How to be an activist who creates real change | Carey Theil & Christine Dorchak | TEDxAlexanderPark

Each of us, even the most cynical politician, has a child inside who desperately wants to do something that is genuinely good. We all want to change the world. So we write letters, hold protests, wave our signs, and argue on social media - but nothing gets better. Thus we lose faith in democracy and convince ourselves that lasting change cannot be achieved. After two decades of fighting the multi-billion dollar greyhound gambling industry and winning, Christine Ann Dorchak and Carey Theil - founders of advocacy group GREY2K USA Worldwide - discovered three core lessons about successful activism. And, not only that, they saved the lives of thousands of dogs along the way. Christine Ann Dorchak and Carey Theil are the cofounders of greyhound protection group, GREY2K USA Worldwide. As a nonprofit entity, GREY2K works to end the cruelty of dog racing and fund greyhound rescue on a global basis. Before obtaining her law degree, Christine worked as Research Director for the New England Anti-Vivisection Society. Christine specializes in pari-mutuel law and has drafted laws to successfully prohibit dog racing in several states and countries. A long-distance runner all of her life, she has competed in seven Boston Marathons to date. Carey has been sourced in hundreds of news articles and testified in favor of stronger greyhound protection laws all across the United States. In his free time, Carey volunteers for various non-profit organizations and is a National Master in chess. Christine and Carey are the co-authors of the new book, Brooklyn Goes Home.
Christine Ann Dorchak and Carey Theil are the cofounders of greyhound protection group, GREY2K USA Worldwide. As a nonprofit entity, GREY2K works to end the cruelty of dog racing and fund greyhound rescue on a global basis. Before obtaining her law degree, Christine worked as Research Director for the New England Anti-Vivisection Society. Christine specializes in pari-mutuel law and has drafted laws to successfully prohibit dog racing in several states and countries. A long-distance runner all of her life, she has competed in seven Boston Marathons to date. Carey has been sourced in hundreds of news articles and testified in favor of stronger greyhound protection laws all across the United States. In his free time, Carey volunteers for various non-profit organizations and is a National Master in chess. Christine and Carey are the co-authors of the new book, Brooklyn Goes Home. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@franchambers5430]

Through tears I write to thank you for sharing your amazing story. Your persistence, determination and love for these beings shines through with every nuance, every word. You provide us all with hope, persistence and determination to continue the fight worldwide to end this cruel industry, this exploitation of the beautiful, gentle greyhound.

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Fran, thank you for all you do to help innocent hounds in Tasmania. They are so lucky to have your smarts and determination.

[@lisaryan5197]

Inspiring and uplifting and a resounding YES to tenacity, a global and united approach and remaining focussed on the big picture and the many facets we all need to accommodate and champion as a global movement. With much respect and gratitude from the team at Animal Liberation in NSW Australia. We CAN and WILL do this!

[@-GreyMatter-]

Loved hearing about such a journey - especially that it had a happy ending on all fronts

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Thank you so much for watching our talk! We were so lucky to have Brooklyn in our lives.

[@ivannadoval5418]

Thank you for never giving up🩷

[@ireneclark3447]

May your persistence be continued through the next centuries.

[@zoezanders]

Love the approach to failing, especially the reframe on letting it fuel you, that's really good advice!

[@isa_well...]

Beautiful, this makes me so happy :) Thank you so much!

[@markwild9342]

Thank you Christine and Carey for all that you have done and continue to do, you serve as true inspiration to all of us, let's hope we can finally end this across the globe and with your story and inspiration I'm sure it is only a matter of time!!

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Mark, your leadership in Tasmania is a game-changer for the greyhounds!

[@jessiesangster]

Loving the passion behind this cause!! Hopefully they can take this tenacity to other animal welfare issues, there are so many causes that need attention.

[@Vixensublime]

What a fantastic story and great lessons to those of us who do want to change the world for greyhounds Thank you for sharing your wisdom. You pulled at my heartstrings, too! ❤

[@LibardoTechnology]

What an amazing, inspirational story! Thank you. Thank you for reminding us that a small group of bright, determined, committed individuals can change the world!

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

You words mean so much, thank you!

[@Sky-Leap]

I’ve never been involved in animal rights activism, but this talk makes me want to start. It’s crazy to think how much can change when people don’t give up, no matter how tough it gets.

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

We agreee!!!

[@kinsleyhawker]

This is amazing persistence, to get a law degree for that sole purpose is incredible

[@amymoloney5715]

Inspiring. Thank you. Your three points for successful activism are written in bold letters on my office wall!

