The 2001 Winner of the Audrey Fluke Vegetarian Award is . . . Devon Morf

In a world full of sarcasm, shock ads, political mudslinging, name calling, and road rage, any person who freely encourages and energizes, maintains a positive attitude, and shares his or her knowledge and resources is indeed a treasure. That's why the VRG offers the annual Audrey Fluke Vegetarian Award for an Activist with Words of Encourage-ment: because we were blessed to know such a person, and in her honor, we thank others like her.

Audrey Fluke maintained a positive outlook in the face of adversity. In 1982, she was one of the five founding members of The Vegetarian Resource Group, which has grown to an organization of over 17,000 supporters. In her earlier years, Ms. Fluke had been active in the British vegetarian movement. It is no surprise that Audrey was a nurse: she was an extremely caring individual, always offering words of support. Even when Audrey was faced with health problems, she was consistently cheerful and encouraging. Sadly, Audrey passed away in November 1998.

In honor of Audrey Fluke, The Vegetarian Resource Group offers an award in her name to someone who continues the struggle for increasing awareness of vegetarianism, veganism, and ethical treatment of animals, but maintains a cheerful, positive, and supportive disposition. Individuals like her are extremely hard to come by, and we feel that they should be recognized for their energy and generosity.

This year, the following nomination came in from Craig Billmeier: "When I saw the Audrey Fluke Vegetarian Award listed in the VRG newsletter, a friend came to mind immediately. He is not one to accept adulation, for that is never his motivation, but after thinking about this for a few days, I felt I had to write him in — just personally to thank him for inspiring me. He is truly one "who promotes vegetarian diets in a cheerful way and gives encouragement to others."

"Devon Morf, through his example, helped me to become the conscientious dietary consumer I am today. When we first met, I consumed animal products, not only out of convenience or habit, but also because the vegetarians around me were so aggressive. They used scare tactics and condescension: two means not encouraging to anyone who thinks for him- or herself. However, Devon never imposed his lifestyle upon me. Instead, he followed a strict vegetarian diet, casually explaining to me the health benefits he received, the human and animal rights he respected, and the environmental impact meat consumption has. He answered all my questions logically and passionately. I was given the space and education to reassess my diet and what it meant to me and the world around me. Eventually, I stopped consuming animal products myself. It was Devon's intelligence, logic, and overwhelming energy that finally convinced me.

"We have since started a music band together with the intention of spreading, among other things, the idea of vegetarianism/veganism. Along with North America and the South Pacific, we have taken the message to South America and Asia — places where vegetarianism is thought to be ‘a joke concocted by Americans.' To many, it is still a foreign and hard-to-understand concept, but we are constantly approached by people eager to understand the motivations behind becoming vegetarian. For example, Devon runs the American office of a Japanese record and toy company and travels to and from Japan regularly. Saishoku Shugi Sha (literally, "I am eat vegetables") quickly became one of our more popular songs and on our most recent tour of Japan, we were surprised to see so many kids requesting it and singing along with it. Others asked questions which we were obliged to answer. In any event, the song itself sparked much interest and I was excited to see so many people considering it, thanks to Devon, just as I had."

Testimony such as this reminds us that there are a million ways to encourage others towards better health, a cruelty-free lifestyle, and enjoying life. Congratulations to Devon Morf, for working towards vegetarianism in the fun, sincere, and energetic spirit that Audrey would have admired.

The Vegetarian Resource Group previously gave an annual award to a person who promotes vegetarian diets in a cheerful way and gives encouragement to others. The monetary award varies depending on resources, but this year we awarded a $100 savings bond.