Nettie Schwager from Corvallis, Oregon, will be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Paul McCartney when she heads to Hollywood on September 30 to attend PETA’s 35th Anniversary Gala. Nettie won two tickets to the star-studded gala for her lifelong commitment to helping animals, which includes leafleting (she’s given away 54,000 booklets about vegan eating!), tabling, hosting movie nights, and more. In her winning essay, chosen from more than 1,100 entries, Nettie told us that she’ll be turning 60 on October 2—World Vegetarian Day—just two days after the big event. “What better way could there be for me to celebrate than going to a gala for the animals!” she wrote. We agree. PETA Prime wanted to find out more about this animal rights dynamo, so we asked her a few questions:

How did you get into animal rights?

I got into animal rights when I learned how badly animals suffer. The suffering is hidden from view, out of sight, out of mind. When I began reading about the subject and watching videos, I was really completely floored. I couldn’t believe the cruelty and that this happened on a massive scale and was legal!

As far as I know, we have only one life. What more important way is there to spend this life than by reducing the suffering of others? And in the case of animals, they are defenseless and vulnerable. So I committed myself to this cause.

I don’t think animal rights should be controversial. Almost everyone would agree that cruelty is wrong and compassion is good, so this issue should be universally embraced. I believe this will happen someday.

What animal rights issue is close to your heart and why?

Cruelty is wrong and all suffering is bad, so I care about all issues, but I put my focus on food because 99 percent of animal abuse happens in the name of food. And I specifically encourage people to not eat chickens or eggs because chickens are not only the most abused animal but also often overlooked. They make up around 95 percent of land animals slaughtered. The suffering that these poor birds endure is immense.

How long have you been vegan and what inspired you to go vegan? Did you notice any changes after going vegan?

My veganism evolved over time. I went vegetarian in my early twenties and vegan sometime around age 34. I am about to turn 60, so that is a long time. Occasionally I ate some animal products during the earlier years. As I read and learned more about all aspects of this issue, the more passionate I became.

As far as changes I have experienced, there have been benefits. I attribute this to the specific way that I eat vegan. I am health conscious. I live and eat healthfully and feel lucky to have figured out how to do this. I am certain that I would not be as healthy had I not done this. My mom was not as lucky, and I saw what happened to her. I changed before any health problems surfaced, but some benefits I have experienced are weight loss and better digestion. Had I not changed into a healthier diet, I believe I would eventually have health issues based on what I saw with family members.

Tell us about your activism. What do you do to speak out or volunteer for animals?

I have been an activist for 16 years. I will never stop. I have done a variety of things over the years. Currently the main thing I do is leaflet. I can grab some booklets, head out, and reach hundreds of people in a few hours. It is a great use of time and I feel good about doing it. I hope to be leafleting for years to come. If I should live so long and am able, I will be out there when I am 90.

I also write letters to the editor and have had maybe about 50 or 60 printed in local papers over the years. I like to wear message gear in hopes of planting seeds and getting people to initiate conversations. I have a bumper sticker on my car that says, “Be kind to animals, don’t eat them.” I occasionally table or do pay-per-view, have given talks, have done film screenings, have done radio shows, and attended protests. However, leafleting is my main thing because it is both simple and effective, no preparation or equipment needed, other than the booklets.

Nettie and Moby

What advice would you give to PETA Prime members who want to get active for animals?

Good for you! Please do it. The animals cannot protect themselves and need us to act on their behalf. Plus, it is rewarding to know you are working for a noble and important cause.

Activists today are getting smarter about activism. We are learning from past mistakes, from research into how to create change, and from knowledge of psychology. There are conferences about getting active and talks on ways to do it and how to be effective. I recommend reading The Animal Activist’s Handbook by Matt Ball and Bruce Friedrich. This book really helped me. If it had been around when I started my activism, it would have spared me from my mistakes.

When you have an experience or conversation, learn from it. Think about how it went and how to say or do things better the next time. It is a never-ending learning process.

There are lots of negative stereotypes about animal rights activists. We need to break the stereotypes. Our goal is to influence others to make more compassionate choices. So be nice and friendly and find common ground with others. I have found that this influences people more than anger or insults.

Stay positive and don’t get discouraged. We are making a difference and changing the world. Social change takes time, but it is happening. I have seen very big changes over the last 10 years. Let’s keep working till we end this cruelty.

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Check back soon to read about Nettie’s experience at PETA’s anniversary party!