who we are

Student Animal Rights Alliance is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to youth mobilization, education, and leadership development to build a strong & diverse youth movement for animal protection.

At the Student Animal Rights Alliance (SARA), we know the unique positions held by youth in their schools and communities present great opportunities for them to speak up for animals. We also know if young animal advocates are given the support and empowered with the skills and knowledge necessary to organize in defense of animals - they would, and with great energy and passion. We know this firsthand from our experience of being young organizers for animal rights ourselves, and bringing together over one thousand young animal advocates in the last three years.

When SARA was founded in March of 2001, we began with a simple idea to help build a culture of respect for animal rights with the leadership of youth. We believe that today's youth can take a leading role in the animal rights movement today, not just some time in the future. And since then, we have quickly put our mission to work by organizing unique programs to inspire and empower youth to take action for animals in their schools and communities. The animals need more people speaking up for them, more people demanding an end to their exploitation.they need more activists and organizers now.

With thousands of young animal advocates entering and graduating high schools, colleges, and other educational institutions every year, SARA works to support the growth and development of young organizers and student groups in the animal protection movement. Our vision is for young animal advocates to be provided with the skills, knowledge, and support to organize in their schools and communities, and for the animal protection movement to more proactively involve youth.

The Student Animal Rights Alliance's unique position in the animal protection movement as an independent organization from any national, local, or school group allows us to bring many groups (both big and small) together to work collectively to involve and empower youth. It has permitted us to foster cooperation and networking between the many groups to build a web of connections to strengthen not only individual and local activism of young animal advocates, but also the larger animal protection movement. Today, just a few years since the Student Animal Rights Alliance was founded, our simple dream to support and connect young animal advocates has grown into a focused and distinctive mission to build a strong and diverse youth movement for animals through youth mobilization, education, and leadership development.