VUNA Members Meet, Elect New Council, Share Ideas, Celebrate at VegFest DC

VUNA VIEWS - February 1998

VUNA Members Meet, Elect New Council, Share Ideas, Celebrate at VegFest DC

Introduction:

Celebrating its 70th anniversary as the oldest local vegetarian organization in North America, the Vegetarian Society of DC sponsored VegFest DC on October 18, 1997. As a major co-sponsor of the event, VUNA took advantage of the opportunity to hold our Biennial General Meeting and a networking session. VSDC's Saurabh Dalal, who is also the International Vegetarian Union Regional Secretary for North America, gives a tantalizing summary of VegFest sure to raise envy in those of us who couldn't attend. Beth Preiss of VSDC follows by sharing ideas on how to reach more people that were offered at the networking session. Finally, Saurabh and VUNA President Peter McQueen introduce the newly elected VUNA Regional Council and report on the Biennial General Meeting.

VSDC Hosts Spectacular VegFest DC

The Vegetarian Society of DC (VSDC) held VegFest DC on Saturday, October 18, 1997, drawing the largest attendance in its known history for a fee event. This one-day mini-conference also served as the highlight of its 70th anniversary, VSDC being the oldest local vegetarian organization in North America. Attendance was 450 strong and featured twenty speakers over the course of the day who discussed many aspects of a vegetarian way of living. Plenary speakers included Karen Davis of United Poultry Concerns, pioneering vegetarian dietitian George Eisman, Alex Hershaft of the Farm Animal Reform Movement, International Vegetarian Union President Howard Lyman, and columnist Colman McCarthy. Other major sessions featured well-known movement speakers Rynn Berry, Freya Dinshah, Jay Dinshah, Donna Hurlock, Erik Marcus, and Debra Wasserman. Over twenty related organizations were showcased--both non-profit and for--profit-giving attendees a broad view into the impressive work being done today as well as the movement of vegetarianism into the mainstream. The event placed full emphasis on strict vegetarianism, and vegetarian caterers served delicious vegan food throughout the day.

Vegan physician Dr. Michael Klaper, always a favorite at veggie gatherings, was unable to attend VegFest, but he sent a congratulatory letter that put it all in perspective:

"What better way to mark the 70th birthday of the Vegetarian Society of DC than with a VegFest! No need for solemnity here--walk, talk, eat (by all means, eat!)--and have a great time! Something wonderful is happening here--and looking back over seventy years, it's clear that the VSDC has good reason to celebrate.

"In 1927, the heroes of the day blazed new trails and opened our minds and imaginations. We held our breath as Charles Lindbergh flew the Atlantic, and we cheered as Babe Ruth hit sixty home runs. And in Washington that year, to somewhat quieter cheers, a small group of thoughtful people who had experienced the many benefits of vegetarian diets came together to support each other and to share their experiences with the public.

"In the intervening seventy years...members of the vegetarian community in the DC area have steadily conveyed their message, saying, "If you know it's time to improve your diet, we're here to help." "If you want to enjoy delicious foods that will leave you and the whole planet healthier, check us out!" "If you want your dietary choices to affirm life instead of extinguishing it, you'll love this food!" "If you want to meet other open-minded and open-hearted people with similar interests, join us!"

"The hosts of this weekend's VegFest are in the direct lineage of those VSDC founders back in the "Roaring Twenties." Through seventy years of pamphlets and potlucks, information booths and now the Internet, they have communicated the vegetarian message with their work and by their example. They lovingly share their ideas and energies with all those who show interest--and with creativity, friendship, and hard work, they have produced this wonderful celebration. Once again, the people of the Vegetarian Society of DC have reached out and touched our community with their life-affirming message... Thanks, VSDC, and Happy Birthday!"

