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Dear friends,
For years, many of you have said to me, "Judie, you should write a book!" I always felt like it would be an enormous challenge—like climbing a mountain. Well, I’m thrilled to say that I’ve finally made that climb.
I’m proud to announce the release of my book, Because They Need Us: My Political Fight to Save Animals. Over the past 21 months, I’ve poured my heart into documenting the trials and triumphs of my journey in animal and environmental advocacy. The book spans from my early days rescuing dogs and cats after Hurricane Katrina to my present-day battles in the political arena of Sacramento.
I am humbled to have such positive reviews from giants in our community and for whom I have so much respect and gratitude. Here are just a few:
Anthony Rendon, speaker emeritus of the California Assembly says: "Because They Need Us is not a collection of anecdotes about someone’s past accomplishments as much as it is a road map. It’s an ethical road map, a life road, a road map for success! Like all of Judie's efforts, it's replete with passion, moral conviction, and a sense of purpose.”
Ingrid Newkirk, bestselling author and founder and president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) says: “Judie Mancuso is a Joan of Arc for animals, a force that, as you will read, could not be bought for a million dollars. Why are pet shops banned from selling puppy mill pups? Judie is the reason. Woe to any special interest groups that think they can outspend and outsmart Judie. Almost anything to do with animal protection in the state of California is because of her and her devoted team of vigorous animal defenders. Because They Need Us is eye-opening and jaw-dropping, revealing the lobbyists’ games as well as the commitment and determination it takes to defeat them.”
Dr. Neal D. Barnard, author, psychiatrist, and founding president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine says: “Because They Need Us is a brilliantly written blow-by-blow account of the grit and political smarts it takes to defeat huge corporate forces in the name of decency and compassion. This book could be a textbook for anyone who aims to change the world, as Judie Mancuso has masterfully
done."
Dr. Gary Michelson, founder and funder of the Michelson Found Animals Foundation says: “Judie Mancuso has been the singular driving force behind more than twenty truly groundbreaking pieces of animal rights legislation. Because They Need Us tells how she took on Goliath to get these landmark bills signed into law. Had you gone to Vegas and bet against the thousand-to-one odds of them passing, you would be on the Forbes 400 today. This book is a must-read."
Ash Kalra, California State Assemblymember and compassionate vegan says: “Because They Need Us is a powerful account of how things get done in government when armed with boundless energy, moral conviction, and perseverance—even when facing mountainous, well-funded opposition. It’s no surprise that morally flexible legislators and unscrupulous lobbyists are on edge when Judie walks into a room. They know her moral conviction on behalf of our beloved animals runs far deeper than the surface nature of transactional politics."
Jane Velez-Mitchell, New York Times bestselling author and president of UnchainedTV says: “Judie Mancuso is a force of nature! Her fast-paced political memoir reads like a thriller. Courageously standing up for animals, she refuses to be intimidated by the powerful, monied interests that come after her. A must-read!"
Simone Reyes, world-renowned animal activist, TEDx speaker, author, and Social Compassion in Legislation board member says: “In the animal rights movement, few individuals are ‘the real deal’—those who truly grasp the simple (yet too-often ignored) fact that animals are not ours to exploit and use. Judie has gone to war to fight giant corporations and industries that profit from harming animals. Because They Need Us is an inside look at what goes on in the trenches and how battles for animal rights are won.”
Of course, none of this work was done alone. Throughout the book, I’ve captured the efforts of so many of you who stood alongside me, fighting for animals. Many of you are featured in its pages. While it wasn’t possible to include every story or person, please know that I deeply appreciate every single one of you who has contributed—whether it was through donations, calls to political representatives, lobbying at the Capitol, or supporting the cause in any other way.
I hope my story will inspire others to get politically engaged, whether for animals or any other issue close to their hearts.
100% of the proceeds from the book will support SCIL. Get your copy, including shipping, with a minimum donation of $30.
Click HERE to make your donation and get your book today!
Because They Need Us will be available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as in-stores, by the end of the year. But don't wait! Get yours today directly from us by clicking the link above and making your donation.
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