Dearest Vegan Buddies,

Some of you may have noticed that I have not been around much recently, and some of you probably won't have noticed at all. Unfortunately, events in my "real world" took over for a while. If you have been trying to contact the Vegan Buddies Project, I am so sorry for the delay in getting back to you. You should have received a reply by now. If you hadn't noticed our absence, then here's a reminder that we're here.... and we're back, bigger and better than before!

Although it's almost the end of January, it's still a great time to encourage people to start off the new year on a more healthy and ethical foot. We now have more than 500 friends here on Myspace, if every person directs one friend to the Vegan Buddies Project, we could "convert" hundreds of peope, and in doing so, save THOUSANDS OF ANIMALS!

I'm working on a very exciting new website that will be a home for vegans on the internet. Watch this space and I'll get back to you soon.... be ready to upload a new profile and be loud and proud about being vegan!

Vegan hugs,
Claudia

Calling all vegans, calling all vegans! If you live in or near Jersy City, please get in touch! 2 vegetarians need your help!

Hi Vegan Buddies!!!

We need vegan mentors in Tuscaloosa, AL and Denver, NC. If you live in these places, or within, say, an hour of them, please get in touch. Wannabe-vegans urgently need your help and support!

If you can forward this message, along with some info about the Vegan Buddies project, to any e-lists, newsgroups, message boards or other networking sites that you ar emembers of, that would be great.

Thank you :)
Claudia

Hi everyone :)

An update from Vegan Buddies base camp. First of all, we're really excited by the interest and enthusiasm that the Vegan Buddies project has generated. Thank you to all our friends who have signed up as mentors, and to all the "wannabes" who have contacted us in need of help. We hope that we're providing you with a useful resource, and that going vegan doesn't seem so daunting/filled with sacrifices/unhealthy/weird as it might have done before you found us!

We're being contacted by people around the globe, the most recent call for help coming from someone in Australia! This is great, as it means news of the Vegan Buddies Project is spreading far and wide. We've successfully partnered-up people in Toronto, DC, Colorado, NYC and CA; we've put people with some fairly serious health problems in touch with nutritionists who can carefully guide them along the path to veganism, and we've created some genuine friendships in the process.

And this is what it's all about.... saving animals, making friends, and forming a global vegan community so that people know even if they don't have another vegan in their immediate midst, they aren't alone, they're part of a great movement to make this world a kinder, better, happier, healthier place.

Thank you for being part of it :)

Calling all aspiring vegans... and already-vegans who need a little extra know-how. Viva! has produced Vegan Basics, the best guide to animal-free shopping, cooking and eating around. This 50 page booklet features a detailed product guide that lists every animal-free alternative on the market, a glossary of hidden animal ingredients to watch out for, recipe suggestions, nutritional info, shopping tips and so much more... it's all that you need to be a happy, healthy, vegan. Aaaaand.... it's available by sending $2 yes that's just $2 by paypal to claudia@vivausa.org (with your name and address, so that we can mail you a copy). Grab a copy now and get shopping! Get cooking! Get eating yummy vegan food!

Just wanna keep everyone in the loop about the Vegan Buddies Project. Here's a bunch of updates, ideas, and resources.  

1. What's next for the Vegan Buddies Project?

In NYC, wheels are turning to establish a series of free vegan cooking classes starting in December. Please stay tuned about that.  

In North America, we're looking forward to getting volunteer vegan mentors--especially in all the little cities. Do you know any vegans in Smalltown, USA? Please forward this message to them!

We've got lots of vegans here in NYC, but not as many folks willing to take the vegan challenge. What have you got to lose? Who's game to try even for a month? If you're already vegan, please let your lacto-ovo and meat eating friends, neighbors, and co-workers know that we're putting out the challenge and we'll set them up with the buddy-power they need to succeed

2. Got a vegan buddy but don't know what to do? Just add the personal touch that a book, movie, or pamphlet can't do! Here's a short list of things Vegan Buddies can do together:

-- Be a friend. Be there to listen to your aspiring vegan gripe. (Going vegan isn't easy for everyone, so emotional support is important!) Listen to their concerns with an open heart and be willing to get creative/ resourceful in finding solutions to help make their transition easier. You can contact us if you need help too.

-- Create a grocery list.

-- Make a meal plan for the week.

-- Talk about their favorite foods and discuss vegan versions together.

