Youth For
Animals

Summit2026

Your Voice Can Change the Future for Animals.

Join young people, animal advocates, educators, and changemakers for a day of ideas, inspiration, and practical ways to help animals. 

— Saturday, September 19, 2026 —

10:00 A.M —  4:00 P.M PACIFIC

100% VIRTUAL | FREE REGISTRATION

LEARN FROM ADVOCATES

Hear from inspiring leaders making a difference for animals and the planet.

DISCOVER ETHICAL CAREERS

Explore career paths and opportunities that align with your values.

BUILD LEADERSHIP SKILLS

Gain tools and confidence to speak up and create change for animals.

TAKE ACTION FOR ANIMALS

Connect with others and find real ways to make an impact in your community and beyond.

SUMMIT SPEAKER

HARPER GARRISON

BRITTY MAN

DR. CRYSTAL HEATH

DR. LARREA COTTINGHAM

PROFESSOR MATTHEW LIEBMAN

MAYA VEMURI

SITA LAMARTIN

The Future of Animal Advocacy Starts Here

Today’s youth are already changing the future for animals. The Youth for Animals Summit is a one-day virtual event that brings together students, parents, educators, sanctuary leaders, veterinarians, attorneys, nonprofit professionals, and experienced advocates for a day of inspiration, education, and practical action. Whether participants dream of becoming veterinarians, attorneys, educators, nonprofit leaders, content creators, or simply stronger advocates for animals, they’ll leave with practical tools, valuable connections, and renewed confidence.

This isn't just another online event. It's an opportunity to discover what's possible when compassion meets action.

You’ll leave the summit with:

The confidence to become a stronger voice for animals.

Practical leadership skills you can put into action immediately.

A roadmap for turning your passion into meaningful change

Insight into careers that let you help animals every day.

Strategies from experienced advocates who've dedicated their lives to a more compassionate world.

New friendships with young people who share your values — plus downloadable resources to keep making a difference.

Meet Your Hosts

Cheryl Moss

Founder, Better Life for Animals
Cheryl works to improve the lives of animals through education, fundraising, podcasts, children's books, and sanctuary support. She believes education is the foundation for lasting change.

Danielle Hanosh

Co-Founder & Executive Director, LEAP
Co-Founder of Blackberry Creek Farm Animal Sanctuary. Danielle empowers young people through humane education, leadership, and compassionate action.

FEATURED SESSIONS

Seven stops on the trail to becoming a stronger advocate.

A full day of live sessions, September 19 · 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Pacific.

Maintaining Moral Integrity After Making a Mistake

HARPER GARRISON

Every advocate experiences setbacks. Harper shares how mistakes become opportunities for growth through resilience, accountability, and self-compassion. Participants will complete guided reflection exercises and leave with practical strategies for staying motivated and aligned with their values.

Building a Grassroots Movement From Scratch

BRITTY MAN

Learn how to transform an idea into a successful community initiative. Britty shares a step-by-step framework for building support, recruiting volunteers, creating measurable goals, and launching projects that create lasting local impact.

So You Love Animals: Why Veterinary Medicine Needs Animal Advocates

DR. CRYSTAL HEATH

Dr. Heath provides an honest look at veterinary medicine while explaining why compassionate advocates are needed throughout the profession. Participants create an Animal Advocate Career Map and learn how to prepare for careers helping animals.

Following Your Dreams: Finding a Career Helping Animals

DR. LARREA COTTINGHAM

Explore the many careers available beyond traditional veterinary medicine. Participants identify their strengths and interests while discovering opportunities in wildlife biology, sanctuaries, conservation, education, rehabilitation, and more.

Changing the Face of a Plant-Based Future

MAYA VEMURI

Learn how authentic storytelling and positive social media strategies can inspire compassionate choices while building an encouraging online community for animal advocacy.

Animal Law: Protecting Animals Through the Legal System

PROFESSOR MATTHEW LIEBMAN

Discover how laws protect animals, how legislation is created, and how individuals can influence policy. Participants will also learn practical ways to support current animal protection efforts.

Youth Advocacy in Animal Welfare

SITA LAMARTIN

Learn how young people influence policy, legislation, and community change. This interactive session demonstrates how testimony, civic engagement, and youth leadership create meaningful improvements for animals.

Who Should Attend

Anyone ready to raise their voice for animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Good to know before you register.

Yes! Registration is completely free.

Absolutely. Families, educators, homeschool groups, and youth organizations are encouraged to attend.

Yes. Many sessions include live Q&A, activities, worksheets, and guided exercises.

Yes. Speakers will share worksheets, planning tools, and additional resources.

No. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re just getting started or already active.

Registered attendees will receive access within 3–5 business days after the summit.

Support Future Young Leaders

Although the summit is completely free, attendees are invited to make an optional donation during registration. Every dollar supports LEAP’s youth leadership, humane education, and advocacy programs.

🌿 Reserve Your Spot Today

Join students, educators, parents, and advocates for a day dedicated to a better future for animals.

Registration is free — space is limited for this live virtual experience.

Featured Summit Topics

AI, Ethics, and the Future of Animals

How emerging technology is reshaping how we protect, study, and advocate for animals worldwide.

Careers With Purpose

Explore meaningful career paths in animal welfare, environmental science, law, and beyond.

Social Media for Good

Learn how to use your online presence to spark real change and grow a movement.

Mental Health, Nature & Connection

Discover the powerful link between time in nature, animal bonds, and personal wellbeing.

Speaking Up for Animals

Find your voice — practical tools for advocacy, public speaking, and community organizing.

Sanctuary Stories That Change Perspectives

Heartfelt stories from animal sanctuaries that challenge thinking and inspire compassion.

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