Raising awareness through kisses

The student organization Revitalizing Animal Well-Being will be offer a new spin on animal advocacy this Saturday night at its “Sealed with a Kiss” event. \nRAW is hosting the event with co-sponsors OUT GLBT Student Union and the Humane Society at 7 p.m. Saturday at The Lodge, formerly known as Space 101, located at 101, E. 6th St. The members of RAW want to raise awareness about Canada’s annual commercial seal hunt. According to the Humane Society of the United States Web site, nearly one million seals have been killed during the past three years at the hunt, typically for their fur to be used as fashion garments. \n“It hurts my heart so much because it is so senseless,” said Courtney Wennerstrom, co-founder and co-president of RAW. “They are being slaughtered simply because they are beautiful.”\nWennerstrom and the rest of the RAW members created the “Sealed with a Kiss” event to put activism in a new light. The various kissing activities, designed for both singles and couples, will help many animal lovers celebrate their relationships with animals and each other.\nThe night will consist of four musical acts with optional kissing games occupying the time in between performances. Prizes will be rewarded for game winners. Free food and drinks will also be provided, Wennerstrom said.\n“Every 30 minutes, we’ll have a big countdown and encourage people to kiss someone,” said Matt Decker, and IU freshman and RAW member. \nThe kissing theme will aid the RAW organization with its goal of giving animal advocacy a sexy and innovative approach. \n“It’s actually possible to kiss our way into a kinder world,” Wennerstrom said. \nParalleling the affection-induced atmosphere, RAW plans on giving animal lovers another way to be a voice for the seals. \nPetitions are often used to voice opinions. However, RAW petitions will have a special twist tailored to the month of love and romance. Instead of blandly signing name after name on a dull white sheet of paper, RAW will have an action writing table that will stay true to their kissing theme. \nDeborah Strickland, co-president and co-founder of RAW, said this includes a pre-written form created in the form of a Valentine’s Day card. If supporters want to speak out, all they have to do is sign with their name and address. Attendees will have the option to write a personal message or decorate the back of their cards. \n“Advocating for animals can be fun and positive, not just negative and depressing,” Strickland said. “It can be something almost anyone can be involved in.”\nThe letters will travel to Sen. Richard Lugar and to the Canadian Parliament. \n“We hope for our local government to make an impact on the Canadian Parliament, too,” Strickland said. \nAll proceeds from the event will go to the Humane Society in order to fight for the rights of the defenseless seals, Wennerstrom said.