[867] in Vegetarian_Support_Group
Re: Meatout
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Charlie Behrens)
Fri Mar 22 15:19:18 1996
Date: Fri, 22 Mar 1996 15:12:00 +0000
From: Charlie Behrens <CHARLIE@aimtech.com>
To: vsg <vsg@MIT.EDU>
Here's the message I originally just sent to Melanie. I thought I'd throw
it in the soup with all of the other great suggestions folks are making
about "talkin' veg."
------------------
Hi Melanie,
Congratulations on the new veggies! It's a lot of work to get people to try
a new idea, let alone an entire new lifestyle. And FIVE in one day?!?!
WOW!
About your question of "spreading the word," I've been an activist in
various causes over the years and for one-on-one conversations it all boils
down to one thing: Respect. First, show your own internal enthusiasm for
how you love being a vegetarian. Then, listen to the person you are talking
to, being open their ideas. This demonstrates respect for their choices
that got them to where they are today. (Focus on trying to learn something
new from them.) Doing this gets you to a point of equal footing where you
can introduce your ideas in an atmosphere of respect where you are most
likely to be listened to in return. Surprizingly, other techniques of shock
effect, info deluge, or harranging speeches actually do work, but only with
a small minority of folks with low self-esteem. For the greatest numbers,
show the greatest respect.
Of course, one-on-one can't be the only method, but this same respectful
approach can be applied to all mediums. Use the mass media, chalk the
sidewalks, put up posters, organize political actions, set up neighborhood
meetings with students and locals, meet with sympathetic groups in and out
of your school; in short do all the things VSG is already doing.
Lastly, you will often fail. When you do, go to your friends, get
recharged, and get out there and do it again.
In Solidarity,
Charlie Behrens
----------
From: Melanie_K._Bartlett
To: elsiedee
Cc: The_Gypsy; CrimsonPeople_Eater; veg-boston; vsg-local; vsg; Veg-teen
Subject: Re: Meatout
Date: Thursday, March 21, 1996 10:54PM
one more thing about the meatout- it made me feel so warm and fuzzy inside
when I kept hearing about the aftermath of the meatout events at my
school...four kids I know decided to try vegetarainism (for a long term
basis, I mean) and one decided to try veganism (was a vegetarian before...).
YEAH!!! Just one person would have made it worth it to me. I never
expected
to get such a positive response.
and now a question- what have you guys found is the most effective way to
teach people and spread the word? talking one on one? approaching people
when they are doing stuff wrong? showing anger? talking AR, health or
environment? I really think there is a science behind trying to change
peoples' ways...but I haven't perfected this. what are your tips??
