COK's Vegan
Campaign Update

The new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) statistics indicate that animal rights groups will once again have to revise our literature. Rather than the now-outdated 9.4 billion land animals killed annually for American meat-eaters, the statistic has risen to 9.8 billion. This body count doesn't even include the billions of aquatic animals who die for American palates each year as well.

It seems all-too daunting: Despite our tireless efforts, each year we see the number of animals killed increase dramatically. The fact is that 400 million more animals were bred, raised in misery, and then killed than the previous year.

Of course, these 9.8 billion farmed animals-all individuals with lives that mattered to them-represent the largest number of animals exploited in the U.S. Unfortunately, most of them also suffer the worst fates while alive when compared to other exploited animals. Even worse, like virtually all animal exploitation, these animals' vital interests in living and avoiding torture are considered less weighty than our trivial interest in mere convenience-in this case, enjoying the taste of their flesh.

As such, promoting veganism must be a high priority for any organization that claims to be working for animal liberation. While disheartened by the grave statistics, COK activists are committed more than ever to help further the widespread adoption of a vegan diet.

Free Vegan Starter Pack

Since the last issue of The Abolitionist, COK has sent several hundred individuals free vegan starter packs which are advertised on our website at www.cok.net.

To request your free kit, please click here…and thank you for your compassion!

Presenting VegDC.com

VegDC.com, the online resource for vegans and vegetarians in the Washington, D.C.-area.

When asked whether they oppose unnecessarily harming animals, nearly everyone responds with a resounding yes. As eating animals is clearly unnecessary and indisputably causes harm, why do so many people choose to voluntarily support that suffering? The answer is all too obvious: habit and convenience.

Most people presume that becoming vegan or even vegetarian involves a huge sacrifice and can only be done by the ardently committed. Teaming up with the Vegetarian Society of D.C., COK has proven this myth to be utterly false in the D.C.-area with our new website, www.VegDC.com.

At VegDC.com, vegans and meat-eaters alike see just how easy it is to be vegan in the nation's capitol. The site includes listings of vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants, grocery stores, and organizations in the D.C.-area. Indeed, this new resource is enough to convince even contented meat-eaters that following a cruelty-free diet is hardly an inconvenience at all.

Check out this new Internet resource and enjoy vegan culinary delights in D.C.

Proud to Serve Vegan Meals

While VegDC.com is designed to list D.C.-area establishments that specifically cater to the vegan demand, COK is also outreaching to those restaurants that may only happen to serve one or two vegan options.

By giving these restaurants COK's "Proud to Serve Vegan Meals" window decals along with information about how they can expand their vegan selections, those eateries are rewarded for taking the first step toward veganizing their menus and are encouraged to go even further. As more restaurants display the window decals, D.C. will continue to become more vegan-friendly, making it even easier to be vegan than ever before.

Feed-Ins

A passerby receives a free, delicious, vegan burger and takes her first step towards exploring veganism.

In addition to the convenience factor, many otherwise compassionate people choose to continue eating animals because they fear they can't give up their favorite foods. Using the tactic we've called feed-ins is a sure way to help people over this hump.

Most meat-eaters are unaware that alternatives to virtually every animal product do exist. So, to help show them they can still enjoy the tastes of their favorite foods-but without the violence and bloodshed tainting the animal agribusiness industries-COK conducts feed-ins in front of fast food restaurants, distributing free vegan burgers and literature to everyone passing by. To give them more reasons to explore vegetarianism, a TV/VCR is also set up on-site to expose the realities of factory farming and slaughterhouses.

Feed-ins are especially effective because of their non-confrontational approach to vegan advocacy. Since most people love getting free food, feed-ins allow them to associate veganism with something they already enjoy. But, more importantly, the opportunity to engage in serious dialog with interested passersby is far greater than at events such as loud protests, which most people try to pass as quickly as possible.

Hold feed-ins in your area. Contact COK for a free "how to" guide.

Help make the D.C.-area more vegan-friendly! Distribute COK's "Vegan-Friendly D.C." materials to restaurants in your area. The packs include a Vegetarian Starter Kit for Restaurants and a "Proud to Serve Vegan Meals" window decal, along with other information on the campaign and veganism. Contact COK to receive free packs and veganize D.C.!

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