[@Josmith-x2h]

I was fortunate enough to meet Carey and Christine this year in Tasmania....amazing dedication to a horrific industry....as you said never give up, keep going, the fight is worth it....and yes the beginning of the end movement is happening in Australia - we have a few awesome Politicians here in Tassie and on the mainland who are supporting the end of racing.......time, with lots of people power and plenty of money is needed to fight this industry!

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Thanks, Jo. It is a pleasure to know you and to fight for the greyhounds together.

[@miroslavhancinsky6111]

I really admire the persistence and dedication that went into this campaign. The fact that they kept fighting even after so many losses is inspiring. It shows that real change doesn’t happen overnight, but it does happen!!

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Persistence is the key!

[@dahouseismyhouse]

This is so great, loved their approach and how much it shows that activism isn't just about protests and making noise but also making strategic moves that lead to tangible results.

[@stephanies4545]

You both are incredibly adept at creating a clear message, strategizing and methodically executing. And now teaching others, incredible. Heroes!

[@georgiarouse]

Truly incredible guys, well done and thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@carsonlaura]

Brilliant! You two are an inspiration to anybody who is trying to effect change for animals!

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Thanks so much, Connie. You led the way in Oregon!

[@jamesbowie4540]

My brother got a rescue greyhound, best dog ever.

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Greyhounds are so loving!

[@michealrighini]

You guys definitely created change, much needed and hopefully long lasting!

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Thank you so much!

[@LoriPasetti]

You guys are amazing! You have done so much for the greyhounds all over the world. I am sure Gina & Brooklyn are looking done with much pride and love. May God continue to bless you and your efforts to end this terrible torture of these gentle dogs.

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Lori, thanks for all your support and for believing in us!

[@JDMumma]

WOW!!! Powerful journey and message. So great that they covered things that did not work, and not just the successes. Technically her dog's sacrificial action(s) in a way saved all those other dogs! Got me tearing up! 😢

[@LoriPasetti]

It is absolutely amazing all you guys have done for Greyhounds throughout the world. May God continue to bless you and your efforts. I know Gina & Brooklyn are so proud of you .

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Our sweet babies are always in our hearts. How we miss them!

[@fantastic.shoppingaddict]

love them, what good people, thank you both for caring so much

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Thank you for your kind words. "We work for dogs" - that's our motto!

[@johngayton]

Great advice, it is all about perseverance!

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Thanks, I used to be called stubborn, but I like this word better for sure!

[@desivaldez]

Absolutely loved this! I fostered a greyhound once, and she was the sweetest, most gentle dog I’ve ever known. Hearing this talk made me think back on how grateful I am for that experience

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Thank you for helping a hojnd in need!

[@veganmeditations]

Y'all's work is just incredible - thank you for all that you do! Beautiful talk!

[@FlipTheVirus]

I was so inspired by their ability to turn failure into fuel. Sometimes it feels like giving up is the easiest option, but they showed how persistence is the real key to making a difference.

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

We agree!

[@nicolastsantos]

Wow great work guys 👏🏻👏🏻

[@fidofriendlymagazine7194]

What a wonderful testament to the human spirit to fight for the voiceless. Our animal friends with their unconditional love continue to amaze us with their resilience. Carey and Christine are living their lives On Purpose and are exceptional role models for us all.

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Thank you to Susan and to everyone at Fid Friendly for such kind words!

[@rebeccadcarl]

Man what an achievement!! I wish other countries would follow suit

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Together, we can realize change!

[@bencycaitlin]

It's heartbreaking to hear what those dogs went through, but what really stood out to me was how they used the law to create real change!

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

It's hard to believe that ANYONE ever thought that racing dogs in circles and betting on their lives would be a "sport!"

[@bencycaitlin]

@@christineanndorchakesq.400 Absolutely. Just speaks to how much we undervalue the lives of other creatures

[@sandytlyon]

I lost a campaign I worked on once, and it was crushing... hearing how they kept fighting after that 51 to 49 loss makes me wish we had kept going

[@valeriehowell9367]

Carey & Christine! Thank you so much for doing this TED! Marvelous presentation and of course I'm crying because for years I saw first hand how hard you worked for us here in Florida and across the U.S. to bring down this horrible industry. And now your doing it for the greyhounds around the world! Just the other day when someone noticed me reading your book, I was telling them how you two have and are continuing to literally change the world; it truly is possible!! Love you!

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

You are so kind Valerie. Thanks for making a difference for the greyhounds in Florida!

[@wzhen9391]

The global aspect of their work is impressive. It’s one thing to make change in your own country, but to influence practices worldwide takes the effort to another level.

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Thank you for your kind words, let's keep fighting!

