Here are several great ways to get out and make a difference in your community:

1. Buy animal rights books to donate to your local library. Visit the PETA Shop to purchase select books for your library at a 20 percent discount. Most library book donations are tax-deductible. Check with your library to find out more.

2. Wear clothing and buttons with pro-animal statements.

3. Post PETA literature on bulletin boards. (You can order it free by visiting PETALiterature.com.)

4. Offer to show videos, sponsor speakers, and host seminars for local civic groups.

5. Take vegan meals–and the recipes–to functions. Find recipes at PETA.org/Recipes.

6. Speak up! When people ask you why you don’t eat animals, don’t just call it a “personal choice.” Instead, paint a vivid picture of cruelty and explain how easy it is to go vegetarian or vegan.

7. Show your hairdresser some of the many great beauty products that aren’t tested on animals.

8. Ask for more vegan options at local restaurants and grocery stores.

9. Lend animal rights books to your friends and place them in the library of your condo, retirement home, town, school, or place of worship.

10. Suggest an animal rights book such as Dominion by Matthew Scully or Good News for All Creation by Stephen Kaufman and Nathan Braun for your next book club meeting or church study group.

Don’t feel like getting out and about? No problem. You can help animals without even leaving the couch!

1. Write to the producer of any television program in which characters abuse or ridicule animals and dash off a letter or e-mail to the network that airs the show as well.

2. Pen a brief, pointed letter to the editor of a newspaper that runs an ad for a fur sale.

3. Call and voice your objection to local newspapers and TV and radio stations that promote entertainment events that use animals, such as circuses and rodeos.

4. Include a PETA leaflet with every bill you pay and place an animal rights sticker on the outside of the envelope.

5. Ask your child’s teacher to stop keeping animals in the classroom or requiring students to dissect animals. PETA can provide information on virtual-dissection software that can be used instead.

6. Include an animal rights quotation or a Web link to a video in your e-mail signature or on your social media pages.

This article originally appeared in PETA’s Augustus Club newsletter. PETA’s Augustus Club is a complimentary club honoring those who are leaving a legacy for animals through a planned gift to PETA. There are no fees or charges, and members receive quarterly newsletters containing special features on PETA’s history, PETA’s impact on animal-abusing industries, and profiles of members and animals they’ve saved. Augustus Club members also receive invitations to special events throughout the year. Augustus’ noble image, dignity, and innocence make him a fitting symbol of the plight of all animals who have endured—and are still enduring—callous and horrible treatment at the hands of humans.

If you have made a planned gift to PETA, please let us know so that we can thank you! If you have not yet left a legacy for animals but would like information on how to do so, please contact us.