With celebrities touting their conversion to plant-based eating and new recipe books coming out, it seems like veganism is everywhere. But when there’s nothing good on the menu or the holiday table, you may feel like a rarity. In part one of a two-part article, VM guest contributor Caryn Ginsberg looks at the facts – how many vegans are there? And how can we make that number grow?
How many vegans are there?
In a recent study of U.S. adults aged 18 and over by the Vegetarian Resource Group, it was found that about two-and-half per cent are vegan. (Charles Stahler, “How Often Do Americans Eat Vegetarian Meals? And How Many Adults in the U.S. Are Vegan?” Vegetarian Journal, Volume 30, Issue 4, 2011.) That’s six million-plus individuals. Approximately the same number is vegetarian, but not vegan. It isn’t possible to conclude whether these numbers are on the rise, due to statistical issues.
How can we grow our numbers?
Bill Smith, an expert in motivating behavior change, uses the terms “fun, easy, and popular” to describe what it takes for people to adopt and maintain new behaviors. How might this be used to encourage more people to go vegan?
Fun
When it comes to food, research shows that “fun” means delicious and convenient. Mark Rifkin, a registered dietitian, recommends bringing scrumptious potluck dishes, inviting people to dinner in your home or at restaurants, and giving gifts of vegan food to show people how enjoyable plant-based eating can be.
When we revel in whatever menu option we’ve arranged or found at a restaurant, we also make our lifestyle look appealing. When we complain about limited options, however justified, we turn off people who don’t want to be part of something that seems restrictive or unpleasant.
No one wants to feel poorly, either. Long-term vegans sometimes dismiss nutrition concerns from other current or would-be vegans. But Jack Norris, Registered Dietitian and Cofounder of Vegan Outreach, stresses the importance of providing sound nutritional information, such as about protein, calcium, and B12. We can listen empathetically to people’s concerns, share our expertise, and direct them to useful resources, such as nutritionists, websites, and books. If you’re just starting with veganism yourself, don’t hesitate to seek any guidance you may need.
Easy
Experienced vegans usually consider preparing tasty animal-free food, shopping for appropriate ingredients, and dining out plant-free to be straightforward. It’s easy to forget that
newer vegans may find the process daunting. In addition to telling people why they would want to change the way they eat, we have to help them with how.
While veg starter kits are good, it takes more than a few new recipes for people to overhaul how they eat. Animal Rights Coalition in Minnesota and other groups have launched vegan mentoring programs to assist people. Mentors can provide customized tips, ideas, support, and social activities that ease the transition.
Popular
It’s easier for people to make a change when they feel that, “Everybody’s doing it.” Although vegans are not a majority, you can show people that eating animal-free is common.
- Invite people to events and parties, your own or those hosted by local organizations, so they can see the variety of people who thrive on living vegan.
- Consider pursuing your other interests by joining clubs, groups, or online communities that aren’t just for vegans. People need to see vegans to learn that we are “normal” and
multi-dimensional. - Share stories of high-profile vegans not as if they are a rare breakthrough, but as an increasingly widespread phenomenon. Talking about how ordinary individuals are turning vegan can be as, or more, compelling. People are sometimes less swayed by celebrities, who they assume have resources and help to shop and cook.
These are just a few ways to inspire potential vegans. What other ideas do you have to make this lifestyle seem fun, easy, and popular?
Next week, in part two of this focus on high-impact advocacy, we’ll look at which people are most likely to become vegan and what to say to them.
Are you looking for other ways to be a more effective vegan advocate or animal activist? Animal Impact, Secrets Proven to Achieve Results and Move the World provides a simple, seven step system you can use to get better results. Author Caryn Ginsberg shares stories, quotes, and tips from more than 80 advocates from around the world. Find out more at http://animal-impact.com/, including what leaders in the field are already saying about the book.
