For the Teachers

Many of us get into this movement because we want our lives to make a difference. We have seen injustices and we refuse to sit still and allow things we don’t support to become the status quo. However, once we make the decision to get active, there are several other decisions and hurdles to overcome. At first, we are so passionate that brief encounters may cause tears and distress. Our friends may think we have gone off the deep end, joined some alien “cult” or are just going through a deviant “phase.” We become insatiable for information that may in turn anger us more as we find it hard to understand how this knowledge has escaped us for so long, and how others refuse to accept the truth. Or they accept the truth, but honestly could care less about it. Gradually we seek out more effective strategies, because at the end of the day, we are here to spread our message, save lives and stand up for what we believe in.

I have been on a mission to learn how to effectively advocate the message of this movement. I believe that avoiding consumption of animals and animal products is not only first and foremost the best thing you can do for your overall health, it allows you to tread lightly on this earth, support the planets prosperity and allows you to go to sleep every night knowing you are living every day causing the least amount of harm possible.

Learning requires teachers. So far during my short journey I have had the privilege to meet certain individuals who offer so much inspiration and dedication that even in the most challenging of circumstances, their words help me to persevere. This is an attempt to shine the necessarily spotlight on these people. Most of them face opposition from their families and severely exhausting and challenging situations on a daily basis, but they are also the ones getting things done. Making change happen. We need to shout our appreciation louder, listen and repeat their wise words, and join them along in their fight. I didn’t think it was possible for me to become even more passionate about this cause, but being in the presence of some of these extraordinary people, who embrace and live their messages and display impeccable ethics day in and day out, can motivate even the most passionate activist. And I now believe my contribution has the potential to reach new and extraordinary heights.

Here are some names that come to mind, if you see them, say thank you.

Paul Shapiro

Neal Barnard

Betsy Swart

Jon Camp

Erica Meier

Michael Gregor

Drew Winter

Bruce Friedrich

Norm Phelps

Matt Ball

John Robbins

Erik Marcus

Jack Norris

Ingrid Newkirk

Support

The choices I make tend to alienate me at times. I rarely ever agree with the status quo, and usually get probed, questioned and provoked about these choices. I have been doing my best, and have gotten increasingly better, at clocking out, putting my beliefs on hold for the evening, and enjoying myself. It's not always easy.

There is an internal struggle between wanting to stand up for my beliefs, but trying desperately to have a carefree night. I accept that this will be an issue I will confront as long as my choices are considered different or unusual. My work as an activist centers around the hope that soon my avoidance of meat wont seem so shocking or extreme.

Pretending that the gentleman next to me eating a hamburger isn't grossing me out, or the bartender leaving nothing to the imagination isn't frustrating my feminist perspective are always going to come with the the territory of my over educated disposition These are both difficult tasks, that I suspect in time will get easier, well here's hoping anyway.

The previous list of, lets call them, "quirks" I presume are quite frustrating to my friends and family. However, I have stumbled upon a few ladies in the last couple of months that have been so unbelievably supportive, that I must take the time to recognize how amazing support really feels.

I believe so deeply in my cause and to have my friends take a genuine interest is so rewarding. To be able to come together, 4 different personalities, with such ease and comfort is truly amazing, and has made my summer so memorable. I don't know what my future holds. My plans to go to DC and fight for my causes hasn't changed, but what I will inevitably leave behind has. Thank you, divas, for your open minds and unwavering support.

You have also opened my mind to a few things I have yet to try-wink!

With gratitude,

Jaime