Gregory Smith is a 13-year-old activist spreading the message of international peace throughout the world. Not only is he the founder of International Youth Advocates, an organization designed to give young people an opportunity to put an end to worldwide violence and suffering, Gregory also completed high school at the age of 10 and is graduating from college this May. Here, Gregory shares with us his reasons for becoming a vegetarian and how we all can help make the world a better place.

Laurel: Since this is an interview for vegetarianteen.com, why don't you start off telling us about your decision to go vegetarian? How old were you at the time, and what factor(s) led to this decision?

Gregory: At my request, I have been a vegetarian since I was two years old. There are many reasons for my choice to be a vegetarian. Most importantly, it is a healthy life choice for me.

You have done an amazing amount of work towards promoting peace, especially among youth. What, if any, connection do you see between peace and vegetarianism?

If the world would become vegetarians, or at least limit animal consumption to twice a month, we would be able to feed the world and eliminate starvation and illnesses related to malnutrition. Studies have proven that nutrition and health are vital elements in a successful educational process. Education and a compassionate understanding of our world are essential for peace.

Could you tell us some about your program International Youth Advocacy's for Peace? What led you to start it? How is it different from other peace promoting programs?

When I was very young and witnessed the video accounts of children suffering from disease or malnutrition, separated from their families or subjected to violence, I knew I had to act. I was just seven years old then, but I was certain there was a way I could make a difference.

I started "I.E.M. for Nonviolence" (I = Inspiration, E = Education, M = Motivation) when I was nine. I encouraged youth groups to adopt my pledge of nonviolence and to make education their priority. I believe the first step to Peace is through education because education breeds understanding and understanding leads to alternative solutions.

Following my high school graduation from Orange Park High School in Florida two days after my tenth birthday, I moved to Virginia to begin my college education at Randolph-Macon College. Being a ten-year-old college freshman attracted international media attention. That helped to establish a platform for my life's mission to protect the lives of the world's children.

It was then that I.E.M. grew into International Youth Advocates. I began presenting keynote addresses at conferences with business, religious, educational and political leaders. I met with youth groups across the US to encourage their involvement in IYA. We are collecting educational supplies, clothing, and toys; writing letters to political leaders; working for new legislation, protecting the rights of children, and volunteering in our communities. International Youth Advocates promotes principles of peace and understanding among young people throughout the world with the objective of instilling enlightened attitudes that will ultimately advance education, improve families, influence world events and provide hope for the neglected, abused and disenfranchised. We work with international NGOs as well as government and business leaders to enhance and protect the rights and well being of children. Our mission is to create a peaceful, safe and healthy future for all children.

With so much chaos and violence in the world, especially in current times, what gives you hope and inspiration to keep going and promoting peace?

I have a vision.
At a time when people are insecure about the future - when hatred turns against the innocent…. wouldn't it restore hope if children took it upon themselves to help other children - children bridging cultural, political and religious divides - coming together in peace, speaking with one voice for freedom and justice and working for a future without fear and suffering? Children who have not learned to hate, children who feel a connection with their world, children who can define the ideal world where all have opportunity and then believe that it can happen. For the sake of all of us, we must make this happen.

Do you have advice or ideas for young people who feel there is nothing they can do about all the suffering in the world?

Many young people ask what they can do to help. They say they don't have any money so what good is their help. Well, I say plenty… because money is only one way of helping.

There are thousands of possible projects that you can do.