Create and submit a video relating what you want to tell others about vegetarianism and/or veganism.

Some possible topics: food, nutrition, your feelings about veganism and/or vegetarianism, water usage and vegetarianism, vegetarianism and animal rights, or other vegetarian topics which appeal to you. Humor and feelings are appreciated. All videos should be positive, not be critical of anyone, and not include any footage of animal cruelty. You may submit a video you have already made.

Aspects of judging include accuracy and judges wanting to share the video with others.

Entrants give permission to The Vegetarian Resource Group to post and share the video, to link to and from the video, and share the video with the media.

DEADLINE: April 20, 2012

Please e-mail to vrg@vrg.org:

1. Your name
2. Street Address, City, State, Zip
3. Phone number
4. E-mail contact
5. Indicate if 18 or older. If you are under 18, please include a parent or guardian's permission for entry and use of the video.
6. A brief statement on why you are interested in vegetarianism.
7. A link to your video.
8. Include Vegetarian Video in the subject line of the e-mail.

Click through to read the rest of the scholarship rules »

Share VRG’s Video!

Check out VRG’s video, "A Hunter’s Guide to His Vegetarian Daughter and His Vegan Son," and share with your friends!

Check out other vegetarian videos here »

For information about VRG’s scholarship for high school seniors, see http://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm

For information about our internships, see http://www.vrg.org/student/index.php

Eleanor Miltimore Wolff became a committed vegan late in life. Once she learned and understood that dietary choices affected not only one’s personal health, but also the health of the planet and the well being of the animals, there was no looking back. Leather shoes and purses, along with non-vegan food products went out the door. Her children and grandchildren were showered with vegan reading material. When she exercised she would sport a T-shirt proclaiming: “I think, therefore I am – a vegetarian”. Eleanor was a military censor during World War II, but there was no censoring her commitment to a plant based diet and lifestyle.

In her memory, the Eleanor Wolff Scholarship is a $2,500 paid internship at the VRG office in Baltimore (plus $1,000 toward housing) for a student who:

1. Wants to be an effective change agent on behalf of vegetarianism
2. Is motivated to use knowledge gained from the internship to make a significant impact within his/her world
3. Could not participate in this development effort without a little financial assistance

VRG also offers unpaid internships.

If you would like to apply for a VRG internship, please send a resume, writing sample, and cover letter detailing your interests, skills, goals, and vegetarian knowledge to:

The Vegetarian Resource Group
P.O. Box 1463
Baltimore, MD 21203

or e-mail to vrg@vrg.org

If you are applying for the Eleanor Wolff Scholarship internship, please indicate this and include a few paragraphs indicating financial need.

For more information about the internships and to view what past recipients have said of their experiences, click here.
http://www.vrg.org/student/
http://www.vrg.org/student/eleanor_wolff_scholarship.php

Lesson Plan: Clean Water for Everyone Today and Tomorrow with Good Food Choices (grades K-2)

Lesson Plan: Water Conservation and Dietary Connections (grades 5-8)

Lesson Plan: A Comparative Study of Surface Water Quality with Dietary Connections (grades 9-12)

Water Usage Math Worksheet (Middle/High School Level)

“Teach… Your Children Well…”: A vegetarian Lesson Plan for High School Students

As a summer intern at The Vegetarian Resource Group, I have already been exposed to so many new experiences, and learned new skills, all in my first three weeks. One of the most interesting experiences that I have had so far was to help set up and participate in tabling for a VRG booth at the Federal Hill Jazz and Blues Festival in Baltimore, Maryland.

Before the festival, I worked with Mary, one of VRG’s staff members, to pack books and materials for the table. I learned that a lot goes into the planning and packing for one of these events, and how important it is to bring a variety of literature for people to peruse and take with them. The VRG has such a wealth of pamphlets and books, and they even have coloring books for children (and adults).

The day of the festival, I met Mary in the morning on a block in Federal Hill to set up our booth. It was an exciting festival to be working at, as there were several food, craft, and jewelry vendors, as well as live music all day. There were not many non-profits present, so it was important for us to be there. It was kind of surprising and ironic though, when we saw that they gave our table a spot right across from the pit beef and BBQ vendors. This did not daunt us, however, and we proceeded to set up our table with a brightly colored tablecloth and all of the information we had packed.

