Local network section:

Every year the Vegetarian Society receive about 100 requests from the media, specifically looking for help from vegetarians. This might be for an upcoming TV programme, a radio debate or a contribution to a magazine article. You can see the current requests we have, or volunteer with us as a media representative or for case studies.

Start a vegetarian information centre

If you've been browsing the Vegetarian Society Network pages, you will have seen the term Info (or Information) Centre in some areas and may be wondering what it means. Info Centres were started up when the Vegetarian Society realised that a number of our members wanted to do something positive to promote vegetarianism, but were not in a position to join a local group.

Kinds of info centres

As an Info Centre, you can pursue whichever aspects of our campaigning that you find interesting, do as much or as little as you find comfortable, cover an area as big or as small as you can easily manage. We believe that when it comes to creating a culture where the ideals of vegetarianism and compassion are considered normal, every little helps!

Having said that, there are two types of Info Centres that need a special word:

Embryo groups

If you would like to start a new vegetarian group in your area, you can set up an Info Centre as an intermediate stage. This will enable us to offer you help and support right from the start.

Business link

If you run a business, such as a vegetarian guesthouse, a shop or have an office where the public call in regularly, you can give the Society a lot of valuable help by setting aside a space to display our leaflets and posters. If you wish to be involved in other Vegetarian Society projects as well, of course, you'll be very welcome.

Getting started

It takes very little to get started. Just send in your application form and decide what you want to do. Here’s a small sample of things that have been done by Info Centres. We suggest you select two or three that appeal to you and give them a go.

Keep a supply of our leaflets at home to pass on to people who enquire about vegetarianism
Make sure that your local libraries have a stock of veggie leaflets: you could even organise a display
Answer local queries or compile a local guide to veggie-friendly businesses
Take stalls at local fetes and fairs

An Info Centre can also be “virtual”; perhaps a website with local vegetarian information, a page on a social networking site or an e-group.

We can help

If you join our Local Network, we can help support your Info Centre, give you publicity in our magazine and on the website and much more.

Fill in the form for a 'Start up Pack'