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 https://www.ted.com/tedx
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THis was an inspiring video,. It's always people who get things done, ,not systems or political leaders, admirable people like this!
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!
Great job 👏
really great work yall
Thank you for your perseverance even in the face of enormous obstacles. Your perseverance is inspiring, and a reminder never to give up. 🤍
Excellent talk. Persistence and dedication can achieve so much. Well done Carey and Christine!
Y'all are absolute badasses and a true force for good! The dogs are lucky you are on their side
You guys are what's needed in the world right now.
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!
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.
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. ❤️
Santa’s Little Helper would be proud!
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!!
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!
We're fighting to end greyhound racing in Australia. Thankyou for your encouragement 🎉❤
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
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.
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! ❤
Christine and Carey nailed it. To "win" it takes persistence, determination and a relentless pursuit for justice. Far too many activists toss in the towel after a defeat, or several defeats, but that is exactly what the opposition is counting on. Protests and boycotts have their place, but it is only through the political process that laws get made. Watch this TED again for the message on how to be a great activist for animals, or for any cause you believe in.
Christine and Carey’s talk is a marvelously inspirational story about how anyone can change the world.
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.
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! 😢
Christine and Carey, you have once again successfully demonstrated what advocacy combined with effective action can accomplish!!!
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!
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.
What an inspiring couple who continue to work hard and have made the world a better place for so many beautiful hounds
In Australia we must keep working to put a stop to this vile industry and not let setbacks discourage us