A new vegan organization aimed at bringing more diversity to the vegan movement has launched, according to a report by magazine VegNews.
Encompass – a nonprofit group – launched in August. According to the group, its mission is: “To increase effectiveness in the animal protection movement by fostering greater racial diversity, equity, and inclusion while empowering advocates of color.”
The members of Encompass’ advisory council come from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
Right thing
Speaking to VegNews, Encompass Executive Director Aryenish Birdie, said: “Encompass wants to strengthen our movement by making it accessible and positioning inclusion as a cornerstone principle, not only because it’s the right thing to do but because this will enable us to grow more quickly.
“If we fail to adapt to the changing demographics of this country, we face the threat of good talent leaving our movement—or never joining our cause in the first place—because these smart, passionate advocates don’t see themselves represented in our movement’s leadership, boards, staff rosters, or as spokespeople for the animals.”
Advocates
According to the organization’s site: “By 2044, people of color will be the majority of the U.S. population.
“Right now, less than 11 percent of advocates in our movement identify as people of color.
“If we want our collective mission––to reduce suffering––to take hold, our movement must reflect the country we are trying to change. We must be the change.
“Now is the time for our movement to make racial inclusion a cornerstone principle. This is how we will grow, adapt, and win. It’s how we will realize our fullest potential to make the world a better place for animals.”
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