Other highlights of the event included a video room running numerous videos throughout the day, a book signing session with authors, very practical and informative food preparation demonstrations, a live musical performance, door prizes, and a DJ with dancing until the late hours.
--by Saurabh Dalal

Veggie Leaders Share Ideas for Reaching More People

Ten leaders of vegetarian organizations from Washington, DC, Virginia, North Carolina, Massachusetts, and Toronto got together at VegFest DC to network and discuss how to reach more people. The ideas shared included:

Sponsoring Vegetarian Food Fairs, using the successful model of the Toronto Vegetarian Association, which had about 10,000 people attend its thirteenth annual Food Fair in September, 1997. Already, New York, Boston, Seattle and a number of other cities have taken up the charge, with the Boston food fair attracting both natural foods and mainstream supermarkets as sponsors. The Toronto Vegetarian Association is working on putting its how-to manual online to assist other efforts.
Offering Discounts for Members, seen as a win-win-win: members save money, restaurants and shops get customers, and organizations attract members and renewals--especially when savings exceed membership fees. Some shops in Toronto found so much value in offering the discounts, they didn't even ask the Toronto Vegetarian Association first.
Allowing Advertising in Newsletters, another winning combination: members learn about new businesses, advertisers gain new customers, and the organization raises money. Editors typically reserve the right to reject ads and limit the number per issue. For example, the Vegetarian Society of DC keeps ads to two pages of the twelve-page VSDC News.
Hooking Up with Affinity Credit Cards, to earn one-half of one per cent of what your members charge with the card. North Carolina's Triangle Vegetarian Society has done this and found it to be a valuable fundraiser around holiday time. They did not have to commit that a specific dollar amount would be spent, but they did agree to use the credit card company's pre-approved ad for promotions.
Reaching Out to Other Organizations, by sponsoring joint events and inviting them to write articles for your newsletter addressing the common bond of vegetarianism. Both the Boston and Triangle Vegetarian Societies mentioned holding events with other local groups, whether animal rights, environmental, religious or political organizations.
Staffing Shopping Mall Booths, which in some cases can be obtained free of charge.

The group agreed that continued discussion would be worthwhile, and a regional meeting for vegetarian-society organizers within a few hours' drive is a possibility.
--by Beth Preiss

VUNA Biennial Meeting Takes Care of Business, Elects New Council

Pleased to be a major sponsor of VegFest DC, VUNA worked its Biennial General Meeting and other networking and exchange meetings into the very full VegFest DC weekend. An information table brought good visibility to VUNA's continental efforts as well as to the International Vegetarian Union.

Reports, discussion, and the election of a new Regional Council constituted the agenda for the Biennial General Meeting. The new Council includes Dilip Barman of North Carolina, who will be responsible for the Local Group Startup Fund; Dennis Bayomi of Manitoba, who will oversee the Article Syndication Project; Saurabh Dalal of Maryland, continuing as IVU Regional Secretary for North America; Madge Darneille of Maryland, VUNA's Acting Treasurer until someone comes forth to assume the job; Ruth Heidrich of Hawaii; Peter McQueen of Ontario, continuing as President; Kevin Pickard of Ontario, Vice President, responsible for membership, and liaison regarding the VUNA Web site; Kay Sheehan of Colorado; Scott Williams of Maryland, serving as Corresponding Secretary. Except for new Council members Dilip Barman and Dennis Bayomi, all other Council members also served on the last Council. Both new members serve as presidents of their respective local groups: the Triangle Vegetarian Society (Dilip) and the Winnipeg Vegetarian Association (Dennis). Maynard Clark, JoAnn Farb, and Lary Hayden chose not to run for reelection to the Council. VUNA thanks both the retiring Council members and those who have begun their two-year terms on the new Council. Without the service of willing volunteers, VUNA could not carry out our mission of promoting strong, independent, cooperative vegetarian societies and maintaining connections with vegetarianism worldwide through the IVU. Though the entire Council was not able to attend VegFest, those who were present included re-elected Council members Saurabh Dalal, Madge Darneille, Peter McQueen, Kevin Pickard, and Scott Williams, along with newly elected Dilip Barman.

Special thanks go to Nalith, Inc., for their role in helping sponsor VegFest DC.
--by Saurabh Dalal, Peter McQueen

Maintained by Judy Miner jwminer@accessvt.com