-- Attend a vegan potluck.

-- Take a trip to the local supermarket and explore all the "accidentally vegan" options. http://www.peta.org/accidentallyVegan/

-- Visit a health food store and check out all the cool meat and dairy alternatives.

-- Visit the local farmer's market and pick out three new veggies or fruits to try.

-- Review the vegetarian/vegan cookbooks available at the local public library.

-- Cook a simple meal together.

-- Check out your local thrift store or clothing swap for fun vegan clothing surprises! Or, just simply go shopping at vegan-friendly clothing and shoe stores.

-- Attend an event organized by a local vegetarian or animal rights group.

-- Attend a gathering organized by a vegan MeetUp group. http://meetup.com

-- Volunteer to serve vegan meals to the hungry with a local Food Not Bombs or other vegan charity. http://www.foodnotbombs.net/

-- Exchange lists of your favorite vegan blogs and websites. You can find a great directory at http://supervegan.com/links.php .

-- Have lunch at your favorite restaurant.

-- Discuss the vegan options available at the restaurants in your area.

3. Are you trying to make the transition to a vegan diet, but having a hard time resisting the sins of the flesh? New Yorkers and San Franciscans can rejoice in these all-vegetarian markets.

4th Street Food Co-op. 58 E. 4th Street (between 2nd Ave. and Bowery) in the East Village, NYC. http://www.4thstreetfoodcoop.org/

Integral Yoga Natural Foods. 229 West 13th Street (btw 7th and 8th Avenues) in the West Village, NYC. http://www.integralyoganaturalfoods.com/

Rainbow Grocery. 1745 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA. http://www.rainbowgrocery.org/

4. Did you enjoy the talent at the Vegan Buddies Launch Party? Here's some info to keep you in the loop on their happenings.

Soulful rocker Joy Askew has a FREE show coming up in NYC on October 24th at 9pm. Rockwood Music Hall, Allen St between Houston and Stanton.
http://myspace.com/joyaskew
http://joyaskew.com

Jazz saxophonist Matana Roberts has a new website: http://matanaroberts.com
She also has a blog about "one new york musician's alternative methods on trying to stay healthy in one of the most toxic and expensive cities in the world.": http://honeyintheraw.blogspot.com
Folks who wanna hear more of Mantana now should check out her MySpace page: http://myspace.com/matanaroberts

Filmmaker Marisa Miller who showed us a sneak preview of her upcoming vegan challenge documentary is also a member of the super funny all-female comedy troupe, The Brothel. Find out about their upcoming shows at http://thebrothel.com

Folks who can't get enough of comedian/ comic artist Dan Piraro can find out how to get his most recent book, Bizarro and other Strange Manifestations of the Art of Dan Piraro, and see lots of other fun stuff at http://bizarro.com

Those interested in learning more about vegan nutrition should check out vegan champion body-builder Kenneth Williams' website: http://veganmusclepower.com

We've been getting lots of support for the Vegan Buddies NYC Kick-Off Party. Check out all these cool companies that have generously contributed exciting prizes for our raffle:

Avalon Publishing Group: Copies of Post Punk Kitchen ultra-cool host Isa Chandra's cookbooks Vegan With A Vengeance and Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World.
Babeland: Pick a friend and enjoy a fun workshop from this sexy shop!
Candle 79: Dinner for two at this upscale vegan restaurant
Daisy Dog Studio: Handmade "Pottery for People" from the supercute TriBeCa shop.
E magazine: One Year Subscription to this savvy magazine on environmentalism.
Frey Organic Wine: Three bottles wine from this all organic, vegan vineyard. Classy!
Inky Loves Nature: Handmade botanical body products with a funky fresh style!
Jivamukti Yoga School: Get your yoga on! Win a certificate for three free classes.
Lantern Books: Copies of 101 Reasons Why I'm a Vegetarian, The Vegan Family Cookbook, and The Vegan Diet as Chronic Disease Prevention.
Liz Lovely Vegan Cookies: An exciting assortment of yummy treats made with care.
Moo Shoes: $50 gift certificate to bring you closer to that new faux leather belt, purse, walet, or pair of shoes.
Peter Max: A dedicated poster from the infamous vegan artist.
Primal Spirit Foods: An assortment of savory and succulent Primal Strips vegan jerky!
Red Bamboo Brooklyn: A gift certificate for dinner for two.
Satya magazine: One Year Subscription to the magazine that covers animal advocacy, vegetarianism, environmentalism, and social justice like no other! Plus, a bonus t-shirt to show your Satya pride.
Sjaacks: An assortment of artisan organic vegan dark chocolates.
SuperVegan.com: Handmade laptop case and iPod case by Trashy Fresh & Sugar Shakes from the folks behind ultimate online guide to vegan dining in NYC.
Tofurky: Yummy faux meats you can enjoy at home.
Tribe of Heart films: The Witness DVD
VeganEssentials.com: Certificate for swag from vegan general goods store.
VegNews magazine: $50 Gift Pack, which includes a one-year subscription to the top vegan lifestyle magazine, six jumbo vegan cookies, signature oversized tote bag, an American Apparel t-shirt and the current edition.

