Each spring since 1985, March 20th has been celebrated as the Great American Meatout, America's largest grass-roots dietary education campaign. Organized by Farm Animal Reform Movement (FARM, (800)MEATOUT, http://members.gnn.com/farm), it asks people to celebrate the beginning of spring by "kicking the meat habit" and considering a more healthy and less violent diet, at least for that day.

Last year, there were 1000 events in all 50 states, including a Congressional Reception (our own Mel Watt attended) in D.C. (1000 city buses carried Meatout posters!); "lifestivals" in cities like Boston, Iowa City, and Pittsburgh; an international vegetarian food festival in Hawaii; vegan meals for the homeless hilighting the role of meat production in promoting hunger in Hartford, Kalamazoo, San Antonio, and other cities; and many other events like vegan cafeteria meals, seminars, information tabling, and debates. National media coverage included CNN television, ABC and CBS radio, and over a hundred newspapers.

In past years, TVS has tabled in area malls, provided vegan meals at the Durham Rescue Mission, presented to elementary and middle school children and worked with them to cook vegan meals, and asked area mayors to proclaim the day as the Great American Meatout. This year the Meatout falls on a Thursday, and we can participate in any of the ways we have done in the past, or some new way. Perhaps we can present to school children on the Meatout day and, either the weekend before or after, serve vegan meals and have some media event?

If you are interested in having a Meatout, please contact Dilip as soon as possible. If we can get a team of people together, we can get things rolling and reach out to the community!