A community for BIPOC animal advocates.

Sometimes BIPOC folks need spaces to reflect, connect, and heal.

Knowing that there is a community of others who look like us or have similar experiences in the animal protection movement can build a sense of belonging and resilience.

Since its inception, our community has functioned to build greater equity in the animal protection movement by providing community, resources, and professional development to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color).

Who is the community for?

  • Anyone who identifies as a person of color (e.g., Black, Brown, Indigenous, Asian and Pacific Islander folks). Given our limited capacity, we’re only able to offer online programming in English.

  • Anyone who holds an animal rights ethic (working/engaging in the movement is not required).

    * NOTE: We know that racial identities are social constructs created in particular moments of time, based on specific geographies, among a number of other factors. Because of this, we welcome white-passing people of the global majority in our community and ask that everyone — especially those with racial advantages as it relates to colorism — be intentional of our shared commitments, particularly as it relates to power dynamics.

What are the benefits?

  • Access to programs and resources (e.g. trainings)

  • Career advancement opportunities (e.g., jobs, speaking engagements, committees, boards), as available

  • Belonging to a vibrant community

What are the activities?

  • Monthly activism trainings and mental health check-ins

  • Leadership development opportunities

  • Community-building events

What does it cost?

  • Nothing! Participation in the community is free.

Monthly Activism Trainings

Yvette Baker leads our Monthly Activism Trainings, in which she provides insight and guidance on how to evolve animal advocacy into a more effective and intersectional space while also mentoring BIPOC animal activists who want to bring their dreams of liberation to reality.

Yvette Baker is writer, educator, social critic, and total liberation activist. Her work and activism have been devoted to critically examining the connections between human and beyond-human oppression through an Afro-Indigenous lens.

What About the Activists?

What About the Activists? is a virtual space created by Dominique Sade to bring heart-centered strategies and practices to encourage self-awareness, cultivate resilience and support inner development. You will learn and develop practices to prevent and recover from burnout while becoming more effective and fulfilled.

Encouraging healing, wellness and empowerment through:

  • Mindfulness + Compassion Practices

  • Qigong *an ancient practice that combines flowing movement, meditation, and breath regulation*

  • Supportive Dialogue

  • Reflective Writing

Dominique Sade is a seasoned interdisciplinary coach, facilitator and CEO of Dominique Sade Healing & Wellness Institute. With over a decade of experience and a passion for holistic health and well-being, she combines her certifications in Personal Training, Nutrition, Mindfulness & Compassion, and Qigong to address prevalent health challenges. Dominique Sade continues her trailblazing work by extending her services to APEX Advocacy, where she continues to advocate for the well-being of all sentient beings.

Here are some key values and practices that define our community:

  1. Respect for All Beings: We extend our respect to all human and nonhuman animals, abstaining from promoting animal products in any APEX Advocacy spaces.

  2. Creating a Brave Space: Our goal is to foster a brave space where empathy, understanding, and growth flourish. We engage thoughtfully, sharing knowledge and experiences while making room for others to do the same.

  3. Practicing Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others is at the heart of our interactions. We strive to sense and appreciate what others are going through.

  4. Embracing a Learning Stance: Difficult conversations are navigated with openness and a willingness to understand diverse perspectives. We listen, learn, and grow through each other’s stories.

  5. Encouraging Positive Engagement: Mistakes are opportunities for learning. We prefer call-ins to address errors and encourage doing so promptly and respectfully.

  6. Speaking Up and Making Amends: When impacted by someone’s actions, we voice our feelings constructively. If we cause hurt, we listen, reflect, and seek to make amends.

  7. Taking Responsibility: Each of us owns our contributions to the community. We address concerns within our community space, maintaining confidentiality and respect, including on social media.

Non-compliance with these values may lead to individual discussions with APEX Advocacy team members and, if necessary, could result in dismissal from our community.We're excited to embark on this journey with you. Together, let's create a community that not only advocates for animal liberation but also practices kindness, empathy, and understanding in every interaction.