October 1, 2024

The University of Minnesota’s chapter of Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA) is gearing up for an exciting VegWeek this October! VegWeek is all about raising awareness of compassionate living and inspiring new members to get involved with their activism efforts. So far this year, more students are actively participating in animal advocacy, making it one of their most impactful yet. They are hoping they can attract additional new members through VegWeek as well as their visit to Twin Cities Veg Fest and a potluck picnic.

What Is VegWeek? 

VegWeek is a week-long event the week of October 14. This week was chosen because of its proximity to World Animal Day and World Vegetarian Day. The goal is raising awareness about veganism and inviting students to take a pledge to go vegan for a week. 

Participants who sign up will receive a swag bag at one of the week’s events. These events are designed to build excitement on campus and provide support for those taking the pledge. Activities include cookie decorating, a bake sale, a career panel, movie screenings, grocery runs, and cooking demos — all designed to help students explore vegan eating.

Key VegWeek Events

• Vegan Career Panel (Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, 6:00 – 7:30 PM): Held in person and virtually via Zoom, this panel will feature speakers from the vegan food and advocacy industries. Attendees can learn about careers in plant-based food research and starting a vegan business. There will also be vegan pizza, networking opportunities, and a Q&A session with industry leaders. 

This is a perfect event for anyone interested in veganism, entrepreneurship, or the future of food. The chapter hopes to collaborate with groups like the Plant Protein Innovation Center and the Animal Legal Defense Fund chapter at the University of Minnesota.

• Movie Screening – “The Smell of Money” (Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, 5:30 – 8:00 PM): Join us for a screening of “The Smell of Money,” a documentary that sheds light on the environmental and racial injustices caused by factory farming. The film tells the story of Elsie Herring’s fight against a corporate hog farm encroaching on her family’s land. The event will include a discussion on how factory farming intersects with social justice and environmental issues, followed by vegan pizza and networking.

The History of VegWeek 

Compassionate Action for Animals has a long history with VegWeek at the University of Minnesota, starting back in 2003. Originally, it began with vegan food giveaways to attract people to come sign the pledge to try a vegan diet. Throughout the week, they also hosted cooking demos, dine outs, speakers, and more. 

It eventually grew out from UMN into the greater Twin Cities community. VegWeek was traditionally held in October, but as it expanded to the larger community, it moved to April to coincide with Animal Outlook’s VegWeek, a national movement. 

By the time the pandemic hit, the UMN student group was no longer hosting their own VegWeek in October. They are now working hard to bring VegWeek back to the UMN campus in autumn as they feel it is a perfect opportunity to spread the message of compassionate living to a new generation of students.

CAA also hosts a VegWeek annually in April for the greater Minnesota community. Watch for more information early next year! 

Why VegWeek Matters

By participating in VegWeek, students can explore the health, environmental, and ethical benefits of veganism while connecting with like-minded individuals. Whether they are passionate about social justice, sustainability, or animal welfare, there’s something for everyone during this exciting week.

Students interested in learning more about veganism or just wanting to join the fun, should make sure to RSVP for the events and take the VegWeek pledge. The UMN CAA chapter is eager to welcome new members and continue growing their efforts to promote a more compassionate world.

Don’t miss out on this chance to learn, connect, and take meaningful action!

Why Advocate on College Campuses? 

College campuses have long been at the heart of social justice movements. Students are exposed to new ideas and viewpoints during some of the most formative years of their lives. Many of these students will go on to lead industries, governments, and communities, making universities an ideal setting for impactful activism. By promoting veganism and animal advocacy on campuses, we are helping shape the future of these leaders and creating lasting change.

Start Your Own College Chapter

If you’re a college student at a different college or university and you want to help farmed animals, consider starting your own CAA chapter! Having a chapter on your campus gives you a platform to bring important conversations about animal welfare and plant-based living to your peers. By creating spaces where students can explore veganism, you’re helping to inspire change in future leaders.

Starting a chapter is easy! All you need to do is contact Ryan Sauers, the coordinator of the UMN CAA chapter, to learn more and get support for launching your own student chapter.