SAN FRANCISCO (Nov. 1, 2024) — For World Vegan Month this November, In Defense of Animals is launching new initiatives and partnerships to support animal activism and compassionate living and will be promoting impactful campaigns and hosting engaging events throughout the month to engage the public and encourage individual and systemic change.

Lia Wilbourn, Farmed Animals Campaign Coordinator for In Defense of Animals said, “We must challenge the human supremacy mindset — the belief that we’re entitled to use animals. Speciesism discriminates by valuing some animals as worthy of protection while treating others as commodities for food products, entertainment, research, fashion, and breeding for companionship. All animals are sentient individuals who deserve freedom from human harm.”

World Vegan Month is celebrated every November to promote veganism — the principle that humans should live without exploiting animals. It coincides with World Vegan Day on November 1, which marks the anniversary of the founding of The Vegan Society in 1944 to advance the vegan movement. 

In Defense of Animals kicked off celebrations early at the World Vegan Fest in San Francisco, giving speeches, presentations, and promoting vegan advocacy. Its booth sparked conversations and recruited new volunteers, energizing a fresh wave of activists dedicated to protecting all animals.

In mid-November, In Defense of Animals is partnering with Allied Scholars for Animal Protection (ASAP) to urge major universities to implement healthy, affordable plant-based options, with a goal of 100% plant-based menus by 2028. 

The organizations are also urging the universities to educate students on the health benefits of plant-based diets and the environmental consequences of animal agriculture, including deforestation, species extinction, water depletion, habitat destruction, and the killing of wild animals. By prioritizing plant-based diets, we can mitigate antibiotic resistance and reduce zoonotic diseases linked to animal agriculture, such as the H5N1 bird flu crisis — reducing the risk of future pandemics.

On November 19, In Defense of Animals will feature an online Expert Activist Program featuring Dr. Faraz Harsini, CEO of ASAP, an animal rights activist and biomedical and alternative protein scientist. ASAP is establishing and connecting animal rights chapters on college campuses to train and empower the next generation of vegan thought leaders to make a positive impact for animals and the environment.

In Defense of Animals is also promoting three visionary ballot initiatives in Colorado, California, and Oregon that aim to drive fundamental change for animals and the planet. 

World Vegan Month Calendar of Events:

• Nov. 1 - Dec. 31: Love & Thrive Through the Holidays
  Essential resources for animal activists during the holiday season, a challenging time for many vegans, provided by In Defense of Animals and The Vegan Community.
• Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25: Monday Meditations 
  Weekly guided meditation sessions to start the week with mindfulness and compassion.
• Nov. 14: Vegan Spirituality Online Gathering with Thomas Jackson
  Inspiring music and conversation with the award-winning vegan singer-songwriter and filmmaker.
• Nov. 18: Interfaith Vegan Panel 
  A discussion of vegan principles across faiths, hosted by Peace Advocacy Network and sponsored by In Defense of Animals’ Interfaith Vegan Coalition and Animal Interfaith Alliance. 
• Nov. 19: Expert Activist Panel with Dr. Faraz Harsini 
  Insights on advancing vegan advocacy from the Founder and CEO of Allied Scholars for Animal Protection
• Nov. 28: Animal Activist Online Support Group on Thanksgiving 
  Support during a holiday that glorifies animal suffering. 

Through its Sustainable Activism Campaign, In Defense of Animals provides ongoing resources, including monthly support groups, a 24/7 support line, and retreats that offer mental, physical, and emotional tools. 

“We must take a stand for all animals by refusing to support their exploitation and killing. Let’s commit to a more just and compassionate world for all Earthlings while cultivating compassion in ourselves through mindfulness and community care,” said Lisa Levinson, Campaigns Director for In Defense of Animals, who launched the Sustainable Activism Campaign in 2014 with President Dr. Marilyn Kroplick. 

Take Part:

• Download a vegan starter guide
• Sign up to take action for all animals
• Send a letter to oppose abuse and corruption in the dairy industry

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Contact: Lia Wilbourn: lia@idausa.org (707) 776-6828

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization based in California with over 250,000 supporters and a 41-year history of fighting for animals, people, and the environment through education and campaigns, as well as hands-on rescue facilities in India, South Korea, rural Mississippi, and central California. https://idausa.org/farmedanimals

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