Educator. Activist. Humane Party Policy Team Committee Member.
For this edition of Voices of the Movement, we spoke with Kearney Robinson, whose ethical awakening began early and evolved into nearly two decades of vegan living, grassroots activism, and policy work grounded in justice and fairness.
Her story reflects a truth many long-term advocates come to learn: sustaining a movement requires both conviction and care—for others, and for oneself.
How did you become vegan, and how long have you been living a vegan lifestyle?
I have been vegan for about 19 years, and I was a vegetarian before that. When I was 11 years old, I read a book in which a horse was sold to a glue factory. I remember thinking, “Who would want to kill an animal?”
Still reeling from the story, I went downstairs to eat my leftovers from a restaurant. When I opened the box, for the first time I saw a dead body instead of a piece of “meat.”
I became a vegetarian at that point, and later, as a teenager, I went vegan after learning about the dairy industry.
What first inspired you to join the movement for animal and/or human liberation?
My parents met at a peace demonstration; activism is in my blood. My first animal rights protest took place after I joined a student animal rights group, which I initially attended simply to meet other vegans. After that first protest, I became deeply involved and went on to dedicate much of my life to animal rights activism.
How do you define ethical living?
Making daily choices that align with the values of justice and fairness.
Share a moment or experience that solidified your commitment to this cause.
My commitment to this cause was solidified when someone at a coffee shop asked me, as a vegetarian at the time, how I felt about the dairy industry and its treatment of cows. A light bulb went off. I immediately threw away my latte and announced that I was going vegan.
In that moment, I realized that harm itself is unethical, not just killing. Later, I also learned that dairy cows are ultimately killed as part of the industry.
What vision do you hold for a just, peaceful, and sustainable future?
I see a world where mechanized systems of violence against animals do not exist.
What advice or message would you give to others just beginning to question the status quo?
Find a vegan community. Look for a local meetup group or activist organization in your area.
How do you stay motivated in the face of challenges and setbacks?
I stay motivated by allowing myself to both lead and follow. For much of my activist life, I have been an organizer and leader. In recent years, I have recognized that I may not always have the energy to lead, so I intentionally support others who are leading. Staying engaged in this way allows me to remain active without burning out.
Are there any specific people, books, or events that shaped your perspective?
Book: Animal Farm
Event: Animal Rights Conference
Is there anything else you would like to share with readers of The Humane Herald?
If you haven’t already, consider organizing or joining a targeted campaign. Work to close down exploitative facilities like SeaQuest Interactive Aquariums in your community, or research animal-friendly laws in your town and whether they are being upheld. Securing concrete wins is energizing and essential for momentum in this movement.
Movement & Policy Work
In addition to long-standing grassroots activism, she also serves on the Humane Party Policy Team Committee, contributing to the development of ethical frameworks that aim to translate compassion into durable, structural change.
Connect with Kearney Robinson
Kearney Robinson’s journey reminds us that movements are not sustained by constant urgency alone, but by reflection, community, and the willingness to both step forward—and step back—when needed.
The Humane Herald 