Free National Summit Empowers Animal Advocacy
The Californer/10357045

LOS ANGELES - Californer -- Better Life for Animals and LEAP (Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet) will bring possibilities to life during the Youth for Animals Summit, a free, live virtual event created to educate, inspire and equip young people who want to make a difference for animals.

The summit will run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific and is open to middle and high school students, college students, parents, families, teachers, homeschool groups, youth organizations, sanctuary volunteers, future veterinarians and attorneys, and anyone passionate about helping animals.

"Young people care deeply about what is happening to animals, but they don't always know what to do with that passion," said Cheryl Moss, founder of Better Life for Animals and co-host of the summit. "We want them to see that there isn't just one path to helping animals. Their interests, talents and voices can take them in directions they may never have considered."

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The day will feature seven speakers representing different areas of animal advocacy and professional life: Harper Garrison, Britty Man, Dr. Crystal Heath, Dr. Larrea Cottingham, Professor Matthew Liebman, Maya Vemuri and Sita Lamartin.

Sessions will move beyond inspiration and give participants practical ways to get involved. Young attendees will explore how grassroots movements are built, how animal protection laws are created and changed, why veterinary medicine needs advocates, how social media and storytelling can influence attitudes, and how interests and talents can lead to careers helping animals.

"This is about giving young people tools they can actually use," said Danielle Hanosh, co-founder and executive director of LEAP and co-host of the summit. "When young people understand that their voices matter and see concrete ways they can participate, they begin to recognize that they are not waiting to become leaders. They can lead now."

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Participants will discover career possibilities in veterinary medicine, animal law, wildlife biology, sanctuaries, conservation, education, rehabilitation, nonprofit leadership and advocacy. They will also learn how community organizing, civic engagement, public speaking, social media and storytelling can become powerful tools for change.

Interactive sessions will include live Q&A, activities, worksheets and guided exercises. Registered attendees will also receive access to session recordings following the summit. No previous advocacy experience is required.

While young people are at the heart of the summit, parents, grandparents, teachers, homeschool families, educators, sanctuary leaders, nonprofit professionals and mentors are encouraged to attend. The Youth for Animals Summit is completely free to attend, removing cost as a barrier for young people and families who want to participate.

The Youth for Animals Summit is proudly sponsored by WIZE!
Saturday, September 19, 2026
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Pacific
Live Virtual Event
Registration: FREE
https://betterlifeforanimals.com/blfa-leap-2026/