PROGRAM

See 2009 Program Schedule

Animal Rights 2009 is the animal rights movement's annual national conference.

Animal Rights 2009 is a forum for sharing experience, reporting on progress, discussing tactics, networking &  "recharging our batteries." It brings our movement together under the banner of animal liberation from all forms of human oppression. All viewpoints that support this goal are welcome (except for advocacy of injury).

Animal Rights 2009 reflects America's continuing concern with terror. Indeed, it is dedicated to exposing and challenging the terror perpetrated every day against billions of innocent, sentient nonhuman animals.

The four-day program features nearly 100 presenters from more than 60 organizations and nine countries, representing virtually all sectors of our movement. They appear in eight Plenary Sessions, 50 Workshops, 30 Campaign Reports, and 7 Rap Sessions. Other program elements include: Exhibits, Videos, Newcomer Orientation, Group Workouts, Strategy Meetings, Networking Receptions, Awards, and musical entertainment.

This year's program retains its traditional structure, while introducing new elements, such as presentations by leaders of other social justice movements, reports from the whale wars in Antarctica, and consequences of global warming for animals.

AR2009 opens on Thursday, July 16, at 4pm with the Welcome Reception, followed by the Opening Plenary. It culminates on Sunday evening, July 19th, with the Closing Reception. Several groups are planning Post-Conference Activities, including intensive seminars, lobbying, and a demonstration, on Monday, July 20th.

The Friday, Saturday, and Sunday daily schedule begins with a Group Workout at 7:30am or a swim in the pool. Then choose between issue-specific Workshops, Videos, Rap Sessions, and Campaign Reports that run between 9am - 12noon and 1:30 - 5:30pm. The evening Plenary Sessions bring everyone together for keynote presentations from 7:15 - 9:30pm, leaving ample time to visit Exhibits, as well as, socialize and network during meals and Networking Receptions. (See detailed outline below.)

The first plenary, on Thursday, includes welcome by sponsors and introduction to the conference structure, as well as the history of our movement and reports on major recent successes. The Friday plenary addresses major issues facing our movement. On Saturday, the plenary follows the celebratory dinner, and features Hall of Fame, activist, and celebrity awards. The Sunday plenary features leaders of other social justice movements and a keynote presentation.

See Hotel page for Saturday Awards Banquet details.

The daytime workshops are configured along three concurrent tracks. : Issues, Organizing, Remedies. The Issues track covers various types of animal abuses and the underlying issues (best for newcomers). The Organizing track guides improvements in personal and organizational effectiveness. The Remedies track addresses campaign strategies and outreach to various constituencies. Each hour, you choose the session that best fits your needs and interests. Want them all? Order AR2009 recordings.

Rap Sessions and Campaign Reports engage participants in debates about controversial issues and current campaigns. Videos documenting animal abuses are shown concurrently and may include guest speaker.

Exhibits of movement merchandise, educational materials, compassionate shopping and delicious vegan treats from 9am - 6pm, Friday - Sunday.

See Program Schedule