vegan "prostelization"

[magates]

Hi, I have a bunch of friends and there always asking about me being a vegan and all. Also I will be living with two omnivores in an apartment next year. Now I am living with one other guy in a dorm. I was thinking of being the cook at the apartment next year and forcing my roomies to eat vegan at least if they want me to cook. Any other suggestions for vegan "prostelzation"?

[kirkjobsluder]

I've always found that the best way to convert is to just be happy and healthy. Active attempts to convert always just pissed the heck out of me.

[Michael]

You want to move in with me? :D

[MsRuthieB]

There ya go Michael ;)

I agree KJS. It probably would have pissed me off to. Leading by example is great.

[yarnblossom]

If you are willing to cook and they are too lazy to cook and will eat what ever you fix then at least you would be saving a few animals in the process.

[Joe]

I think the words you are looking for are proselytize and proselytization. :D

[ObsidianZebra]

I don't like "preaching" even when people ask me to. If some one seems genuinely interested - they're not just trying to start a debate - I'll answer their questions, but i'm very hesitant about it.
So you can say i also much prefer the leading by example method.

Providing reading material (the "Why Vegan" pamphlet, webpages, etc) is another option.

[spud]

Originally posted by Michael
You want to move in with me? :D

Yes :D

[with_open_eyes]

that is so awesome they are even asking you about being vegan, that means alot!
in my experience, lead by example. i always think back to when i wasn't vegetarian/vegan. i put myself in that position again and i knew nothing and now i am so happy that i now know all that i do.

i went vegetarian about 2-3 months after two vegans moved into my house. they never said anything to me about going veggie and NEVER EVER preached. i remember i only cooked meat once more after they moved in cause i felt too guilty, they never said anything but i just felt that way. i eventually started eating with them and then cooking with them and during this time two more vegans moved in. this was the best way for me.

one of the best ways to get to someone is through their stomach (IMO). after tasting how good vegan food is, it was only a matter of time until i picked up some magazines (vegan voice and vegetarian & natural health mag) that i started to read more about vegetarianism. then that was it, no more meat then no more milk then no more eggs and the rest is history ....
you know what one of them said a few months after me going veggie? "i knew you'd work it out for yourself"

so, lead by example, cooking for them, showing them how easy it is to be vegan and having material around for them to read if they feel like looking into it more :)

as we know, most people are afraid of change and kicking habits and routine so once they see that eating an animal free diet is possible AND easy AND delicious, it might just change their mind about eating animals and animal products.

good luck !!!
:up:

[Maggie]

Be happy and healthy. Cook yummy food and offer to share. That's the best thing to do, I think!

Peace,
Maggie

[Jeremy Alcorn]

I think the cooking idea is a good one. You don’t have to force them though just let them know that when you cook there won’t be any meat on the menu. Even when I ate meat I didn’t turn my nose up at non-animal foods when they were offered. Let’s face it having someone cook and offer you food is far more inviting than doing it yourself (or so I think). Food is often the biggest hurdle for people when they switch to a veggie diet, if you can show your friends how interesting and delicious food can be without meat, then a little may go a long way.

As for other suggestions, you might try inconspicuously leaving reading material around the house every so often. They may pick it up, if only to ridicule it, and find something that strikes a nerve. Maybe in a couple of years you will be living with converted meat-eaters.

Good Luck.

[magates]

Thanks for the advice. And since I have been vegan for not very long myslelf I need to learn to makes some realy good food. I was an insanely good omni- cook before so it shouldnt be a problem...