Video Outreach

Frequently Asked Questions

Does VegFund require that the group or person applying be vegan?
Yes. This helps to ensure that there will be at least one vegan individual who is in charge and who will be present at all times during the event. Many viewers will ask you if you're vegan, how you became vegan, if being vegan is difficult, what you eat, and so forth. Therefore, it's important that someone who is vegan is available to respond to these questions.
I'm not part of a college animal rights (AR) group. What should I do?
Although it's helpful if you are a college student or part of a campus AR group, it's not necessary. If you'd like to conduct a Pay Per View event on a college campus, research local colleges and find out which ones have active AR groups. Contact the leaders of these groups and let them know about Pay Per View. Often these student groups are more than happy to partner with someone who is willing to take the lead on a vegan outreach event.
What if there aren't any local college AR groups, or none of them are interested in partnering to host a Pay Per View event?
If the college campus route is not feasible, it may be possible to hold a Pay Per View event somewhere other than a college campus. There are many possibilities, including busy public parks and community festivals.
Does VegFund actually purchase the equipment, food, serving supplies, and literature?
No. You are responsible for purchasing these items after your grant request is approved.
As a first-time applicant for a Pay Per View event, how much should I ask for?
Your first application should be simple. We want to get to know you and your group. You should aim to request no more than $175 ($100 organizer gift, $50 viewer compensation, $25 for literature).
Wait, what about the cost of supplies?!!
For first time applicants, we usually do not reimburse for the cost of headphones, splitters, or viewing booths. However, the $100 organizer gift will sufficiently cover these costs. AND, if your first event is successful and you submit a second Pay Per View application, we'll reimburse you for your supply expenses at that time. Basically, we want to avoid paying for supplies that are only used once.
Does VegFund pay for or loan out laptops?
No, this is something the applicant must supply.
What items does VegFund not reimburse?
VegFund reserves the right to withhold reimbursement for the following items: non-vegan foods, excessive or wasteful items, food or ingredients which contain products not readily available for purchase in your area, gratuities, wages, travel expenses, special equipment, special food for volunteers, bottled water, sodas, shipping, signage, office supplies, printing, ice, items which have little or no value in vegan education (e.g., coffee/tea/other common beverages) or any other items that do not fit in with the VegFund mission. WHEN IN DOUBT GET APPROVAL!
Why do we need more than one volunteer?
There are a lot of tasks to be attended to during a Pay Per View event, including getting people set to watch the video, monitoring the viewers to make sure they're watching, paying them afterwards, and answering questions. It also looks more professional when there are multiple volunteers. A third volunteer is often helpful but not essential.
Why do you recommend multiple laptops?
When there's only one laptop, some people won't wait for others to finish and will wander off even though they were initially interested Remember, you'll want a viewing booth for each laptop!
Are headphones required?
Yes. Unless you are situated far enough from other tables and passerby so that others won't hear the disturbing sounds on the video. However, even if this is the case, we still strongly recommend using headphones. Some events are very noisy, and headphones allow people to concentrate. You can get headphones for under $10, and we will consider funding them if you provide receipts.
What are splitters?
Splitters are for the earphones and allow you to attach 3 or 4 pairs of earphones into one laptop. You can get these at Radio Shack. They are VERY USEFUL! It will drastically increase the number of people who watch, and people like to watch with their friends.
During the event, what's the best way to take photos?
It's best to take photos from behind the viewers so as not to disturb them while they're watching. Please try to be as inconspicuous as possible.
Are viewing booths required?
Yes. However, if your laptop or TV is situated so that casual passerby cannot see it, you don't absolutely need the viewing booth. It is still strongly recommended. It looks cool, like a mini-theater, and probably improves the viewers' concentration on the video.
How do I make a viewing booth?
It's really simple! You can make this out of 3 pieces of foam board taped together—24" long, 18" high. Black works best. Click here for an example.
What if a potential viewer is vegetarian?
If the person eats eggs and/or dairy, then we definitely want them to see the video. Also, be sure to thank the person for having already taken a big step in the right direction.
What if a potential viewer is vegan?
If someone is already vegan, you can let them watch if you think it will reinforce their choice, but the main emphasis is to reach non-vegans.
What if someone asks, "Is this the worst possible footage you could find?"
Say, "No. Unfortunately, this type of treatment is a daily occurrence within the animal agriculture business. The individuals who do these undercover investigations have never been to a slaughterhouse where animals were treated humanely."
What if someone asks, "Is it legal for animals to be dangled upside down while still conscious?"
Say, "They are supposed to be stunned before having their throats slit, but often that doesn't occur."
What if someone asks, "How is this footage obtained?"
Say, "Undercover investigations by people who care about animals. It is expensive, stressful, and dangerous work."
What is the VegPledge?
The VegPledge is an optional form that you can download and print from the VegFund website. (Download the VegPledge form) Make this form available during your outreach event and encourage people to sign up and Pledge to go veg for a week. Return the completed forms to VegFund, and we'll send the pledgers a free vegan starter kit, complete with a veg starter guide and coupons for vegan products!
My event will have a large number of non-English speaking attendees. Do you have any suggested resources?
Yes. Please check out VegFund's Suggested International Veg Websites List
How should I promote/thank VegFund?
It's not necessary to promote or thank VegFund at your table! The public doesn't need to know about us. It is enough that you serve delicious vegan food and distribute lots of great literature. All we ask in return is that you pass our contact information along to other great vegan activists.