How we drive change
Our approach is pragmatic and collaborative. We work with the direct democratic means available to us at the communal, cantonal and national levels. Our efforts are focused on agriculture, consumption, and animal dignity as defined in the Swiss federal constitution. A drastic reduction in the consumption of animal-based food is needed, but we realise that change will not happen overnight. We push for food system reform through political and institutional outreach.
Our roots in Effective Altruism motivate us to reduce animal suffering as efficiently as possible, and so to center our reasoning on their experience in the here and now. We are mindful, though, that the longterm environmental impact of animal agriculture represents the scope for even greater magnitudes of suffering as it affects us all. We therefore place great emphasis on the interconnectedness of harms and seek to build a broad and politically diverse supporter base.
Our campaigns
Latest articles
Sentience becomes the hundredth member of the Open Wing Alliance
Sentience is the first Swiss organization to join the alliance, which was founded in 2016. In doing so, our organization is committing to become an even stronger advocate for the interests of chickens at home and abroad in the future.
Upcoming changes at Sentience
After four and a half fulfilling years full of transformation and unique projects, the time has come for me to turn a new page. I have decided to step down from my operational role as Co-Managing Director of Sentience at the end of this year.
Key Learnings 2022
Both of our initiatives represented landmark achievements for Sentience. They shaped the public discourse in 2022 and contributed to the slow inculcation of animal ethics into mainstream society. Yet, there is room for improvement.
Annual Report 2022
The past year was a huge milestone in the recent history of our association. With the Primate Initiative in Basel and the national referendum on factory farming, two proposals of historical importance came to the ballot box.
SDGs without food system reform are missing the elephant in the room
The link between farmed animal welfare and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is often overlooked. Many people are unwilling to accept that we need to treat ‘food animals’ differently if we want to address the climate crisis effectively.
Introducing the Protein Lab 2023
We are pleased to introduce our first fully-funded project for 2023. Protein Lab comprises a series of one-day workshops where experts will come together to discuss how our food system can transition towards plant-based protein sources.
Meet the team who will take our work forward in 2023
The most eventful year so far is coming to an end for Sentience. Get to know our new team and support our Matching Challenge so that we can continue our commitment to non-human animals.
Double Your Donation by December 31
We would like to announce an exciting giving opportunity! From now until the end of the year, all donations to Sentience will be matched up to a total of 30,000 CHF. This matching challenge is made possible thanks to a few generous donors...