Working the table turned out to be a great experience. It was fun to connect with so many people who were vegetarian, vegan, or interested in learning more. Everyone who approached us was friendly, and many had their own stories to tell. Several people came up and said, “Oh, my sister is a vegan” or “My son wants to go vegetarian” and got a copy of the Vegetarian Journal for them or signed them up for the mailing list. It was nice to see so many people looking out for each other. We also met a few dietitians, some of whom already knew about the VRG and were interested in learning more to tell their clients.

Many people brought their children, so we gave away many coloring books. My favorite part was talking to the people who said they had always wanted to try to go vegetarian, but didn’t know how to start. Luckily, we had lots of great resources on hand, such as “Vegetarianism in a Nutshell” and a thorough ADA position paper full of information about nutrition. I also got to learn about several Baltimore vegetarian and vegan restaurants that I can’t wait to try out!

Another VRG volunteer named Dorothy came later in the day to help Mary and I table. She is a vegan, and was really enthusiastic about talking to people, and I learned a lot from her. It was good to have a volunteer, a staff member, and an intern all working one booth, because we all brought different experiences to the table (no pun intended).

The VRG does booths across the country, and at all different kinds of events, and I think it was important to work this particular festival to reach out to people who might not normally have access to information about vegetarianism or even know that the resources are out there. It was great to work with Mary and Dorothy, and get out in the community to speak directly with people. I hope to be able to work more events like this in the future!

The Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG) is a non-profit organization which educates the public about vegetarian and vegan diets. A vegetarian does not eat meat, fish, or fowl. A vegan is a vegetarian who also does not use other animal products such as dairy or eggs.

To learn more about the Vegetarian Resource Group and vegetarian and vegan diets, please visit www.vrg.org or write to The Vegetarian Resource Group, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203.

If you are interested in volunteering at a booth like the one above, please e-mail vrg@vrg.org. For a list of other ways to volunteer and get involved with the VRG, please visit http://www.vrg.org/getinvolved.php.

Donations from individuals like you help the VRG continue to sponsor outreach booths like the one mentioned above in your community. To donate, please go to https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=1565.

I’m going to a banquet for the soccer team and I’m the only vegetarian on the team. How do I let the caterer know that I’ll need something different to eat?

The earlier you contact the catering company, the more likely it is that they’ll be able to work with you. You can call or email them. Start by explaining what you do and don’t eat, in case they have a different idea of what “vegetarian” means than you do. Next, ask what they’re planning to serve to the rest of the team. How could the caterer adapt the meal to fit your diet? On pasta, maybe they could replace the meat sauce with marinara, or if they’re serving hamburgers, perhaps you could get a veggie burger instead. As back-up, have a few simple vegetarian meals in mind: a hummus wrap, bean burrito, or vegetable and tofu stir-fry, for example. When you get to the banquet, introduce yourself to the caterer and remind him or her about what you’ve arranged. Lastly, remember to be polite and gracious throughout your communication. Not only is the catering company (hopefully) going out of their way to accommodate your food choices, but also, if they have a positive experience with you, they’ll be happy to work with other vegetarians in the future.

I’m traveling to Washington DC with my class. I’m not sure how the food thing will work.

Luckily, in a city like DC, you’ll probably have a lot of options, and most people will be familiar with vegetarianism and veganism. If you start by asking a trip leader what the food plan is for the rest of the class, you’ll be able to plan ahead for any alternatives you might need. Will the class be stopping for fast food on the way there? Check out VRG’s Vegetarian Menu Items at Restaurant and Quick Service Chains (you can see excerpts here), or try an online guide such as Vegan Eating Out. Will you be packing meals for the day? See if a vegetarian option such as peanut butter and jelly, hummus wraps, or vegetarian deli slices can be available. Will you eat at any restaurants once you’re in Washington? Maybe you can suggest a few veg-friendly places to your trip leader-try VRG’s restaurant guide. Happy Cow is another popular guide. Many metropolitan areas, including Washington DC have vegetarian organizations (The Vegetarian Society of DC) and location-specific guides (VegDC) that may have even more ideas. If the restaurants have already been chosen and you’re worried about your options, look at the menus ahead of time and contact the restaurants with your questions. Will your class be going to any catered events? See if you can discuss your situation with the caterer before you leave. Lastly, it can’t hurt to pack a few snacks in case something doesn’t work out. Try bringing trail mix, peanut butter crackers, granola bars, or prepared microwavable meals. If you find out as much as you can ahead of time and have a plan, the food thing shouldn’t be much of a problem at all.

