Welcoming ASAP’s Patron:Mr. Philip Wollen OAM
As Founder and CEO of Allied Scholars for Animal Protection, I’m honored to welcome our long time supporter Mr. Philip Wollen OAM as Patron of ASAP and advisory board member.
Philip is a former Vice President of Citibank who left global finance to devote his life to philanthropy and animal rights. His work has been recognized with the Order of Australia Medal, Australian of the Year Victoria, the Albert Schweitzer Award, the Peter Singer Prize and Medal, and an Honorary Fellowship from the Oxford Centre of Animal Ethics.
Philip has inspired me and many of our students deeply.
I often end my presentations with a quote from him because of the clarity of mind and strength of character he brings to animal rights. My hope is that his wisdom is passed on to the next generation of students and advocates we support. We are especially honored that while Philip personally oversees hundreds of projects around the world, he has chosen to stand with ASAP.
Philip does not bring clichés or titles. He brings experience, strategic thinking, and moral seriousness. You do not become Vice President of Citibank by chance. You get there through discipline, intelligence, and long term thinking. Even fewer people have the courage to leave such a position to become a full time philanthropist and dedicate their entire life to helping others. That decision reflects character.
In one interview, I asked Philip for advice for our students about careers. He corrected me. He said career is the wrong word. What matters is calling. Do not ask what career you should choose. Ask what your calling is. That sentence stayed with me. It defines how I see my work at Allied Scholars for Animal Protection.
My interview with Philip Wollen, asking questions about ideal culture for activism, running nonprofits, the value of working hard, and remaining focused on our animal liberation goal.
Animal liberation is not an 8:00–5:00 job. In the same way, fighting injustice wasn’t MLK’s 8–5 job, and writing symphonies wasn’t Beethoven’s. It’s just something they did. All the time. It was who they were.
What we must accomplish, animal liberation, is not an 8:00 to 5:00 job. The same way fighting for injustice wasn’t MLK’s 8-5 job. Or writing symphonies wasn’t Beethoven’s 8-5 job. It’s just something they did. All the time. It was who they were.
So our work does not end in the evening or pause on weekends or holidays. Animal slavery is the largest and most normalized form of exploitation on Earth. Responding to that reality requires urgency and commitment. I aim to build a nonprofit and a team that reflect this urgency.
Fighting for the most vulnerable and oppressed should not be treated as work that needs to be balanced with life. It should be our life. Indeed, it is our privilege, our honor, and our duty to speak up for animals. Philip Wollen is a living example of these values.
For these reasons, Allied Scholars for Animal Protection awarded Philip Wollen ASAP’s 2024 Animal Liberation Award.
Philip Wollen received the Allied Scholars Liberation Award in 2024!
Few individuals have done as much for animals across so many countries. His speeches are among the most impactful ever delivered for animals, and he continues to share his clarity and guidance with ASAP students.
Philip Wollen delivered one of the most powerful speeches about why animals should be off the menu.
I look forward to his influence living through myself and through the thousands of students we support over time.
Welcome, Philip.
“Animals must be off the menu because today they are screaming in terror in the slaughterhouses, in crates, and in cages.
Vile ignoble gulags of despair.”
-Phillip Wollen
