**American Vegan Society Overview:**
– Founded in 1960 by H. Jay Dinshah
– Promotes veganism for ethical, health, and environmental reasons
– Publishes the magazine ‘American Vegan’
– Offers resources for transitioning to a vegan lifestyle
– Hosts educational events, workshops, and conferences
– Operates the AVS Speakers Bureau with 18 popular vegan speakers
– Administers the American Vegan Center in Philadelphia
**History of Veganism:**
– Veganism gained popularity in the 20th century as a social and ethical movement
– Donald Watson coined the term ‘vegan’ in 1944
– American Vegan Society played a significant role in promoting veganism
– Rooted in principles of nonviolence, compassion, and sustainability
– Advocates for animal rights and environmental conservation
**Vegan Lifestyle and Benefits:**
– Veganism excludes all animal products, including dairy and eggs
– Vegetarians and vegans may have lower risks of heart disease and certain cancers
– Plant-based diets can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions
– Vegan alternatives to meat and dairy are increasingly available
– Emphasizes compassionate, healthful, and sustainable living
**Vegan Events and Initiatives:**
– Dynamic Harmlessness Day celebrates the vegan principle of nonviolence
– American Vegan Center in Philadelphia highlights the city’s vegan heritage
– AVS organizes events like VegFests, vegan dinners, and cooking classes
– Educates the public about the benefits of a vegan lifestyle
– VegFests across the USA showcase vegan food, products, and speakers
**Notable Figures in Veganism:**
– Authors like Carol J. Adams and Rynn Berry have written influential books on veganism
– Pioneers like Helen and Scott Nearing popularized vegan living in the 20th century
– Chefs and cookbook authors like Nava Atlas and BOSH! create delicious vegan recipes
– Activists like Howard Williams and Henry Stephens Salt advocated for animal rights
– Rich history of individuals promoting plant-based diets and ethical living within the vegan movement
The American Vegan Society (AVS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes veganism in the United States. It was founded in 1960 by H. Jay Dinshah. The date of the earlier The Vegan Society (UK)'s founding, November 1, is now celebrated annually as World Vegan Day.
 Logo of the American Vegan Society | |
| Abbreviation | AVS |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | Vegan Society (still active) |
| Formation | 1960 |
| Founder | H. Jay Dinshah |
| Founded at | Malaga, New Jersey |
| Type | Nonprofit |
| EIN 226058533 | |
| Legal status | 501(c)(3) organization |
| Purpose | Promotion of veganism |
| Headquarters | 56 Dinshah Lane, Malaga, New Jersey |
| Coordinates | 39°34′05″N 75°02′51″W / 39.5681°N 75.0474°W |
Region |  United States |
Official language | English |
President | Freya Dinshah |
Key people |
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Main organ | American Vegan (formerly Ahimsa) |
| Website | americanvegan |