by Sarah Alper, a VRG volunteer and lifelong vegan

Recently, I was interviewed by Katy Hopkins, reporter for the US News and World Reports, for an article on vegetarian-friendly colleges. After the VRG Director sent me her request for information on schools that go above-and-beyond to cater to vegetarians and vegans, I decided to nominate my college, St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

Katy chose to focus on my school’s on-campus farm, something started by and run by students, and a place where some professors take students in courses such as Books that Cook and Biology of the Garden. I was proud and excited to see my school featured in an online slideshow of eight notable vegetarian-friendly schools. Katy also mentioned my school twice in her full-length article, “Colleges that Offer Courses, Choices for Vegetarians.” Our farm was highlighted again, and she also mentioned positive changes that our food provider, Bon Appetit, made after students asked for higher quality dining options, including more vegetarian options.

Here is the selection from her article in which I am mentioned:

Change is afoot at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, which student vegetarian Lindsey Siferd says has been culinarily revitalized over the past year. After students pushed for higher quality dining options—including more vegetarian offerings—she says the school’s food provider, Bon Appetit Management Company, responded positively. After a campaign on Facebook, a protest against Chick-fil-A, and student meetings with Bon Appetit, requests for a greater variety of healthy food on campus were met.

It was exciting to promote my school and appear in a news article. I hope that Katy’s article will help prospective vegetarian students make a more informed college decision, and I am glad that my summer internship allowed me such an opportunity!

Katy’s article, “Colleges that Offer Courses, Choices for Vegetarians”:
http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2011/06/07/colleges-that-offer-courses-choices-for-vegetarians?PageNr=1

Slideshow titled “Colleges Catering to Vegetarians”:
http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/slideshows/colleges-catering-to-vegetarians

The Vegetarian Resource Group
By: Kait Fortunato

I sit here tonight with my grilled veggie burger and home made sweet potato fries reflecting on the great day my fellow interns and I had at the Vegetarian Resource Group. While I am not vegetarian, I do try to eat a plant based diet and participate in Meatless Monday. Not only did we receive a wealth of printed materials and educational brochures to gain knowledge of a vegetarian diet to share with our clients, we also took park in intriguing discussions regarding ethical concerns in dietetics. As a follow up to the recent release of the Dietary Guidelines we split into groups to create meal plans for vegan clients based on certain calorie limits. It was fun to come up with dairy, protein, and grain sources while adding variety and considering all age groups. We also had fun taste testing various vegan items including Justin’s maple almond butter, BBQ flavored Pirates Booty, rice chips, carrot ginger soup, and vegan granola and animal crackers. The Vegetarian Resource Group has an excellent website that includes recipes, a blog, a guide for eating out, handouts and resources, and list serves to discuss various topics with people having the same questions and concerns as you are. The group works closely with 3 Registered Dietitians who help create resources and publications and assist with list serve questions. This group is great for new vegetarians seeking guidance, parents of vegetarian children, and even experienced vegetarians/vegans looking for new recipes and information. All in all it was a great experience with a kind staff and I am grateful to have learned so much to share with clients in the future!

If you would like to support Vegetarian Resource Group projects, such as education of dietetic interns, please donate at https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=1565.

Rachel was president of her school's Environmental Action Club (EAC), a position she had held since her sophomore year of high school. Through the EAC, Rachel helped implement a 'Meatless Mondays' program at her school's cafeteria. The menu for Mondays includes such delicious options as vegetarian chili and burgers, baked ziti, hummus, and baba ganoush. 'Meatless Mondays' also helped increase the number of vegetarian options on other days of the week. In addition, education and publicity components are included, something which illustrates Rachel's commitment to increasing awareness.

