by Christine Pesta
As a vegan, it’s guaranteed that you will be asked questions about your chosen lifestyle. You will no doubt hear some saying how they could never give up certain foods, or others asking where you get your protein, and yet others posing questions, in earnest, about your experience as a vegan, as they may be considering the path themselves.
That is why the discussion of veganism is important. The more people understand what being vegan truly means, the more of a chance people will at least give it a try. It would be great if you could answer as many questions as possible, but it is even more important to be able to speak from the heart. Being able to share your experiences, your motivations, and how becoming vegan has changed your life, will inspire and encourage those around you.
Here are a few ideas as to how you can discuss veganism and promote it through various means.
Share Information on Social Media
There are many social media platforms on which you can share information about being vegan and why it matters. You can present that information in a fun or a very serious tone. Whether you throw out facts and figures, or recipes and light-hearted memes, providing information that makes clear what veganism is all about is what will get people interested in learning more.
Educate Yourself and Stay Informed
Learning as much as you can about veganism will make discussing it with someone easier for both of you. Basic things like the history of veganism and the vegan movement, nutritional information that may matter most to non-vegans, where to start, what types of dishes to try first, how becoming vegan can impact animals and the Earth, and so on. Continuing to stay informed as new research reveals how veganism can positively impact our lives not only will encourage others to change their lives, but it will help you defend your position, as vegans sometimes must, against those who would try to give an argument against it.
Start a Meetup Group
You can create and lead a vegan group at places such as meetup.com, or start an informal group with people who either already do, or wish to, live the same lifestyle. The group can get together to exchange recipes and information, visit local vegan restaurants to sample the fare, or volunteer together for a cause.
Wear Your Heart on a Tee
It wouldn’t necessarily be recommended in some situations to be forceful in presenting your views on veganism; sometimes, it is better to promote it subtly. T-shirts, totebags, and bumper stickers are just some of the ways you can let people know how you feel. It just may get them thinking about their feelings on the topic as well.
Cook and Present a Vegan Dish
One great way to get people to better understand what veganism is all about is to give them a taste of it. Whether it’s an office potluck, a church picnic, or a tailgate party before a football game, there are many great opportunities to share vegan food with others that may not try it otherwise. Find that one dish you make better than any other, whether an appetizer, dessert, main course or side dish, and bring that to your next social gathering. Experiencing how good meatless and dairy-free food can taste will show them that it’s not what they’ll miss by becoming vegan, but what they’ll miss out on if they don’t.
When discussing veganism, it’s best to do it in a positive manner. Trying to keep the conversation as friendly as possible – even in the face of negativity or hostility – will only leave the vegan and veganism looking the better for it.