[@dodgersfanextreme]

good people do good things, this is great people doing awesome things

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Thank you for your ebullient comment! We hope to inspire others to take action on the issues they care about, and spark change. That will be the measure of our talk's success ...

[@feliceschonfeld9947]

Here in Florida we embraced this movement and ended greyhound racing. We thank you for lighting the flame

[@eddysgarage]

I'm just completely in awe that these guys had the foresight and dedication to tackle such a long running issue. The time commitment alone is incredible let alone all the emotional labour that would have gone into it.

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Thank you so much. It has been a true Odyssey!

[@eddysgarage]

@@christineanndorchakesq.400 ive shared with everyone I know... well done

[@mygiftisme]

I had no idea greyhound racing was still a thing in parts of the world. It’s great to see them bringing attention to this issue and fighting so hard to end it globally.

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

We look forward to the day when our work is no longer needed!

[@lkipp588]

This is full of solid practical advice for all kinds of would-be activists. Thank you for helping clarify what you have done for all these years to help Brooklyn and the other greyhounds.

[@rochellesandell7802]

Keep the momentum going! End greyhound racing!

[@nicolastsantos]

they did?

[@steeveleibold531]

As someone who loves dogs, this talk really hit hard.Was so sad to hear about all those greyhounds getting injured/being put down... but man what a wonderful ending!

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Thank you so much for watching our talk!

[@lada123]

Wonderful! These are two amazing individuals who have made such a positive impact.

[@katrollins627]

Thank You, Christine and Carey!!! Your amazing relentless and passionate work to help save as many greyhound lives and the goal to shut down ALL greyhound race tracks in our nation and across the world!! God bless you forever to keep up your awesome compassionate love and work with your Great Success--For the Love of Dogs!!❣❣❣❣❣❣❣❣❣❣

[@helentaylor1504]

I've read your book about Brooklyn and taking down the racing industry. A brilliant and beautiful book. I admire you two so much. They are still building tracks here in Australia. Please help our greyhounds here in OZ

[@rogerbrenton]

Thank you, heroes both! On behalf of so many dogs whose lives you've saved and suffering you've prevented, a thousand blessings on you.

[@meganlampa3293]

We're fighting to end greyhound racing in Australia. Thankyou for your encouragement 🎉❤

[@JudyZatonski]

Excellent presentation - inspiring and as the saying goes 'If at first you don't succeed - try, try ,try again' - this video clearly demonstrates that 'dogged' determination and the right approach will win in the end! Congratulations Christine and Carey for all the hard work you have put in over the years to free these gentle dogs from imprisonment and exploitation and for championing their cause.

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Thank you so much Judy. Your beautiful photographs of rescued greyhounds say so much about the need to protect these gentle friends.

[@KathrynThomas-t2i]

What a great story and an amazing impact on the world! 🎉

[@LP-hs6yz]

Thank you, Christine and Carey. You are loved.

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@nicolastsantos]

and admired!

[@Epic-Blue]

I really admire how they didn’t let all those setbacks stop them. It reminds me that you have to stay focused on the bigger picture, even when the journey feels impossible.

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Absolutely. Don't stop trying just because failure is possible. By stopping, failure is guaranteed.

[@judygreenfield6737]

What an inspiring Ted Talk. This is an entertaining tale of two "David" people standing against a "Goliath" industry that has exploited greyhounds for too long. It is truly amazing that, undaunted by failures, they learned from those failures and persevered....eventually spearheading the ban on dog racing in Florida. Realizing the way to affect change was through the legal system, Ms. Dorchak returned to school to become a lawyer! Remarkable.

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Thanks for your beautiful comment, Judy, and thanks for all you do to help save greyhounds!

[@abradisme]

I got chills when they talked about meeting Brooklyn for the first time after all those years of suffering. It’s moments like that which show how meaningful their work really is.

[@dongoldstein8974]

Thank you for your years of hard work here in Florida and your continuing efforts on behalf of greyhounds everywhere. We have been rescuing greyhounds for over 30 years and I'm glad to say that your activism has made our efforts mostly no longer needed. I joined you at many committee meetings and events in Tallahassee and learned from you the value of determination and perseverance. On behalf of the 60+ greyhounds we have adopted and fostered, THANK YOU!!!

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Thanks so much for believing in us, Don and thanks for your key role in ending dog racing in its biggest US state in 2018!

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Thanks for your leadership in Florida and to this day, Don!

[@AngelightArc]

Definitely teared up when they spoke about Brooklyn joining their family. So amazing they could give him a beautiful and loving last few years.

