Challenge initiative. Before dedicating himself full-time to animal rights, James built extensive organizational expertise during a decade-long career in the social care sector, where he served as an Operations Manager coordinating services for individuals with learning disabilities and autism across multiple cities. When not developing We The Free’s strategic vision and fundraising initiatives, James volunteers at vegan animal sanctuaries and spends time with his rescued dogs.
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