Humans Join Bovines in Demanding a Better Day for Bovine Sisters at CowsUnite.org
A new day is dawning for the bovine sisters of America! Concerned humans nationwide are joining a moooovement called Cows Unite (www.cowsunite.org) that demands pasturing for cows and the end of the use of synthetic hormones and pesticides, antibiotics and genetically modified feed for cattle.
Central to the Cows Unite initiative is the historic "Bovine Bill of Rights," a manifesto to help humans understand the human and bovine benefits of organic dairying practices, and the critical role of family farmers. Declarations include "Cows have the right to graze," and "Cows have the right to just say no to drugs." The full manifesto can be found at www.cowsunite.org, along with information about Cows Unite contests, member kits, calls to action and activities. Site visitors are informed and entertained as they watch bovine videos of the resistance in action and download free Cows Unite posters.
The latest in a series of videos chronicling the movement can be found on the Web site or at www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmCZwb8FSK8.
A key function of the Cows Unite web site rewards visitors for growing the movement by becoming a member and building their own Cows Unite chapter with Yahoo's satellite image mapping tool. As members' networks grow, they become eligible for rewards and prize drawings, including an activist kit with coupons and a car/fridge magnet appeal for support; a year's supply of Organic Valley milk; and an all expenses paid family weekend visit to an organic dairy farm. Full details of activities are made available on www.cowsunite.org.
Developed by Organic Valley Family of Farms, America's largest cooperative of organic farmers and one of the nation's leading organic brands, Cows Unite has also received support from a number of leaders in the sustainable food movement, including Sustainable Table, Beyond Pesticides, Bioneers, Farm Aid, and Ecotrust.
"I haven't personally talked with any cows, but I have a pretty strong idea that if given the choice, they'd say they prefer life as an organic cow—free to graze on pasture whenever possible, eating food that has not been genetically modified, and producing milk without the use of antibiotics, synthetic hormones and pesticides," said Sarah Bratnober, communications director for Organic Valley. "Cows Unite is a fun, creative way for similarly-minded humans to communicate with friends and demonstrate their passion for health, environment, and animals."
For more information, visit www.cowsunite.org.
The Bovine Bill of Rights
People, rise up and take back your milk! We are the bovine Sisters of Cows Unite. We're ordinary cows, except we've got a few serious beefs:
Cows have the right to be cows.
Cows are not machines—we are equals in the interdependent circle of life. All our rights begin with this right.
Cows have the right to graze.
Turn us loose to graze in pastures free of synthetic pesticides and herbicides. We will take only what we need and we will refresh the soil. You will be happier for it, too. Our milk will be delicious and delightful. Promise.
Cows have the right to just say no to drugs.
The days of experimentation are over. Stop pushing the synthetic hormones and antibiotics! Organic is the right way for Sisters everywhere.
Cows have the right to dignity and joy.
When we are free to move about outdoors, it's our best opportunity for dignity, health and joy—and a chance at joy should be the right of all living things. Even dogs.
Cows have the right to decent help.
Sure, us cows are the all-stars, but the time has come to say thanks to the little guys— the family farmers. We can't do this alone. Fair pay for an honest day's nurturing and care. It's all we ask. Viva la Family Farm!
Cows have the right to clean air.
Nothing makes us breathe easier than local customers. When you choose milk from pastures close by, you reduce trucking. It's pretty nifty. Less air pollution, less fuel used, and support for your neighboring Farmers, all from one little milk choice.
Join us.
The Sisters of Cows Unite need your human help. We ask that you consider our rights and talk to your family and friends about our basic needs. Join the resistance and follow the steps outlined below.
- Choose organic milk from cows whose rights are upheld.
- Sign up to receive your first assignment with coupons.
- Tell your friends about www.cowsunite.org.
Thank you, Humans! Dunk in peace.
