Louisville Vegetarian Club

I became vegetarian in 2005 mostly as a personal challenge.  I’d dabbled in vegetarianism a few times before but always went back to what was easy and what was comfortable.  After sticking to my challenge for a few months I started noticing how much better I felt.  At that time I was prompted to do some research about how and why a vegetarian diet is beneficial.  Very quickly after starting this research I realized that while being vegetarian was a great first step I needed to do more .  I became vegan in early 2006 and haven’t looked back.   Becoming vegan was the only logical answer when I realized that my personal values were not at all in line with my actions when eating an omnivorous diet.  I’ve since immersed myself in the issues of animal cruelty, vegan health, and the environment and aim to share this knowledge so that others may make an informed choice as well.  I created the Louisville Vegetarian Club in 2010 as a way to create community among Louisville and Southern Indiana’s many vegans and vegetarians. Carrie's blog: Happy Vegan Yogini

After hearing about the health effects of red meat consumption back in 2005, I decided to try out vegetarianism, really more to "see if I could do it" than anything. Inspired by several vegans and vegetarians I knew, who were never pushy, I ended up going vegan six months later, using my 2006 new year's resolution as a stepping stone to a plant-based lifestyle. As time went on, I began to see the devastating environmental consequences of animal agriculture, as well as come to understand the ethical reasoning behind veganism. Now, I work to fight Speciesism on all levels, and do so at a grass roots level by bringing delicious vegan foods to people in Louisville. It's my hope that you will join us to enrich your diet with more healthful plant-based foods, and challenge the archaic mindset that makes it acceptable to use animals for food or profit.  
Sam's blog: The Nail That Sticks Up

My name's Andrew, and I've been vegan since Thanksgiving 2008. I first went vegetarian in 2006 for moral reasons, and slowly started to cut out the dairy in my diet. Although I didn't make it a focus, I think in the back of my mind I always new veganism was the logical outcome to my vegetarianism. Both of my older sisters are vegan and had acted as powerful role models throughout my life, so I felt only going halfway was doing both them and the animals a disservice. In the past few years since becoming vegan, my love for cooking and baking has flourished. I've started experimenting with new foods, trying new baking methods, and fallen in love with the preparation of meals. When people find out I'm vegan and ask, "What do you eat?" I usually smille and say, "more than you."
Andrew's blog: Jolly Green's Kitchen

I became a vegetarian in 1999 after reading about the slow, painful death of a cow transported to slaughter. It took me 10 years to fully embrace a vegan lifestyle, although I always knew that I was heading in that direction. Although my veganism is primarily motivated by the spiritual practice of Ahimsa (non-violence), I enjoy the secondary benefits of health and reduced environmental impact that accompany a plant-based diet. As a social worker, I am obligated to attempt to raise others’ consciousness about the discrimination and violence perpetrated against all sentient beings. As a staunch abolitionist, I believe in the liberation of all lives from the confines of exploitation and abuse. I live in serenity today because I am not complicit in the suffering of my fellow earthlings.

I was a vegetarian for over five years. It started through a New Year's Detox that lasted about 2 weeks, which was basically a vegan diet.  Noticing how I felt and that I could actually live without consuming meat I decided to try to continue to live without eating meat. During this time my IBS competely disappeared, but  I was content being a vegetarian and never really delved deeper into the issue. Then in  May of 2011, I read Farm Sanctuary: Changing Hearts and Minds About Animals and Food and my life changed instantly: I became a vegan and have not looked back! I could no longer contribute to the cruel cycle of using animals as products. For me, becoming vegan was an "awakening" - it was a spiritual experience. I feel lighter and more peaceful as my behaviors are aligned with my values. I am still learning everyday about the benefits and practices of veganism. I love sharing my experiences and passions of veganism with others.  
Michelle's blog: Vegafarmista