People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is the largest animal rights organization in the world, and PETA entities have more than 9 million supporters worldwide. Founded in 1980, PETA is dedicated to establishing and defending the rights of all animals. PETA focuses its attention on the four areas in which the largest numbers of animals suffer the most intensely for the longest periods of time: on factory farms, in laboratories, in the clothing trade, and in the entertainment industry. We also work on a variety of other issues, including the cruel killing of beavers, birds and other "pests", and the abuse of backyard dogs. PETA works through public education, cruelty investigations, research, animal rescue, legislation, special events, celebrity involvement, and protest campaigns.

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In response to feedback from leaders of hubs in PETA's Students Opposing Speciesism program, two online training videos were created. One deals with effective outreach techniques; the other deals with best practices for using social media to advocate against cruelty to animals. The New Hire Buddy Program is an informal leadership development opportunity; staff members selected as “Buddies” pair with newly hired colleagues. The Buddy has a set of guidelines to cover with each new hire, and there’s survey check-ins to ensure key milestones are met. The Buddies grow as leaders in their zone, and ensure success of new colleagues. The Pryor Learning Systems Membership Program is a formal leadership development investment for PETA staff. Pryor accounts are particularly useful as their course offerings are constantly updated and modern, and the on-demand webinars offer even the busiest of managers time to invest in their skill development.

In March 2022, five PETA scientists attended the 61st annual Society of Toxicology (SOT) conference, the largest toxicology conference in the world. We presented collaborative research conducted in partnership with scientists from academia, regulatory agencies, and industry. At the conference, PETA scientists also received multiple awards for their work. PETA scientists regularly collaborate with other scientists on the advancement of reliable and human-relevant toxicity testing approaches. They’ve co-authored dozens of publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals over the years, including a recent one coauthored with government agencies from the US and abroad that helps improve the process for adopting modern test methods in a timely manner. We support local activists with resources and training. In our last fiscal year PETA sent out over 40 million letters through our online advocacy campaigns, urging companies and individuals to make changes that would help animals.

PETA has expanded use of virtual programs for members and supporters given COVID restrictions. We have improved on ability to collect feedback and questions from those in attendance at such programs as well as improved ability to receive donations. PETA has also expanded our use of phone text communications (for those who opt in) to engage supporters in action alerts and to solicit funds.