Representing DA

This page applies when you represent Dyrenes Alliance in public contexts.

This includes:

• Speaking to media (TV, radio, podcasts, newspapers)

• Participating in public debates or panels as a DA volunteer

• Giving interviews

• Wearing DA merchandise at public events

• Speaking at events where you are introduced as part of DA

• Posting from your personal social media profile while clearly identifying yourself as part of DA

This page does not regulate your private opinions. You are free to hold and express personal political views. However, people may associate you with DA when you publicly speak about veganism, animal rights or DA campaigns – especially if your connection to DA is visible or known.

The purpose of these guidelines is to support responsible, strategically effective and aligned communication.

Media appearances – approval is required

If you are asked to represent Dyrenes Alliance in the media, this must always be approved by the office.

In most cases, you will also receive preparation and guidance from our press officer, Lars Corvinius Olesen.

Media participation on behalf of DA should ideally always include coordination and message preparation. If you are not proactively offered guidance, you are expected to ask for it before accepting or participating.

No volunteer should represent DA in media without prior approval and coordination.

General principles when representing DA

Be calm, clear and principled – even when you disagree.

Stay aligned with DA’s official campaigns and positions.

Avoid speculation or unverified claims.

Do not share internal discussions, financial matters or sensitive organisational details.

If you do not know the answer, say so.

If you are unsure about DA’s position on a topic, contact the relevant Discord channel, activity lead or current office contact before speaking publicly.

On your personal social media profile

You are free to express your own views.

However, if you:

• mention DA,

• describe yourself as a DA volunteer, or

• speak publicly about DA campaigns,

• you may be perceived as representing the organisation.

In those situations:

• Be clear about what is your personal opinion and what reflects DA’s official position.

• Avoid sharing internal information.

• Do not engage in prolonged comment fights.

• Step away from escalating threads.

You are not required to defend DA in every online discussion. Strategic silence is often more effective than reactive engagement.

Speaking positively about DA – why it matters

Many of us are system-critical. Some of us are skeptical of institutions, NGOs or formal structures. That is legitimate.

At the same time, when you choose to volunteer with DA, you are part of a collective effort.

Speaking constructively about DA in public spaces:

• Strengthens credibility in the broader movement

• Increases trust among potential supporters

• Helps animals by making our work more effective

• Makes it easier to recruit and retain new volunteers

You do not have to agree with every internal decision to speak responsibly about the organisation.

There is a difference between:

• Strategic internal critique, and

• Public communication that undermines shared efforts.

If you have concerns or criticism, bring them into internal spaces where they can be addressed constructively. Publicly attacking the organisation weakens the impact of everyone’s work, including your own.

Being critical and being strategic are not opposites. Effective activism requires both.

Do

• Speak factually about DA’s campaigns and goals.

• Emphasise shared values: animal liberation, justice, systemic change.

• Correct misinformation calmly.

• Redirect complex questions to official channels when relevant.

• Ask for guidance if you are unsure.

Do not

• Share private or internal information.

• Publicly speculate about internal conflicts, finances or personnel matters.

• Use discriminatory language, harassment or personal attacks.

• Present personal views as DA’s official position without approval.

• Represent DA in media without office approval.

If guidelines are not followed

DA aims to handle issues through dialogue, clarification and learning first.

Repeated or serious breaches – especially involving discrimination, harassment, misinformation or reputational harm – may lead to consequences, including being asked not to represent DA publicly.

Last edited on 4/6/26.