Rachel also helped promote vegetarianism through her work with her school's Student Action for Justice and Education club (SAJE). With SAJE, Rachel helped coordinate the yearly Hunger Banquet, which highlights economic disparity and access to healthy food. Rachel describes this event as very 'pro-vegetarian,' as it emphasized vegetarianism as one of the most healthy lifestyles for people. Her work with this event shows Rachel's commitment to social and food justice– something she hopes to continue with in college, saying, "I am passionate about environmental and food justice issues, and if I worked in those fields in the future, I would be able to promote vegetarianism nearly every day."

Rachel's commitment to a vegetarian lifestyle is also apparent in her work to restore a dilapidated greenhouse at her high school. She also had an all-vegetarian menu and gave a speech about the importance of caring for the earth at her bat mitzvah. A vegetarian since the age of eight, Rachel says, "I knew that my own individual actions would not be enough to stop the entire industry…[but] if each person takes positive individual actions, then the world will slowly but surely become a better place. For me, vegetarianism was and is a personal choice with positive societal consequences."

The Vegetarian Resource Group is also proud to present Nicole (Niki) Gianni of Chicago, Illinois with a $5,000 college scholarship for her outstanding work in combating animal cruelty and her lifestyle as a dedicated vegan. Niki was the co-president of the Lane Tech Vegetarian-Animals Rights Club at her high school.

Niki became a vegetarian when she was twelve years old, and switched to a vegan lifestyle a few months later. She became committed to activism soon after, beginning to volunteer with Mercy for Animals, an animal rights non-profit that promotes vegetarianism. Niki helped organize events such as hosting 'feed-ins,' allowing people to sample vegan foods for free. She has also participated in over a hundred demonstrations and protests against inhumane treatment of animals. Kenny Torella, the Chicago campaign coordinator for Mercy for Animals says, "In my years of activism I've yet to meet someone so mature, dedicated and passionate for their age as Niki is. As long as there are activists like Niki, there is hope for animals."

Niki's work as co-president of the Lane Tech Vegetarian-Animal Rights Club also shows her dedication and commitment to activism and veganism. The club hosts speakers and screens documentaries, working hard to educate the school and community about animal rights. Niki also fosters several animals such as chickens and rabbits.

Niki tries to reach out and educate as many people as possible about the benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle, efforts which have included speaking at a local high school to about a hundred students about a vegetarian diet. As she says, "I try to promote vegetarianism in my day-to-day life with a personal goal of speaking to one person a day, minimum, about why they should consider going veg."

Niki plans to continue her activism into college, where she would like to study to be a veterinary technician in order to further help animals.

The Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG) is a non-profit organization which educates the public about vegetarian and vegan diets. A vegetarian does not eat meat, fish, or fowl. A vegan is a vegetarian who also does not use other animal products such as dairy or eggs.

To learn more information about vegetarian and/or vegan diets, go to www.vrg.org or write to The Vegetarian Resource Group, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203.

The VRG also offers a book called Vegans Know How to Party by chef Nancy Berkoff. Vegans Know How to Party contains recipes for a variety of different types of vegan party foods, from cakes and desserts to vegan pizza and hot dogs. It also includes tips on planning parties for vegan teenagers. To order, send $25 to the Vegetarian Resource Group, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203 or go to www.vrg.org/catalog.

The VRG sponsors two annual $5,000 scholarships for graduating high school seniors who have promoted vegetarianism in their communities. Applicants are judged on having shown compassion, courage, and a strong commitment to promoting a peaceful world through a vegetarian diet/lifestyle. Entries should be sent in a student's senior year before February 20th. Early submission is encouraged. For more information visit http://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm.

It’s inspiring to see how creative young activists around the country are and how much work they are doing. Here were two interesting videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrApDJAAAzw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o92eo0-Mims

If you will be a high school senior in the fall, or want to let others know about the scholarship, to apply for next year’s contest, please go to
http://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm

If you want to support additional scholarships, you can donate at:
https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=1565
Please indicate this is for a vegetarian scholarship or if you prefer, indicate you would like to support a vegetarian needs based internship.