By Anna Lam

Animal rights activism can sometimes seem intimidating and even counterproductive. It can be especially intimidating to those who aren’t necessarily outgoing (like me), and counterproductive because of exposure to fringe groups who are keen on employing shock value tactics to get people’s attention without starting substantive dialogues (which I think we’ve all been exposed to). While everyone who is an animal rights activist is ultimately oriented towards the goal of making the world a better place for animals, there are certainly better and worse ways to be an activist. Put simply, it comes down to making oneself approachable and likeable. At least that’s what I learned when I set up a table in my school’s dining hall to distribute leaflets containing vegetarian information.

Specifically, I learned that it’s better to be an engaged activist rather than a disengaged one. You might feel like you’re intruding unasked in people’s lives; however, people also rarely see the need or importance of what you have to offer, only you do. So the best way to at least get the information into people’s hands is to actively engage them. My friends and I experimented with just sitting down at the table, the leaflets displayed for all to see, and waited to see if anyone would approach out of interest. We got some interested side glances, but nothing more. After little success, we started to smile at passersby and say “Good morning,” which also resulted in little success. We eventually decided on a more forward approach to at least get the information from the table to the students. After passing out hundreds of flyers, I felt like I had gotten the routine down to a science: stand up; smile; lean forward; making good eye contact; hold the leaflet at approximately stomach level so it’s easy to take as they pass by; and ask politely if the person would like information on health, the environment, or vegetarianism. The person should definitely not feel reproached, confronted, or attacked for their way of life. It’s best to stay away from any kind of shaming language, as that’s a sure turn-off. I found that people were most responsive when focusing on the ways that vegetarianism is helpful for one’s health and the environment.

It’s easy to confine oneself to the company of like-minded people. It’s encouraging and motivating, and there’s nothing like being a part of a community of those who share the same values as yourself. But it’s also a good exercise to connect with those around you who may not be vegetarian. It’s useful, if not an imperative, to be able to associate with unlike-minded people, because we inevitably have to interact with them on a daily basis. While it’s fine to outwardly express your thoughts on animal rights around people who agree with you, those unfamiliar with the issue may be turned off by the “holier than thou” effect that we vegans can sometimes have, especially on the ethical stance.

That’s why awareness is so important. Because unawareness can lead to being complicit in something that one is actually morally opposed to. And, really, most people are against animal cruelty if you were to ask them. No one likes to see animals in pain. So getting the information out there is a crucial first step towards more informed, cruelty-free purchases. Our money really does have a tremendous impact and, as consumers, it’s our most powerful asset. And as an activist, your most important asset if your voice, and by using your voice for those that are unable, you’re making a tremendous impact in helping people, the environment, and animals alike prosper.

For information on other activist ideas, see http://www.vrg.org/teen/#activism

The Grub Factory, 1210 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21201; (443) 602-7018

Enjoy Vegan Soul food at this new restaurant. The GruB Factory’s motto is “Whatever you like, we can do it vegan!” In a relaxed atmosphere, they offer cashew cream smoothies, vegan chicken boxes, French toast, tacos, and more! They are located near the University of Baltimore.

Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner. Counter service, vegan options, take-out,
VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $

My name is Laura, and I am the Special Services Director for OCEAN (Organization for Cultural Exchange Among Nations), which is a non-profit organization that sponsors foreign exchange students, ages 15-18, and places them in volunteer host families and high schools throughout the U.S. for a semester or academic year. We are currently seeking a volunteer host family for a young man from Spain who is a vegetarian and would like to live with a host family who follows similar dietary practices. We are therefore seeking a host family for him who would be able to accommodate his request. This can be anywhere in the United States.

Student’s Name: ALEX
Age upon Arrival in the U.S.: 16
Home Country: SPAIN
Grade of Enrollment: 12th
Interests: Soccer, basketball. He is interested in learning to play American football.
Please feel free to visit our website at www.ocean-intl.org for more information. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via e-mail ([email protected]) or by phone at 1-888-996-2326, Ext. 5. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Laura
Special Services Director

OCEAN
2101 E. Broadway Road, Suite 6
Tempe, AZ 85282-1735
Phone: (480) 907-7285 Fax: (480) 907-7526
Toll-Free: 1-888-996-2326
Website: www.ocean-intl.org
E-mail: [email protected]

Hey, sports fans! I’m Heather Moore, the new volunteer Veggie Happy Manager for the Baltimore Orioles. I’ve been following the O’s my whole life, and I think they’ve been “following” me, too—although that’s probably just a coincidence. I was born in B’more, and I moved to Norfolk, Virginia, with PETA, the organization where I now work, in 1996. Soon after that, the O’s announced that their Triple-A team was going to play in Norfolk, about 10 minutes from my apartment. Years later, when I was considering moving to Sarasota, Florida, the O’s announced that they were going to hold Spring Training at Ed Smith Stadium, which happens to be about 10 minutes from the house I ended up buying. Clearly, I was meant to get Spring Training season tickets.

