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A number of people have suggested that One Step take a different approach: praising and promoting veganism while emphasizing the importance of concern for chicken. This advice makes a lot of sense. The most fundamental rule of fundraising is that people give when the organization makes them feel good. Pointing out that per person consumption of animals is at an all-time high is depressing. Pointing out that vegans are viewed more negatively than any group other than drug addicts is depressing. Why would anyone give to One Step, when they could give to a group that will tell them vegans are awesome and veganism is “winning”?  Consider how certain politicians who are supported by Fox News maintain a minimum level of support, no matter what happens. People who watch Fox News only hear the most partisan spin - they never hear the actual facts. It is a comfortable cocoon - constant praise and positive feedback. But what drives One Step is not being popular or making potential donors feel good. What motivates us every day is reducing suffering as much as possible.  We believe that only by being honest and facing the facts can we actually have an impact in the real world.
Those of us who run One Step don't claim to have all the answers. For example, we believe that reform work and supply-side work is vitally important. But we do believe that the only way to be effective is to give up on being "Liked" and instead be honest. That is One Step's fundamental core. If you agree, please consider joining and expanding this work. Thanks!
4 Comments
8/13/2017 12:20:55 pm
I agree that vegans need to focus on how to approach others, non-vegans. They have to be the carriers of compassion and understanding. If they aren't tolerant of other people's choice, then they will never get the support they seek to bringing animal welfare to the eyes of those who criticize veganism. I'm not a vegan myself, I'm a pescaterian, and I've heard from vegans that "I am just as bad as the others". How could I be supportive of a group if I am discriminated against? But I'm no ignorant and I don't generalize. I listen and read a lot and I do understand and support many of your points. One group can only preach compassion if they show compassion for others too, especially for their own species.
C
8/13/2017 08:38:59 pm
Yes 8/14/2017 09:06:07 am
What current meat eaters think of us is far more important than what fellow vegans think of us, as current meat eaters are the ones in a position to directly spare animals.
Karen Younkin
10/23/2017 01:17:32 am
I think there are a lot of negative, hostile comments about non-vegans that sometimes reminds me of Trump supporters. I think we need to notch it down some. A lot of people probably blow us off as rabid crazies. I know we all are so angry and frustrated at the lack of empathy a lot of people show animals. We get it, why don't they? Most of us weren't born vegans, so we have to come up with more ways to win hearts and minds. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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