Help Create a Veggie World

Before starting as a summer intern for The Vegetarian Resource Group, I knew very little about the intricate details involved in supporting the vegan movement on such a wide scale. However, I have met so many fascinating and hardworking people, people who work day in and day out fighting for things most people have no idea are happening.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Naijha Wright Brown, the co-owner of vegan soul restaurant Land of Kush in Baltimore, Maryland. It was taking part in this that allowed me to see the beauty in being an intern for VRG with the opportunity to network and meet so many amazing people who are just as passionate about veganism as I am. While interviewing Naijha, I was able to tour the restaurant, try the delicious food, and write an article about my experience that many will read in this issue of Vegetarian Journal.

I had a lot of experiences with visiting locations outside the VRG office and volunteering, which was my favorite part of this internship. Networking allowed me to connect with Marvin, who has been vegetarian most of his life, and keeps his 23 acres of land and all the wild animals that live there protected from poachers. It was here that I saw gorgeous deer, learned the importance milkweed has on the environment, and learned about the passage of butterflies from his farm to Mexico. He explained how the vegan movement is bigger than any one person and that by simply putting the needs of others above your own, you gain so much back. This way of life he talks about I have found to be true.

I was able to volunteer at The Vegetarian Resource booth at Waverly Farmer's Market, where I met a lot of amazing residents from the community who expressed some of their experiences with veganism. These conversations allowed me to connect personally with people from all walks of life and make lifelong connections. I even friended some visitors on Facebook.

Finally, I visited TuTTies Place, a non-profit community-based group foster care model, which works with young men amid the environment in which they currently live. Every summer TuTTies Place opens for children ages 5-18 to have a safe and fun place to come to every day. It was while visiting with other VRG interns and volunteers that I was able to teach children about veganism. However, what I found was the lesson was mutual. I had explored so much about the importance of family, education, and the impact children have to the world that I left feeling more whole than when I came.

I can honestly say that having the experience as an intern at The Vegetarian Resource Group has filled my summer with amazing opportunities, lifelong connections, and an extensive amount of skills I will be able to use for my future. I would like to thank every single person who is a part of The Vegetarian Resource Group for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.