Think Tanks Create Change
by David O. Wiebers, M.D.
Virtually every major social movement that has achieved meaningful change in recent decades has had a think tank for incubating ideas, research, and writing to anchor and accelerate reform efforts. We thought that such a think tank in the form of the All Life Institute would add considerable impact to our work in animal and all life protection.
We also thought that it would help those of us who had been active in the fields of human, animal and environmental protection to move beyond working in separate silos to join forces and help forge an all-life-protection mindset that unites the protectors of animals, nature and humanity.
When I became involved with animal protection almost 40 years ago, we formed the Scientific Advisory Council to the Humane Society of the United States and this groundbreaking group of 14 physicians, veterinarians and scientists helped accomplish some great things for animals but the scale was limited by lack of precedent and considerable conflict between the medical and animal protection communities, largely over the issue of animal research.
Thankfully, those factors have changed considerably over the past few decades and there has been a recent outpouring of interest among academics in a wide range of fields to utilize their talents and expertise for the benefit of nonhumans as well as humans and the environment. There is also a growing awareness that we humans and our wellbeing and survival on this planet are inextricably tied to what happens to nonhumans and the Earth. All that we do depends upon abundant plant and animal life as well as clean air and water.
We are honored and thrilled to have such a talented and diverse team of dedicated scholars working toward shared goals that will benefit society in far-reaching ways. We’ve already seen how their expertise can be a game changer on several issues and we’re just getting started. And although the work can often be challenging, it can also be fulfilling to the depths of one’s soul!
David O. Wiebers, M.D.
Emeritus Professor of Neurology
Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation
Founder and Chair, Board of Directors,
All Life Institute