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Please note that this is an archived page
- the information may be out-of-date. You can find our very latest Youth
Pages at www.youngveggie.org |
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Animal welfare and environmental issues are very important to young people and this is reflected in the large numbers becoming vegetarian and joining The Vegetarian Society. | |
| Younger people are also far
more likely to be open to fresh and forward-looking ideas concerning their
diet.
One recent poll discovered that in a sample of young people aged between 15 and 19 years, 11 per cent described themselves as vegetarian. It also found that 90 per cent objected to killing animals for fur, with a similar percentage against testing cosmetics on animals and over 60 per cent objected to factory farming. |
| The Society recognises
the valuable contribution made by its younger members and is totally committed
to showing support. On joining the Society, young members receive a starter
pack full of information. The pack also gives details of past successes
and current campaigns, as well as how young people can get involved.
A section of 'The Vegetarian' is specifically dedicated to the interests of young people. Originally called 'Greenscene', it has now been relaunched as 'VC21', complete with a whole new look. 'VC21' runs interviews with famous vegetarians, as well as providing campaign ideas, recipes, useful contacts, news, book reviews and competitions. Junior members can also have any difficult vegetarian questions answered by the Society's Information Officer. As a modern, thought-provoking phenomenon, vegetarianism is a very popular topic for debate in schools, colleges and universities, where the Society has been very active. The Society has produced a range of high quality, user-friendly educational resources for students and teachers. These have been carefully put together following consultation with leading education professionals, teachers, students and dieticians. The Vegetarian Society's Secondary School Project Pack includes information concerning nutrition and menu plans, as well as a selection of exciting recipes. Although designed for students and teachers, it is a valuable resource for anyone interested in vegetarianism. Demand is very high, with the Society receiving approximately 300 requests for the pack every week. The Primary School Project Pack has been mapped to the National Curriculum Key Stage 2. It includes lesson plans, learning objectives, work sheets and extensive teachers' support notes. The lesson plans can be incorporated into a number of subject areas including: design and technology; science; mathematics; and English. |
The Vegetarian Society produces a range of products, such as stickers, which are aimed specifically at a young audience. |
The Youth Education Department of The Vegetarian Society conducts special cookery courses aimed at teaching young people about vegetarian nutrition and food preparation. |
Recently, The Vegetarian Society
extended its website (www.vegsoc.org) with the inclusion of an interactive
virtual schoolroom, providing
instant access to a range of veggie issues and it has been very warmly received.
The global nature of the internet enables the Society to reach a much wider
audience and has generated 'hits' from young people all over the world.
The Society also supports its junior members by producing school caterers' packs. Using inexpensive ingredients, they contain tasty, nutritionally-balanced recipes designed to be popular with all children. The Vegetarian Society acknowledges the importance of working alongside the catering industry and the packs have been produced following close consultation with dieticians, school caterers and the Health Education Trust. The Society boasts a nationwide network of experienced speakers, who offer a valuable service to a diversity of groups interested in vegetarianism. Talks can be requested for schools, societies or any interested party. Youth members are also offered the opportunity to join the Society's pen pal scheme, which enables young vegetarians to write to each other, sharing both ideas and experiences. |
| The Society plans to extend
its student information officer (SIO) network. Such young people act as
representatives of the Society, publicising campaigns and raising the profile
of vegetarianism in schools, colleges and universities. Anyone interested
in becoming a SIO should contact the Society.
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| The Vegetarian Society is also
present at many university freshers fairs, distributing information and
attracting new members, and plans to extend such activity.
The Youth Education Department of The Vegetarian Society is proud of its achievements and is keen to maintain the highest standards and build upon its successes. It welcomes comments and suggestions on how The Vegetarian Society can continue to serve its young members well into the next millennium. For further information contact The Vegetarian Society's Youth Education Officer. |
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next page: veg soc history |
| See
The Vegetarian Society's Youth Pages |
| www.vegsoc.org/21cv : 21st Century Vegetarian |
