During training sessions on how to lobby for strong animal protection laws, Kara Holmquist, Director of Advocacy at the MSPCA-Angell, explains that when legislators see her coming down the hall, they know she will talk about how the MSPCA-Angell supports pending animal protection legislation. “Who they really need to hear from are animal lovers in their districts who can vote for them,” she explains.

Last year, the MSPCA-Angell welcomed Bethany DeZolt as its new Advocacy and Community Engagement Coordinator. In this role, Bethany has worked to grow and empower the Animal Action Team, helping the Advocacy Department’s supporters make a difference at both the state level and also in their communities. Before Bethany discovered anyone could advocate for animals full-time, she helped animals in any way she could, from hosting pet supply drives at her school to interning with the ASPCA in Washington, D.C. Later, Bethany enrolled at Tufts University, where she pursued a Master’s degree in Animal and Public Policy to study the changing role and impact of animals in society.

Bethany created the Community Advocacy Leader (C.A.L.) program, a group of advocates who play a crucial role in helping pass state and local legislation. Currently, 25 C.A.L.s throughout Massachusetts have completed over 300 volunteer hours by working within their legislative district to develop relationships with lawmakers and community leaders. Monthly Zoom meetings with guest speakers led by Bethany help prepare this group to talk about crucial animal issues and understand how to be an effective advocate.

Plans for the future include placing a C.A.L. in each legislative district, where each leader has their own local grassroots team to work on animal issues. “We are well on the way to that goal,” states Bethany, “and are excited to work with this amazing team.”

To learn more or become a Community Advocacy Leader, visit mspca.org/advocacy or email Bethany DeZolt at bdezolt@mspca.org.