Since I’ve been vegan for 25 years, I’m just as interested in the options in the concession stands as I am in the action on the field. To continue reading, go to:
http://www.veggiehappy.com/wp/2017/05/o-so-exciting-news-vh-manager-guest-post/

By Jeanne Yacoubou, MS
Natures Hampers is a family-owned and -operated business specializing in all-natural and cruelty-free vegetarian and vegan gift baskets and hampers perfect for picnics in the park, special occasions, and holidays. There are four main categories of hampers to choose from: traditional (ex. chocolate, tea, snacks); beer & wine; activity (ex., gardening, golf) and pamper (bath & body products). Natures Hampers also offers discounts and branding to corporate clients. Owner Jayne Morris relayed to us by email in April 2017:

“We are a vegetarian, family-run business and corporate friends of the Vegetarian Society [of the UK], although we do try to be vegan as much as possible. If you look at our website, www.natureshampers.com, we specialise in hampers that are packed with good and tasty food and drink, and that are a bit of a treat, too! We are always searching for new, interesting and artisan products.

We offer a range of beauty/toiletry hampers with products that use natural oils and scents. We don’t use any products tested on animals.”
Wanting to know more about Natures Hampers, The VRG asked Jayne the following questions. Here is what we learned:

Q: How long have you been open for business?
A: We have been selling hampers for about two years.

Q: Do you have a brick & mortar store?
A: We are online only and operate from a farm in East Sussex, England.

Q: What’s the difference between a basket and a hamper?
A: A hamper in the UK has two meanings: one is laundry and the other is a “picnic hamper.” A basket is a hamper without a lid, but we do use various containers.

Q: Do you have a vegan best seller?
A: Our vegan hampers are generally good sellers. There is a big movement here at the moment to not eat meat or to eat it seldom. Also there is a lot of conversation amongst the community (doctors, public, etc.) about how good for you it is.

Q. How helpful is the Vegetarian Society label in generating interest and/or sales?
A: The Vegetarian Society is helpful, and usually runs the occasional piece/comment if they are writing about gifts…

Q: Are all of your baskets/hampers vegetarian or vegan?
A: Our website is entirely vegetarian. I am a vegetarian (almost vegan) as are most of my family.

Q: Do you ship to the United States?
A: We are not able to sell directly to the USA market because of the various shipping and customs restrictions…although…our hampers can be purchased on Ebay in the US: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=natures+hampers&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.X%22natures+hampers%22.TRS0&_nkw=%22natures+hampers%22&_sacat=0

Q: What percentage of your products are American made?
A: We only buy a couple of products from the US. We try to source locally, so as to be as environmentally friendly as possible.

For information about other mail order sources in the USA and other locations, see:
http://www.vrg.org/links/products.htm#retailer

Who would think? L’oreal recently had a coupon in the Sunday newspaper for EverCreme Deep Nourish Conditioner, which they stated in the ad was vegan. On their website, they indicate: *No animal http://ambienbuy.net derived ingredients or by-products. Formula not tested on animals.

For a list of cruelty-free mail order companies which carry cosmetics, personal care items, and other products, see:
http://www.vrg.org/links/products.htm#retailer

The Vegetarian Resource Group is an activist non-profit organization that does outreach all-year-long. For example, today we are giving a several hour presentation on veganism to 10 University of Maryland Dietetic Interns (all of whom are not vegetarian and will soon be practicing dietitians). VRG tables at different events throughout the USA and also sends literature free of charge to other groups/individuals doing educational activities in schools, hospitals, camps, restaurants, libraries, etc. Our ability to continue doing this depends on people like you! Your donations allow us to promote the vegan message whenever we’re called upon for assistance. Please consider becoming a monthly or quarterly donor to The Vegetarian Resource Group.

Thanks so much for your support. You can become a monthly or quarterly donor online here: vrg.org/donate

On their website, Pret names these items as vegan:

Miso Sweet Potato Banh Mi, Asian Greens Veggie Pot, Chipotle Corn & Avo Veggie Pot,
Chakalaka Wrap, Asian Tofu Sushi Salad, Turmeric Tofu Balance Box, Mediterranean
Mezze Salad, Spicy Black Bean and Mango Wrap, Carrot Turmeric Soup, and Almond Matcha Latte

For more information, see https://www.pret.com/en-us/not-just-for-veggies

There are Prets in Boston, Chicago, New York City, and Washington DC.

For information about eating at other restaurant chains, see:
http://www.vrg.org/fastfoodinfo.php

To find vegetarian and vegan restaurants, go to:
http://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php

The contents of this posting, our website and our other publications,
including Vegetarian Journal, are not intended to provide personal
medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified
health professional. We often depend on product and ingredient
information from company statements. It is impossible to be 100% sure
about a statement, info can change, people have different views, and
mistakes can be made. Please use your best judgement about whether a
product is suitable for you. To be sure, do further research or
confirmation on your own.

Green Festival® is a vibrant, dynamic marketplace where companies and organizations come to showcase their green products and services, and where people go to learn how to live healthier, more sustainable lives.