[@brianmillerspeaks]

WHAT a story. Thank you for everything you’ve done for greyhounds and now activists around the world, present and generations into the future.

[@nicolastsantos]

yeah I think people will be learning from these guys for a long time to come

[@joshuabaxter507]

I like that they were almost strategic in how they approached the situation. Way more powerful than people just protesting on the streets

[@nicolastsantos]

no "almost" about it! they definitely had a plan and follow through on it

[@JimMason-k1b]

Christine and Carey show and tell us how it's done. Defeating an industry that commercializes cruelty to animals takes careful planning, research, hard work and persistence. And these two did it all and won. So, animal rights activists, stop hand-wringing and get to work. Thanks, Christine and Carey, for your determination and vision. Your integrity and enthusiasm are a lesson for us all.

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Jim, you inspired everything we do, thank you for your leadership!

[@warrenyoung2029]

Excellent talk. Persistence and dedication can achieve so much. Well done Carey and Christine!

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Warren, let's take on the cruelty of dog racing Down Under together!

[@carlyberstani]

Oh I love this story so much!!! I adopted a greyhound from a shelter a few years ago and it was the best thing I ever did, they are such beautiful dogs!

[@itsprestonm]

Really great talk, Christine and Carey. Thankful for your work!

[@RobertaShields-d4e]

A remarkable story of commitment to a cause and a vision. I think there is a very good chance that these 15 minutes will actually help others achieve goals for good that now seem to them to be out of reach. As I listened to what I half expected to be just another well intentioned message from those with a good cause, I found myself listening intently and thinking, specifically by name, of people that I hoped would hear this talk and as a result then not give up after a few or even many disappointments. I can't wait to share it with them. I'm happy for Brooklyn, happy for the speakers and happy for all the dogs that their efforts have saved from the horrors of the dog tracks...happy too for all those fighting other battles who will gain strength from this story and the remarkable outcome achieved.

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Roberta, thanks for watching our talk and thank you for all that you do to help animals!

[@westondevelopment]

I was so touched by Brooklyn’s story! To go from such a horrible place to finding love and care, that’s what activism is really about, giving others a chance at life.

[@perfectbalancepilates4548]

Excellent TEDtalk! I recently read your book Brooklyn Goes Home. It is an inspiration in activism and purpose, and how to collaborate with other like minded people and organizations to move toward a common goal. ❤ Thank you both for staying focused on the greyhounds and not giving up!

[@kellydriscoll9940]

Well done! It brought tears to my eyes. Such a great presentation. Thank you for all your hard work!

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Thanks, KD!

[@EileenMarr-x3o]

Carey and Christine, you are wonderful examples of how we can all create positive change for animals through perseverance, grit and determination. Thank you for everything you’ve done for greyhounds and animals everywhere. You are a true inspiration!

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Thank you so much Eileen!

[@katrollins627]

Brooklyn's life is forever with purpose to continue saving the lives of these majestic dogs!! God has blessed Brooklyn's precious soul.🙏❤🙏

[@DennisTabella]

Christine and Carey, you have once again successfully demonstrated what advocacy combined with effective action can accomplish!!!

[@laurabergan9329]

Great job!

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Thank you so much, Laura!

[@chiefyize]

God bless you for all the work you have done and stil do so save these wonderful beings!!

[@jennifer_leon]

What a fascinating and moving talk with priceless lessons on how to make a difference. Your shared story of defeat, resolve, and love for a grey named Brooklyn is inspiring and will continue to motivate change for generations to come. Thank you.

[@ana-maria.ignat-berget]

Every one of us have a child inside who still trusts us to make the right choices! Inspiring talk on doing just that.

[@JaniceUehlein]

Christine and Carey - you are both a shining light in the darkness. Thank you for sharing your amazing story. You are truly an inspiration!

[@PatrickBaga-r6s]

This is an incredible story about perseverance and tenacity! And it's a story about not being afraid to lose, over and over again. Because if you want to truly change the world, you will suffer defeats. But, amidst those defeats, you learn and grow and build support inside and outside the political process. And eventually, you WIN! In this case, greyhound dogs were the victors, but this is a successful model for anyone that wants to make a difference and is willing to play the requisite long game to do it.

[@EmmaCoppock-t4w]

This is a fantastic story about two people who persevered through failures to save the lives of thousands of greyhounds!

[@toddhooper6613]

Amazing video Christine. You and Carey continue to be an inspiration!

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Thanks for your support and thanks for sharing the dream of ending dog racing!

[@-OpenDiary-]

The part where they mentioned getting sued for $10 million was crazy. That could’ve stopped so many people, but they found a way to keep going. That’s true dedication.