Come and savor Red Bamboo Brooklyn's succulent signature fake meats, such as Cajun Fried Shrimp and Soul Chicken Nuggets, and delicious dairy-free desserts. (Check out the full menu on the VBP blog.) Stay for entertainment from the nationally-syndicated vegan cartoonist Dan Piraro of Bizarro, live music performed by the soulful rocker Joy Askew, and a sneak preview of Marisa Miller's hilarious and educational new film documenting her adventures with a group of meat-eaters taking the vegan challenge. There will also be the opportunity to win fantastic, animal-friendly prizes from our event sponsors.

Sunday, October 1, 4-7pm. Red Bamboo Brooklyn, 271 Adelphi Street (at Dekalb Avenue), Brooklyn, NY 11205. Directions: C to Lafayette Avenue or G to Clinton-Washington or Fulton Street. RSVP & Info: 212-989-VIVA or claudia@vivausa.org

Save cash! Buy a ticket now for the special advance price of $12! ($15 at the door): Pay via PayPal by making a payment to claudia@vivausa.org

Befriend Vegan Buddies on MySpace where you can stay tuned on the latest developments in the project and hook up with cool local vegans and fun aspiring vegans who need your help.

For more information on the Vegan Buddies Project or to sign up, contact Claudia at claudia@vivausa.org or (212) 989-VIVA.

*PLEASE INVITE A FRIEND* NON-VEGANS ARE ESPECIALLY WELCOME*

Calling all vegan buddies!

We have fledgeling vegans in need of help in the following places:

Palo Alto, CA
Colorado Springs, CO
Westminster, CO
Moline, IL
Trafalgar, IN
Silver Spring, MD
Newport, RI
& Toronto

Can you help? Please get in touch ASAP and let's start saving animals!

Have a great weekend everyone :)

Are your lack of cooking skills keeping you from going vegan? Do you ever find yourself saying, "I'd like to be vegan, but I can't cook"? Well, here are a few tips that should help you out.

Check out VeganPorn (sorry, its not a pornographic website, despite the titilating name) and watch their Easy Vegan cooking segments. Their home videos will teach you how to prepare lots of fun, easy, and tasty foods.

At ChooseVeg.com, you can watch the Compassionate Cook videos and learn to prepare a variety of yummy, nutritious foods.

If you'd rather choose from a catalogue of recipes, check out VegWeb.com. I frequently refered to this website when I first began practicing vegetarianism and I still use it nearly everyday. VegWeb has a huge range of user-submitted recipes to choose from. The site will even help you create a printer-friendly grocery list of the ingredients you need.

Are you a student, a single parent, or just tight on cash? Compassion Over Killing has a great webpage called: Vegan Eating on a Budget. It helps budding budget-conscious vegans discover nutritious recipes and meal plans to suit their lifestyle. The page also features a few more general money saving tips.

Looking for a special ingredient? Wondering where there's a health food store near you? Check out HappyCow.net. In additon to having a directory of vegan-friendly restaurants, they also list local health food stores in regions all around the world.

Another option would be to ask the manager of the supermarket you frequently patronize if they'd be willing to carry more vegan options. Most managers try to keep their regular customers happy and keep them from spending money elsewhere. It's a good idea to bring a list of the food items you'd like them to carry. Try to include as much info as you can like the manufacturer's name, distributor's info, and the UPC codes (number in white box on package) of the items you'd like them to carry. Let them know that the food is good and will be popular with both vegetarian and health-conscious customers.

Happy cooking!