International Vegetarian Union (IVU) | |
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Vegetarian Federal Union 1889-1911 |
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Reports from The Vegetarian (London) during, 1900: April 14, 1900: Compiled by Harry Phillips In reply to the question, What is the Federal Union? I have written the following article which I trsut will induce any lonely Vegetarian to correspond with me, so that we may introduce him or her to some kindred soul. A PLAN OF CAMPAIGN What is the Vegetarian Federal Union? What is its aim? Why does it exist? What are its methods? The Vegetarian Federal Union was founded on October 1st 1889. The object or idea of the Union is to band together into one Union all Vegetarian Societies the world over ; so that however small the Local Society may be, it shall have the collective force of the whole Union at its back ; so that there shall be unity instead of rivalry - mutual interchange of experience and help, instead of competition and division. This has practically become an accomplished fact, but for new members and young beginners just enbracing the movement it is well to re-state the principles of our faith and practice.
1. Name. This Association shall be called "The Vegetarian Federal Union" 2. Definition. It shall be an association of such Societies throughout the world as may be willing to unite together for mutual counsel and the promotion of Vegetarianism, i.e., abstinence from the flesh of animals (fish, flesh and fowl) as food, and the encouragement of the use of cereals, pulses, seeds, grains, fruits, nuts, and all the wholesome products of the vegetable kingdom. 3. Objects. Its objects shall be :- 4. Methods. The means for effecting these purposes
shall be by :- There are other rules dealing with the management of detail, but you will see by the above selection from them what the Vegetarian Federal Union is. 1. It comes with due authority. Up to 1889 there were Vegetarian Societies and Food Reform Associations which had done, and were doing, splendid work, but no Federated Union of these Societies existed. After much thought and care these Societies came together and officially fromed themselves into the Vegetarian Federal Union. 2. So it is a united effort. There is hardly a Vegetarian Society of any importance all the world over but is federated with the Union. Let me make this quite clear. The Federal Union is not a central office with every Society simply a branch, dominated and controlled by the Central Executive. The Societies federated retain the fullest autonomy or Local Government. The Central Committee is composed of delegates from each Society, and is constantly advising, assisting and developing new Societies and conducts all the collective business of the Federation. 3. It aims at nothing less than a Great Food Reform Movement throughout the world. We calim that food is a large factor in developing character ; also thatcharacter is the true capital of a nation. Hence this movement is not a fancy fad run by a few fanatics, but really a determining factor in solving hte social and natural problems of to-day. This being the aim of the Vegetarian Federal Union, it must have a clear and definite method of realising that aim. THE METHOD ADOPTED is to form in each town or village a society of such men and women who shall be in sympathy with the objects of the Union. These Societies are composed of two classes :- 4. So that these Societies shall be capable of easy communion with each other, we make the county the area, with some principle town at its centre. The Devon Vegetarian Society is a splendid and living example of what a County Association can do. This is the plan of campaign. It is not new. It has been tried and stands to-day, a living reality. Hereand there societies may have grown weak. But every day it is becoming clearer to me what a large amount of Vegetarianism there is in the world. This force has to be organised. Will you help in the organisation? Do not remain an isolated unit, but send your name to headquarters, and let us help you help others. For all information as to starting a Society or beginning Vegetarianism address HARRY PHILLIPS April 21, 1900: Compiled by Harry Phillips VEGETARIAN FEDERAL UNION First. Call together any friends and sympathisers
in the district and have a small homely meeting to begin with. Lastly. The Federal Union aims at forming County Associations wherever possible in one central town, as a central organisation for that county. This then, is the "plan of campaign" ; will you help to make it possible? Minimum subscriptions to the Union, one shilling per annum. Further particulars may be had at the Central Office, Memorial Hall, Farringdon Street, London, E.C. HARRY PHILLIPS, Secretary. |