Rowing has been part of my life since freshman year of college (1987). I started in the 8+, where the rhythm of the team taught me the power of trust, coordination, and shared purpose. Now I row a single scull on the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia. Teamwork comes in a different form: becoming one with the boat and oars, moving efficiently, gracefully, and in sync with the water. Sometimes it’s a tough workout; other times it’s a meditation; often it’s both.
On October 11, I turned that rhythm into a statement of compassion by rowing a full marathon (26.2 miles). “Row for the Animals” is a fundraiser for American Vegan Society (AVS). Every stroke I took was to raise awareness about the more than 80 billion land animals and countless fishes killed each year for food worldwide. I knew any pain I felt was nothing compared to what the animals endure.
Rowing is slower than running, and in a single there’s nowhere to hide from your thoughts. These long miles gave me time to reflect on AVS’ mission and how each of us can help others see that compassion isn’t a sacrifice, it’s a strength. My hope is that while I do miles, someone new to vegan will do meals, leaving animals off their plate.
I finished the marathon in 5 hours and 50 minutes, an hour or two faster than I expected. My boat and oars knew their work; I just had to keep them connected, playing to my strengths of perseverance and efficiency.
Rowing a marathon is a fitting metaphor for our work at AVS: steady, persistent, and purpose driven. Every person who participates, whether by donating, volunteering, and/or sharing vegan values, keeps our mission moving forward. Individual effort plus collective purpose creates meaningful change.
You can donate to this fundraiser for American Vegan Society: Row for the Animals at AmericanVegan.org Together, we’re rowing toward a more compassionate world.
Anne Dinshah became the first American Vegan Society (AVS) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in January 2025. Anne is the liaison between board and staff; she leads the AVS staff team into the modern era by infusing new ideas, securing funding, fostering enthusiasm, and promoting teamwork.
