My middle school cafeteria had no vegetarian options. Not only was this unfair for my vegetarian friends and me, who should have had the option to purchase lunch at school, but the usual menu was also greasy and unhealthy. I decided to do something about it.
Our head lunchroom lady did not think that enough students would eat their veggies instead of the daily "mystery meat," so at first she refused to provide a salad bar for the students. This gave me the idea of circulating a petition among my fellow students to prove her wrong.
Gathering signatures is not nearly as hard as it seems. Most kids (even non-vegetarians) wanted more options at our cafeteria, especially a fresh salad bar. Even if they preferred the regular meat, many agreed to sign, since they felt vegetarians should not be discriminated against due to absence of choice on the menu. In less than I week I had accumulated over 200 signatures.
When I presented my petition to the lunch lady, she finally agreed to make a salad bar available for students. You can vegetarianize your cafeteria too!Here are some helpful tips I have learned from my experience:
1. Be polite but firm. When dealing with adults who have ideas that differ from yours always have a smile on your face and speak in a nice tone of voice. When you challenge adult rules, you are perceived as a threat. (You may be, but don't let them know that!) It's easier to get things done if people like you. Of course, if being nice fails, don't be afraid to organize a protest!
2. Everyone's signature counts! Approach everyone, including teachers, and even students that aren't in the 'in' crowd. This is a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Just be sure not to get any bogus signatures.
3. Be informative. Take this opportunity to inform others of the benefits of vegetarianism. When peers do not want to sign the petition, don't accept "no" as an answer too easily. Inquire why, and you can usually change their minds. For example, if the person's reason is because "vegetarianism is stupid," calmly explain that it is not only more humane and better for the environment, but it's also healthier for humans! Point out all the benefits of being a vegetarian, but don't demean the individual who is not.
We are at the age now where we can change things. You are old enough to make choices based on what you believe is right and wrong. If equal opportunity is not given to those of us who are vegetarians, you must do something to bring about a change!
--Read Shakira's interview with Andrew Knight on his experience and advice for ending dissection in your school!
