By Laura Schwartzmann, age 16
"While most people aren't receptive to a bowl of soy ice cream or Tofutti, I'll bet anyone could be swayed by this. Don't get me wrong; I love Tofutti. But the fact is that most people don't, and this raises (for me, at least) a question: would animal-rights advocates have more success touting organic meats and dairy, instead of just suggesting vegetarianism and veganism?"
How to Respond to Common Questions About Vegetarianism
By Kim Scott, age 14
"If you're vegetarian or vegan and you haven't heard the animal cracker question yet, you probably will eventually. (Hey, can vegans eat animal crackers? This is apparently quite humorous.) Actually, it seems that there are several universal responses to hearing that someone's vegetarian - and guess what? You'll get to hear all of them!"
Is Dissection Really That Bad?
By Jessica Alleva, age 17
"This is a question I have many answers for, seeing as I recently excused
myself from my Grade 11 Biology fetal-pig dissection. First, I researched all the pros and cons of animal dissection, and
printed this information. I wanted to see both sides of the fence - from
the teacher's and students' points of view. Armed with this information, I went to
speak to my biology teacher..."
Everyday Etiquette for Vegetarian Activists
By Laura Schwartzman, age 15
"Too many teens are losing sight of what vegetarianism should embrace- nonviolence between animals and humans. Rude conduct by adolescent vegetarians offends people, doing nothing to help our cause..."
Dealing With Being Different
By Kristin Daniels, age 18
"I was home schooled till freshman year of high school. During the time I was taught at home I traveled the world with my parents. We visited Costa Rica, Colombia, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, Puerto Rico, and many of the Caribbean Islands. I still remember the day that I got to stand in the rainforest..."
Growing Up to Vegetarianism
By Danica Poorbaugh, age 18
"I knew why my parents were vegetarians, and why they wanted their children to follow their lead, but I never really felt like it mattered to me..."
The Switch-Hitter Vegetarian
By Kate Epting, age 19
"Last March my older sister came to visit me at college. A couple days later when my sister was back at school several hundred miles away I received an email from her. "I don't want you to get your hopes too high," she wrote, "But I'm going to try being a vegetarian..."
You Can Vegetarianize Your Cafeteria!
By Shakira Croce, age 14
"My middle school cafeteria had no vegetarian options. I decided to do something about it..."
A Day in the Life of A Veggie Teen
By Starza Kolman, age 18
"To many of my friends, I'm known as "Starza, The Vegan." I never knew that your diet could define you as a person, until my diet was different from everyone else's..."
Lunchtime: Answering Questions as a Friend
By Angelina Drake, age 14
"I could write a book with all the bizarre questions I’ve been asked having been a vegetarian since birth..."
Why Vegan? Why Not?
By Kate Epting, age 19
"In my house there was a rule that kids couldn't leave the table until their plates were clean. Needless to say, I was the last one in the kitchen every night..."
How to Deal With Criticism
By Shakira Croce, age 14
"Whenever you are part of a minority, you will have to face criticism. Whether you receive adverse pressure from family, friends, or strangers, it is important to stay strong and focused and stand up for what you believe to be the truth..."
Say Yes to Healthy Choices!
From the Physicians' Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM)
Ask Congress and the USDA to require soymilk in child nutrition programs. Info so that you can write a letter!
Hang in There!
By Ingrid Newkirk
An excerpt from her book Kids Can Save the Animals: 101 Easy Things to do
Veg on TV
From Website about Vegetarians in Sitcoms and Dramas
"Television sets have been around since 1923, and by 1947 were in enough American homes for Truman to deliver the first Presidential television address. But who is the first Vegetarian character on television?"
Can't Take the Teasing
From Joanne Stepaniak's website
"I am a senior in high school. How do I deal with a friend or boyfriend who refuses to stop bugging me about my compassion for all animals?"
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