Compassion as a Verb

Being vegan is most often and immediately associated with the dietary choices that we make each day. Although this is one of the most pressing issues of veganism, and often the most visible, it is important that we also live our lives with an attitude of compassion, not only in our food choices, but also in our actions. This compassion encompasses not only our actions and attitudes towards animals, but also to our fellow human beings and the world in which we live in general. It is so important for vegans to embody this idea of compassion as an action, and not simply a description. By living lives in which we embrace and participate in compassionate activities, we are modeling what it means to be vegan for those around us and making a greater impact in the world around us.

As Thanksgiving approaches and we think more about what it means to be grateful and aware, here are some compassionate activities that we can participate in that put veganism into action:

Volunteer at your local animal shelter - This is often a difficult and emotionally charged task, but your local shelters are absolutely stretched beyond their limits in these tough financial times and they need your help. The ugly truth is that most of the animals at your local shelter are living on borrowed time and need people like you to help make their days brighter.

Talk to your friends/neighbors/coworkers about Vegan Thanksgiving - Ask your friends about their Thanksgiving plans and share yours with them. Let them know that the dinner table can easily be cruelty free and what a wonderful way that would be to show your thanks to the animals and the earth.

Distribute literature - Many organizations, such as Farm Sanctuary, have Thanksgiving based literature that talk about the horrors of factory farms and let people know that they can adopt a turkey instead of eating one. That is a powerful message to send. Order some fliers and stick them on cars at your local grocery store. Hand them out to the patrons heading in to purchase their Thanksgiving turkey. Win them over by passing out the pamphlets with a smile and a kind word. Remember, we will win the war with compassion, not anger.

Participate in an event to benefit a local sanctuary - Organize a walk, a jog, a beach clean up or a dog walk in your area. Have your friends and family sign up and get sponsors. Collect money for your favorite sanctuary and have a great day with friends in the meantime. Some organizations, such as Farm Sanctuary, already have scheduled events in your area. Visit their websites and check it out.

These are just a few very simple ideas of how you can make a difference in your community by taking your compassion to the streets and being a living example of compassion in action. The opportunities to make a difference are there, if you look for them, and if they aren't, create them yourself! The problems that veganism are attempting to address go far beyond food. It's very easy to do and takes the vegan message a step beyond 'what vegans eat'.