American Vegan Society

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  Logo of the American Vegan Society

American Vegan Society

The American Vegan Society (AVS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting veganism in the United States. Founded in 1960, the society advocates for a lifestyle that excludes all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty, whether for food, clothing, or any other purpose. The AVS is a pivotal organization in the vegan movement, providing resources, education, and support to individuals and communities interested in adopting a vegan lifestyle.

History

The American Vegan Society was founded by H. Jay Dinshah in 1960. Dinshah was inspired by the principles of ahimsa, a concept of non-violence towards all living beings, which he encountered during a visit to a slaughterhouse in 1957. This experience led him to adopt a vegan lifestyle and subsequently establish the AVS to promote veganism as a means to achieve a more compassionate and sustainable world.

Mission and Activities

The mission of the American Vegan Society is to promote the benefits of veganism for health, the environment, and animal welfare. The society engages in various activities to fulfill this mission, including:

• Education and Outreach: AVS provides educational materials, organizes events, and conducts outreach programs to raise awareness about the benefits of a vegan lifestyle.
• Publications: The society publishes "American Vegan," a quarterly magazine that covers topics related to veganism, including nutrition, recipes, and ethical considerations.
• Conferences and Events: AVS hosts conferences, workshops, and other events to bring together individuals interested in veganism and to provide a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences.
• Advocacy: The society advocates for policies and practices that support veganism and animal rights.

Veganism

Veganism is a lifestyle choice that seeks to exclude the use of animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose. It is based on ethical, environmental, and health considerations. Vegans avoid consuming animal products such as meat, dairy, eggs, and honey, and also refrain from using products tested on animals or made from animal-derived materials.

Related Pages

• Veganism
• Vegetarianism
• Animal rights
• H. Jay Dinshah
• Ahimsa