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Definitely! But being penniless animal rights activists kind of meant we were judgement proof! LOL Seriously, we had faith that the court would see through what was a blatant attempt by a dog track owner to scare us away and shut down negative publicity. It was a classic SLAPP suit and in the end, he had to pay all of our court costs.

[@jaykirkus3835]

This is an amazing story of tremendous strategy, perseverance and yes some luck! It is inspiring to hear how two people can achieve so much by keeping focused on what is important. Thank you for sharing your story!

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Jay, thank you for making our work possible and for all your years of service. You are a greyhound hero.

[@therealblackdynasty]

I can’t imagine how frustrating it must’ve been to lose again and again in Florida. But wow, they really showed that persistence pays off in the end!

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Thanks for saying that! We were grounded in our belief that dog racing is cruel and inhumane and must end. Florida was a huge fight, and we are now lobbying for a federal prohibition, even as we continue to fight to closse America's last two tracks in West Va and engage with new campaigns in the UK, Australia and Ireland. Thankfully, the only dog track in Mexico closed this year, but there is still so much work to do.

[@adelinehodge7905]

Thank you for all of your amazing work, Carey and Christine! So grateful for your tenacity on this important issue.

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Thanks for all your hard work for the greyhounds in Colorado, Adeline!

[@Elusive-Khan]

A mate of mine saved 2 greyhounds from a shelter. Most beautiful dogs I've met.

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

That's awesome!

[@aliyahrhodes]

Hearing about her accident and how her dog saved her life was emotional. That moment clearly fueled her whole mission, and it’s beautiful to see how it’s led to saving so many other dogs!!

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Thank you so much for your kind words. My dear Kelsey inspired me, and changed my life in so many ways.

[@RebeccaJohnson-mk2jh]

Thankyou so much to you all for what you do🫶🫶🫶

[@elizabethbernard3135]

The part about persisting through failure really resonated with me. It’s easy to give up after a setback, but they turned their loss into motivation, which is a lesson we can all learn from.

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

[@briannormoyle5088]

What a remarkable story, Christine and Carey. Your spirit and tenacity to fight for these innocent and abused beings inspire us all. It is an honor and privilege for Lantern Publishing & Media to publish your book Brooklyn Goes Home.

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Thank you for helping us share our story, Brian!

[@ana-maria.ignat-berget]

Oh my Gosh, when she asks: “Why don’t I become a lawyer?” 😂. Love it!

[@rufusreed4896]

The story of Brooklyn, Carey, and Christine has completely changed my perspective of Greyhound racing. I voted against Amendment 13 in Florida but after reading about this harrowing tale highlighting humanity, I regret doing so. I highly recommend picking up Brooklyn Goes Home. What these two amazing people is changing the world and their impact will be felt for generations to come. ❤️

[@Frostlite]

I feel like their approach could be a blueprint for other activist movements! Seriously clever and inspiring stuff.

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Thanks for your kind words!

[@IMediumShare]

Gosh this is just amazing! Such good work being done and I love how applicable the steps you guys took are to other issues.

[@melissafraser9133]

Was so lucky to be able talk to Carey and Christine here in Tasmania. We value their support.

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

HI Melissa, we look forward to seeing you again soon. Let's end dog racing together!

[@claybaumung3737]

Brilliant. Those two are true heroes.

[@losangelesallianceforanima5431]

Carey Theil & Christine Dorchak are a power group. What an inspiring story!

[@jacobydesoiles]

I had no idea how big the greyhound racing industry was until now. The way they managed to take it down bit by bit is nothing short of amazing. It really makes me believe in the power of persistence.

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Thank you so much! We believe, too!

[@MrCharliefarlie123]

I Love you 🥰 🙏🏼💚

[@adamforcade2200]

THis was an inspiring video,. It's always people who get things done, ,not systems or political leaders, admirable people like this!

[@icekunggamer]

This is amazing! It's like they single handedly shut down the whole industry

[@hollypearson4295]

Wow! That's one incredible story. Two kind individuals - determined but wet behind the ears - take on a rich and powerful industry and win!!! Thank you so much, Carey and Christine for moving mountains for the dogs. Here is a great lesson about carrying on, even when things look bleak; adjusting strategies and taking full advantage of any piece of luck that comes your way (like meeting a sympathetic politician). BRAVO!

[@christineanndorchakesq.400]

Holly, you have been with us since Day 1, and we will never forget that. Thank you for your kind words.

[@PyroPhoenix451]

You guys have done such amazing work! Proud to know you

[@paulblueosyter1472]

Greyhound 2k love you !!!!