Friday, August 31, 2007

Learning ... a review

I joined the Vegan Pal 2 Swap because I was curious about vegan fiber choices and the people involved seemed very nice. After answering the questionnaire, I also became more curious about vegan food choices. Since I was vegetarian for a good portion of my younger adulthood, I didn't feel like a total stranger. But because I'm me, I wanted to know more.

I do not respond well to groups that sensationalize their causes. So when I went surfing for online vegan resources, I found several to which I will not return. I was looking for information, not graphic photos of tortured animals flashing across my screen.

One site that met my need is NW Veg. The site is informative, intelligent and didn't slap me in the face. Because it's locally run, I will be more likely to use the links and maybe even participate in the events. Their mission statement reads: We educate and empower people to make vegetarian choices for a healthy, sustainable, and compassionate world.

NW Veg offers monthly potlucks along with guest speakers, presentations and additional local resources. There are volunteer opportunities, recipes, walks and bike rides, reading lists, a restaurant guide, and a forum to discuss issues with others from my own community.

Here's their invitation: Portland vegetarians and vegans — and others wishing to reduce meat and dairy in your diet — welcome to Northwest VEG. We are a vegetarian educational group in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. Our vegetarian potlucks and events explore delicious vegetarian and vegan foods — and meeting other vegetarians and vegans. If our potluck happens to be your only vegetarian meal of the month, you'll be welcome, and sure to go home well fed, possibly inspired to try a new recipe.

Pretty good deal!

2 comments:

Haley said...

sounds like a good place. by the way, i didn't know you were in portland. my sister-in-law lives in portland.

Becka said...

Cool swap! Can't wait to see what is swapped, I'm very, very interested. I didn't realize that there were banana fibers! I love, love corn, bamboo, soy, these are all easily replenished and just wonderful fibers to knit with. Which is why SWTC yarns are among my faves!
That is a very informative site! While not a vegetarian, I DEFINITELY need many more vegetables in my life, and they are yummy. I know there are many more options other than veggies, but these are my faves!