Vegan Ireland: The Vegan Society of Ireland

Vegan Ireland: The Vegan Society of Ireland is a nonprofit and voluntary organisation formed in 2009 by a group of vegans concerned with the promotion of the vegan philosophy and lifestyle in Ireland. Inspired by the original Vegan Society (UK), which was started in 1944 by Donald Watson, Vegan Ireland have published a mission statement^[1] which aims to offer support and information to people interested in veganism; to promote and increase awareness of veganism as a just, healthy and environmentally beneficial lifestyle choice; raise awareness of the rights violations and exploitation involved with the production of animal based products; research information relevant to a vegan lifestyle and where appropriate to publish this information, lobby for manufacturers to use non-animal based materials in their products; support and promote real science and reject vivisection on moral and scientific grounds; promote respect towards all animals, human or nonhuman, and the environment by appropriate means; and develop and maintain positive relationships with organisations with compatible aims and objectives to Vegan Ireland.

Vegan Ireland have published on their website a "vegan guide," a comprehensive resource for existing and potential Irish vegans with sections on "replacing eggs," "replacing dairy," "high protein foods," and "discovering new foods." The section on "more than a diet" reflects a new trend in animal advocacy of seeing veganism as both a philosophy and as the moral baseline of the animal rights movement, rejecting the so-called "vegetarian first" tradition.

The organisation's web site also has detailed sections of vegan shopping, recipes and book recommendations. Vegan Ireland have organised film shows in Dublin city centre^[2] and have recently launched their humorous "introductory film."^[3] which, according to controversial Irish forum Politics.ie, received a mixed response.^[4]

November is designated as World Vegan Month, with November the 1st as World Vegan Day. In 2012, Vegan Ireland held a succession of events and activities throughout the month, beginning on the 1st, and ending on November 27.^[5] During World Vegan Month, Vegan Ireland hosted the world premiere of Matilda's Promise Animal Rights and Vegan Education Centre's^[6] film, "You Haven't Lived Until You've Hugged A Turkey"^[7] and many of their events featured award-winning performance poet, Dominic Berry.^[8][5]

Media

2012 has been a busy media year for Vegan Ireland. In August, press officer Roger Yates published an opinion and analysis piece in The Irish Times,^[9] which lead to a series of radio appearances.^{[10][11][12][13]} He was a featured speaker at the 2012 World Vegetarian Day,^[14] held in Dublin and organized by the Irish Vegetarian Society.

In October, 2012, Vegan Ireland's press spokesperson took part in a packed public meeting in a Dublin city-centre hotel, along with Harry Guinness of Atheist Ireland.

As well as their main website, and their Facebook page, Vegan Ireland regularly feature in an animal advocate's blog and bulletin board, Dublin's Vegan Animal Rights Bulletin.^[15]

During November 2012, a Dublin-based radio presenter agreed to go vegan with the assistance of Vegan Ireland, following publicity about a blogger who had done the same.^[16][17] Vegan Ireland released a review of 2012 activities in late December.^[18]

References

See also

• European Vegetarian Union
• List of vegetarian organizations

External links

• Official website