Nine-year-old Genesis Butler –a young vegan activist from Long Beach– is speaking out for animals. The ambitious activist is dedicated to protecting the environment and the lives of farm animals by educating her community about the effects of reducing meat consumption.

Her passion has led her to launch Genesis for Animals –a nonprofit that helps end animal abuse– to raise awareness of animal cruelty, along with healthier food alternatives. She told KCET, “I just feel that animals are like brothers and sisters. Other people wouldn’t eat their brother and sisters, so that’s why I don’t eat animals.”

In 2015, she lobbied before the Long Beach City Council to pass a citywide “Meatless Mondays” resolution. According to an article in the Huffington Post, if everyone in the U.S. went meatless for one day, we would save 100 billion gallons of water, 70 million gallons of gas, 3 million acres of land, and prevent 4.5 million tons of animal waste. By encouraging people to take part in “Meatless Mondays,” Genesis hopes to create change.

In addition to her tremendous efforts of educating people, she also works at Farm Sanctuary in Acton, CA. This young girl is striving for a better future –for every living creature.

Alexandra Caswell who runs Farm Sanctuary stated, “Teaching children when they’re young about living compassionately and continuing that, they tend to influence their families to live the same way.”

We hope Genesis’ story can inspire others that regardless of your age, you can make a difference in the world.