Sports & Hobbies groups near Watsonville, CA

http://files.meetup.com/161345/FoodandYouFilmSeries.pdf

On September 28, 3pm, at the Scotts Valley Branch, we had a brainstorming session about personal and group action we can take based on what we learned from the films. We used environmentalist Frances Moore Lappe's EcoMind workshop materials as a springboard.

About Our Group

Enjoy vegan food in beautiful Santa Cruz County, California! Plant-based eating here is outstanding, as we have some of the freshest year-round produce in the world! Whether you're vegan, reducing animal product consumption, or just want to enjoy good conversation and a healthy meal free of animal products, please join us! Our meetups are Fun social events where you can explore your food options and choices with no pressure, honest.

Why do some people reduce or eliminate animal product consumption? There are many different reasons, and there is a lot of diversity in our group as a result. See the following page for more information about the group and the variety of reasons people become vegan or reduce their consumption of animal products:

http://www.meetup.com/scvegans/pages/Why_Do_Some_People_Become_Vegan%3F/

Why Environmentalists and Chefs Reduce Their Animal Product Consumption

Al Gore and Bill Clinton have both gone vegan, while the Bill Gates Foundation and other wealthy investors have invested in a pea-based egg alternative, because they don't believe that the planet can sustain our demand for animal-based foods:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/11/25/al-gore-goes-vegan-with-little-fanfare/

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/06/13/191029875/why-bill-gates-is-investing-in-chicken-less-eggs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbNw00V26pw&feature=c4-overview&list=UU4DUZAtqyn1XnGacB8vERpA

Mark Bittman, renowned journalist and cookbook author, has a great Technology, Entertainment, Design (TED) talk that summarizes a lot of the reasons to reduce animal product consumption, as well as why he's "Vegan Before 6:"

http://www.ted.com/talks/mark_bittman_on_what_s_wrong_with_what_we_eat.html

Another TED talk by Graham Hill, founder of Treehugger.com, on why he's a weekday vegetarian (4 mins):

http://www.ted.com/talks/graham_hill_weekday_vegetarian.html

Mario Batali supports Meatless Monday, along with scores of other famous chefs and restauranteurs:

http://www.meatlessmonday.com/meatless-monday-even-mario%E2%80%99s-doing-it/

http://www.meatlessmonday.com/whos-going-meatless/

Our group participates in a variety of environmental events to help spread the word about how even small changes in what you eat can dramatically influence the environment, health, social justice, and climate change. And even save our childrens' future.

Climate Change and Animal Product Consumption

Here are some ways to reduce your carbon footprint, and stop climate change, through diet:

http://files.meetup.com/161345/EarthDayFlyer2013.pdf

http://www.meetup.com/scvegetarians/pages/Earth_Day_2012/

http://www.meetup.com/scvegetarians/pages/350_Global_Warming_Handout/

http://www.350.org/node/8842

Following is a terrific website with the latest news about climate change and solutions:

http://worldpreservationfoundation.org

Here is their introductory video, which is a nice overview of the latest in climate change science, and describes why it's so important to reduce certain greenhouse gases now:

Cooling the Planet - Fast Acting Solutions

http://www.worldpreservationfoundation.org/events.php?id=35#.UbKHTJUhSFY

As a coastal community, it's also important to be aware of issues that affect our oceans. This beautifully filmed documentary examines the threat of overfishing, trawling, pollution, fish farming, and climate change (16 mins):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vdo-YUFZd6c

Our Group Philosophy

This is a moderate vegan group that encourages nonviolence and positive, practical action to improve the world we live in: democracy is not a spectator sport. History teaches us that if you're not paying attention, things tend to go in directions you don't want them to. We enjoy stimulating conversation, and at the same time we ask that everyone be respectful and courteous of others' opinions. Although the organizers are concerned about animal welfare, have been veg for decades, and even live with rescued farm animals, this is not an animal rights group: it's a group about diet. There are many different reasons people become vegan, and we try to be supportive of them and learn from each other, as long as they are in line with our group values of nonviolence in action and communication with each other. We hold no grudges toward any other veg groups, even those who choose to operate differently from us. Everyone should find the groups in line with their own philosophies. We've been a group for more than nine years now!

If you're concerned about your "internet privacy," know that our group is private so you can feel free to post your opinions in your profile and on our message board without it appearing on the internet in searches.

Petitions for Positive Change

Sign our petition to start a Meatless Monday campaign in Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz County, which benefits health, the environment, and local businesses:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/605/937/090/start-meatless-monday-in-santa-cruz-and-santa-cruz-county/

Another petition to ban poison lead ammunition and illegal shooting, and foster education about sharing our home with predators, deer, and other wildlife:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/690/581/474/curb-shooting-and-lead-ammunition-in-santa-cruz-county-ca-usa/

If you're looking to get more involved, there are plenty of resources available! There's The Epicenter of Salinas, the county's first youth-led resource and community center, that hosts wonderful community events. A handful of our members are also involved with Rainbow Speakers and Friends as well, a volunteer group that provides education and outreach about LGBTQ issues in the local community. For more community resources, visit lgbtqmonterey.com

If you're interested in becoming a "co-organizer" of the LGBTQ Meetup, let us know. The more co-organizers in the group, the better! If you have ideas for activities, feel free to send a message to one of the group organizers. We're more than happy to hear your thoughts on events and gatherings.

COMMUNITY GUIDELINES: <br>

1. All members of the meetup are expected to be courteous, kind and respectful.

2. This meetup is a drama-free zone. We want to create a warm, fun and welcoming environment for all members of our community and our allies. If you have any concerns regarding other members of the group, please come to a co-organizer first and we can discuss next steps to address any issues.

3. Monterey LGBTQ & Friends Meetup adopts a zero tolerance policy to any form of bullying, shaming, violence or harassment of any kind at any of our events and within our online space. Monterey LGBTQ & Friends Meetup reserves the right to handle situations in ways that honor our guidelines and reserves the right to remove members or co-organizer privileges.

4. Remember that everyone's path is different. We are all deserving of respect and we can all learn from each other!

5. Monterey LGBTQ & Friends is dedicated to being open to feedback about our events and encourages you to be open to feedback regarding behavior. Creating safer spaces for all is a team effort!

6. Any issues or complaints regarding venue that may arise should be addressed to the Meetup organizer for resolution. No mention of the LGBTQ Meetup should be used in writing complaints or reviews online.

7. And last but not least, this Meetup is designed for fun! Please come with a positive attitude, an open mind and ready to have some fun with your community!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Recurring Queer Night Out: Social @ The Tavern, Wednesdays 9PM to 12AM at Salinas Sports Tavern: 9 E San Luis St, Salinas, CA

KAOTiK NiGHTS & SALINAS VALLEY PRIDE CELEBRATIONS proudly presents: SOCIAL @ The Tavern• Every 2nd Wednesday of the month with DJ Ayumi Winehouse • Every 4th Wednesday of the month with LUNA • 21+ with Valid ID • Drink specials • NO cover charge • Come out to drink and dance!

 For more events, groups and community resources, visit lgbtqmonterey.com