Compassionate Action for Animals

Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA) is a Minneapolis-based animal advocacy non-profit focused on raising awareness on factory farming and promoting vegetarianism.

History
CAA was formed in early 1998 in order to pursue a specific strategy of animal rights activism called "strategic nonviolence", based on the principles of nonviolent action defined by Gene Sharp. These principles of strategic nonviolence are reflected in CAA's current core values.

The name Compassionate Action for Animals was adopted in May of 1998. In June of 1999, CAA became a 501(c)3 non-profit after it merged with the Animal Liberation League, which was founded by Freeman Wicklund, as both groups were doing similar activities and had similar philosophies.

In 1999, CAA began working on its Ban Battery Cages campaign, which culminated in the open rescue of over ten egg-laying hens from a battery cage facility, the first such rescue in the US. CAA's investigation and rescue campaign was based on a similar campaign which was first done by Animal Liberation Victoria in Australia.

Today CAA's activities encompass the Twin Cities with educational outreach and community building events.

Activities and Campaigns

 * Educational outreach through tabling, leafleting, postering, cable shows, literature stands, writing letters and articles for publications, and more
 * Social events such as potlucks, movies, game nights, and dine-outs
 * Food giveaways, festivals, and cooking classes to show how delicious vegetarian and vegan food is
 * Speakers who address animal, ethical, and health issues
 * Work with community restaurants and university cafeterias to make vegetarian and vegan dining more convenient and available
 * Help form and assist high school- and college-based animal advocacy organizations