Green Festival offers something for everyone, with the widest selection of products and services to work green, play green and live green from food, fashion and health to energy, construction and design. People can shop and enjoy vegan, vegetarian, organic foods, hands-on demos, educational activities and inspirational speakers.

Come see The Vegetarian Resource Group at the DC GreenFest show and you will receive $5.00 off your ticket when buying tickets using the code XDC17798D here:
https://www.greenfestivals.org/washington-d-c-2017-may-12-14.html#!014

Leah Kelly became vegetarian in sixth grade after watching undercover animal rights videos, and within a few years she and her family became vegans. Leah said, “I have always been unusually empathetic. In 5th grade, I would go home crying after witnessing some boys bullying a girl with a disability day after day. I talked to my elementary school principal about the bullying and we created the first anti-bullying club in the school.”

When Leah started school in 10th grade, she founded an animal rights club Coalition for Animal Respect and Equality (CARE). With all the group’s accomplishments, she learned hard lessons that made her stronger and more prepared for future situations. “I’ve learned that most people, even adults and administration, don’t answer their emails even after I’ve tried to contact them five more times. I’ve learned that sometimes people just don’t feel like making the same commitment that I do. I’ve learned that staying calm and compassionate is the best possible way to spread my message. One of the best unexpected results of becoming an activist is meeting so many incredible like-minded people. The vegetarian/vegan community is like an extended family.”

Leah served on the youth advisory boards for YEA Camp, peta2, and Farm Sanctuary. She volunteered on the campaign of a state senate candidate, who speaks out on animal issues.

In 11th grade, Leah worked to implement Meatless Mondays into the West Hartford Public School system. “I had attended YEA Camp for the second time the summer prior and when I got home I planned for this goal. It was a slow process at first. One strategy I’ve learned as an activist is that it’s always beneficial to ask for support. I reached out to the Humane Society of the United States and met Katie Scott, New England Food and Nutrition Coordinator. We started working together on a plan.”

“We talked to the Food Service Director of West Hartford Public Schools, to come up with an easy lunch menu that would meet federal nutrition guidelines, while still upholding the Meatless Monday mission. Meanwhile, I made surveys to get feedback from the school community. I emailed all teachers, collected responses from students in the hallways and in the cafeteria, and even asked parents. I also sought support from the assistant principal and gained approval from the local parent non-profit organization for nutrition in schools.”

“During the soft launch of Meatless Monday, we held sampling stations in cafeterias where students could taste some new meatless options. I wrote posts and articles and made handouts all for the purpose of opening people’s minds to the idea of vegetarianism, even if just one day a week. In April 2016, I looked at the new school lunch menu and was so excited to see the words “Meatless Monday!” typed across each Monday box on the calendar. All 15 public schools in my town were now only offering vegetarian entrées on Mondays. Every school also offered vegetarian options every day of the week. I had helped make history.”

“In May, I met with the current Mayor of West Hartford to talk about Meatless Monday and help her draft a proclamation encouraging … residents of West Hartford to try Meatless Mondays.”

In order to institute Meatless Mondays, Leah had to learn the art of compromise. “Part of the conclusion we compromised on was that many of the popular already existing menu items that happened to be vegetarian would simply be moved to Mondays.” These are not all vegan-friendly. However, Leah stated, “The good news is that at all 15 schools in my district, every single day of the week now offer a vegetarian option, and many of these options are actually healthier than just the Meatless Monday meals. Some examples I’ve found listed on the lunch menus include: various fresh salads (there is a salad bar open as well on many days), veggie burgers, vegetarian beans, Asian mixed vegetables, roasted butternut squash, seasoned green beans, seasonal fresh fruit, vegetables dishes, corn on the cob, vegetable soup, roasted chick peas, vegetarian fiesta wrap, baked potato, chili bean soup, red beans and rice bowl, three bean salad, steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, carrot raisin salad, tomato and cucumber salad, potato salad, and steamed brown rice.

“A few months into my senior year I received a text from a student at Bacon Academy in Colchester, CT, who had heard of me from a chance encounter with a mutual acquaintance. Her school was interested in implementing Meatless Mondays and so she, her classmate, and two teachers took the day off to drive to West Hartford to sit down with me and the Food Service Director to learn about our journey … They invited me to talk to their Community Activism class in the spring. Small world. It turns out that past VRG awardee Lauren Hickey, who also worked with Katie Scott, started a farm-to-school initiative in their school district. I’ve recently been in touch with Lauren, who is using her VRG scholarship at Bowdoin College and has just decided to try to bring Meatless Monday there. The meeting with these girls from Colchester reminded me of something very important: a movement doesn’t exist in a bubble or in a single town. It exists everywhere. Every action we take influences another. I had helped the Meatless Monday movement by inspiring people I didn’t even know to follow my lead.”

The deadline for the next Vegetarian Resource Group college scholarship contest for high school seniors is February 20, 2018. For details and information about other winners, see: http://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm

To support Vegetarian Resource Group internships and scholarships, donate at: www.vrg.org/donate and indicate the purpose.

You can send a check to VRG, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203 or call (410) 366-8343.