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Sasha Jolliffe Yasawi

Sasha Jolliffe Yasawi

Political Candidate & Activist

www.instagram.com/sasha_jolliffe/

Originally from Kazakhstan, Sash relocated to the UK after a period of international travel, while working in hospitality. Raised in a household of contrasting backgrounds—politically, religiously, culturally, and linguistically—he developed a keen interest in diverse perspectives. This upbringing developed his passion for activism from an early age, significantly influenced by his father’s political career. With degrees in Psychology, Arts, and Politics, Sash has cultivated a diverse skill set, including an understanding of psychodynamics—the study of human behaviour and motivations.


In roles such as Advocacy Ambassador at We The Fee and as the UK Liaison for Our Planet Theirs Too (NARD), and a Political Candidate for Animal Welfare Party, Sash prioritizes nurturing growth and professionalism within the vegan movement. He brings a unique blend of cultural skills to his advocacy work, emphasizing unity and alliances through partnerships and collaborations.


In seeking a shift from tactics that can be perceived as inflammatory in the animal rights movement, he focuses on non-violent communication and ethical treatment, avoiding language or actions that contradict the movement’s values. His interest in consent, curiosity, play, language and recognition theory enhances his understanding of psychodynamics, contributing to his approach in navigating interpersonal relationships within the vegan community. He advocates for a balanced approach that assertively communicates their message while upholding respectful and compassionate dialogue based on shared values, aiming to evoke compassion and appeal to humanness while breaking down defensiveness.

 

 

Saturday
4pm

Navigating Activism Anxiety: Courage, Vulnerability, and the Power of Play

This workshop explores how We The Free’s activism combats anxiety through courage, vulnerability, and play. WTF’s commitment to non-violence, inclusivity, and community reduces anxiety, addressing projection and scapegoating. Their advanced training merges data with ethics, emphasizing joy for sustainable activism.

 

Workshops 2 full timetable

Sunday
2pm

Language Matters - Framing Veganism

A look at language in vegan outreach and animal rights advocacy with  some evidence based conclusions and suggestions about this hotly debated topic

 

Takeaways

”Language shapes how people perceive an issue. By harnessing the power of language, we can reshape humans’ relationships with fellow animals, create more impactful campaigns, and become more effective advocates.”

Calls to Action

1. Download Animal Think Tank’s Narrative Architecture for Animal Freedom, which includes a one-page infographic and full messaging guide (https://animalthintank.zapier.app/narrative-architecture)

2. Register for Animal Think Tank’s next webinar on why some animal freedom messaging doesn’t work, and how we can communicate more effectively as animal advocates (https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0sd-CoqTMrHddMlSdPVUI9wOcSTq_QOi9H#/registration)

3. Join a We The Free team near you and connect with a diverse community: (https://www.activism.wtf/getinvolved#team)

4. Join We The Free’s monthly, live Effective Advocacy Workshops for Inspiring Behaviour Change in Others (https://www.activism.wtf/training)

5. Subscribe to The Animal Rights Show on YouTube, co-hosted by Wendy McGovern (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwKCH_ItjqELgL3NE35hj70YazgZBHfZB)

 

Further Resources

1. Sign up to Animal Think Tank’s Narrative Newsletter (https://animalthinktank.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=2c01c53dfef4ab376ea48aad8&id=7a1f084cbe)

2. Read about why Animal Think Tank thinks Narrative Change is so important (https://animalthinktank.org.uk/narrative/)

3. Read Animal Think Tank’s Narrative Research reports (https://animalthinktank.org.uk/narrative/narrative-research/)

4. Sign up to We The Free’s newsletter (https://www.activism.wtf/getinvolved#newsletter)

5. Read the book Animal Equality: Language and Liberation by Joan Dunayer (https://www.waterstones.com/book/animal-equality/joan-dunayer/carol-j-adams/9780970647559)

 

Panels and Presentations full timetable

Sunday
3pm

Vegan Street Outreach

The panel features grassroots vegan street activists discussing outreach, training, effectiveness,

social aspects and how to get involved

 

Takeaways

”Effective street outreach involves aligning our values with communication, embracing vulnerability, and utilizing empathy and storytelling to create constructive and engaging connections, while respecting the seriousness of animal exploitation.”

 

Calls to Action

1) Join the newsletter to stay connected and keep up to date with projects, past present and future: www.activism.wtf/getinvolved#newsletter

2) Join a team near you and connect with a diverse community: www.activism.wtf/getinvolved#team

3) Brave it and try yourself in the role of a leader: www.activism.wtf/roles/eventorganizer

4) Join our monthly, live Effective Advocacy Workshops – Inspiring Behaviour Change in Others – www.activism.wtf/training

5) Track your impact by measuring your inspiration rate using WTF MyStats:
www.activism.wtf/getinvolved#mystats

Get involved in outreach with Viva!: https://viva.org.uk/viva-volunteer-community/outreach-hosts-and-supporters/
For outreach training events on zoom, contact: [email protected]

 

Further Resources

1) Three movies you will never forget (We The Free resources website that is fully customisable to suit your campaign using MyStats – shared with the public during events) www.3movies.wtf


2) Revolutionising our advocacy and invite the public to take part in 3 Minute Movie Challenge online at www.3minutes.wtf

Viva outreach guide: https://cdn.viva.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Viva-Outreach-guide.pdf

Learn about Viva campaigns: https://viva.org.uk/campaigns/

 

Panels and Presentations full timetable