While walking through Buntrock Common's or waiting for an elevator in Mohn or Larson, you may have seen signs belonging to the newly-formed NARF (Northfield Animal Rights Front), an animal rights organization.

The signs contain memorable sayings like "This sheet of paper is larger than the space your lunch had while it was still a living chicken." Another has a quote from Albert Schweitzer: "Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight."

NARF was formed this past interim by Loring Harkness. Their poster campaign clearly shows NARF's position that animals do suffer, and that humans have a moral responsibility to eliminate such suffering­a concept they believe is often misunderstood.

NARF strives to educate people and raise awareness about animal suffering caused by meat consumption, the use of cosmetics tested on animals, and clothing made from animal skins.

"NARF is looking to assist anyone who is interested in alleviating unnecessary suffering of animals through simple actions," Harkness said. They do this by promoting the vegan diet (not consuming any food product that has animal ingredients or byproducts), the usage of products not tested on animals, computer programs in classrooms instead of dissection, clothing alternatives to leather, fur, or wool; and the boycotting of circuses, zoos, and roadside menageries. NARF wants people to know that there is intense suffering occurring, which many people don't realize exists, as a result of human actions.

Although members of NARF do not need to be vegans, the group strongly advocates this lifestyle for many reasons. First, they feel that veganism does not promote abusive factory farm procedures. Harkness said that the average vegan saves 2,400 animals from suffering and death over his or her lifetime. Second, the production of livestock is an inefficient use of grain, and therefore reinforces global hunger. Harkness cites the example that over 30% of the world's total grain is fed to livestock in the U.S. alone. Third, NARF believes veganism is an act of environmental protection, preventing deforestation, the depletion of the ozone layer, and the pollution of the atmosphere and freshwater.

Current NARF activities include hanging posters, providing public speakers, encouraging of dialogue between students, distributing leaflets, tabling, and working with the cafeteria in order to make it more vegan friendly. To accomplish their goals, NARF has submitted two vegan cookbooks to the caf, and is just beginning to circulate a petition to demonstrate student support for more vegan menu selections.

Harkness explains that NARF does not want to attack people for their current lifestyle choices, but instead wants to educate others about what they see as less oppressive ways of living. "The bottom line is that animal suffering is not necessary and must be eliminated," she said. "By acting with compassion we can rid the world of devastating pain and thoughtless cruelty." For more information on NARF and animal rights, email NARF@vegantopia.com.