What we’re about
What is veganism?
Veganism is an ethical stance against all forms of animal exploitation. It is the recognition that animals are not ours to eat, wear or use in any way. This recognition means following a corresponding way of life. The benefits of veganism to human and planetary health are many but the reason for veganism is the animals. Veganism is the refusal to cause completely unnecessary suffering and death to other sentient beings. If you think it's wrong to hurt animals, you already believe in veganism.
We humans are social creatures and so having a vegan community is extremely important for going vegan and staying vegan. This group is for vegans and those aspiring to be vegan, for those who care about animal issues and who have a sincere interest in veganism. We hope to create fun, support and friendship for the vegan community. People of all ages are welcome, veganism is for everyone!
By joining this group and attending events, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service and releases the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup events and gatherings.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- ***Sunday Tennis Class & Vegan Dinner/Potluck After!***Needs location$40.00
I'm offering a fun tennis class and potluck or dinner after
Please text or message Margarita to confirm and let me know if you'd like to join for tennis & dinner or either.
Aaatennistraining.com/about
Tennis balls and rackets will be provided!To reserve your spot for tennis class, Please Venmo Margarita-Stirbl or paypal ritadelsol100@hotmail.com
$40 per drop-in class or $120/month for weekly
Looking forward-!
- Vegan MeditationLink visible for attendees
Please join us online for a peaceful half-hour of vegan-oriented meditation and mindful sharing. We’ll meditate together in silence for 15 minutes, then share brief thoughts on a topic related to compassion, mindfulness or veganism. Our aim through this practice is to cultivate greater internal peace and presence, and to bring greater mindfulness and compassion to our interactions with the external world and all its inhabitants.
We meet Monday evenings at 6pm Pacific / 7pm MT / 8pm CT / 9pm ET. Please note that while our route to mindfulness and compassion generally follows a vegan path, all are welcome – vegan, vegan-curious, and vegan-supportive. For our annual schedule and weekly discussion topics, click here.
Vegan Meditation is affiliated with the Compassion Consortium.
Please note these important details:
- As a security precaution, you must be signed in to a Zoom account to join the meeting. Zoom accounts are free at https://www.zoom.us/ (click signup) and you'll need to log in there BEFORE joining the meditation. If this is your first time, please register at that link in advance because doing so takes a few minutes.
- Please use a computer or tablet, as some Zoom features don’t work on a phone, and phones in general don't work well for our Zoom Meetups.
- Talking during the discussion is completely optional, but to help reduce trolling we ask that all participants keep their webcams on (and stay on webcam) during the entire session.
- Meditation begins promptly on the hour, so please arrive on time. When you enter, you'll see a meditation timer counting down from 15 minutes – that's your cue to begin meditating silently (or listen to your own guided meditation). We don't provide meditation instruction, but the basics are easy to learn through various online resources such as those here and here.
- While we officially end at the half-hour mark, depending on the number of people sharing, we may run later. If that happens, please feel free to stay or leave any time after the half-hour mark as you choose.
- The Zoom link will be displayed on the Meetup event page after you RSVP. We'll also send the Zoom link and discussion topic in a reminder email the day of the event. If you'd like to receive this reminder email, please keep your Meetup notification settings turned on.
See you soon!
- Saturday evening walk through Niguel Botanical Preserve + Nice Burger Dinner!Niguel Botanical Gardens, Laguna Niguel, CA
Hello friends!
Enjoy a lovely short Saturday evening walk when it's cooler during these summer days and dinner at Nice Burger in Mission Viejo with flexible options on Saturday, July 12, from 5pm-7:30pm:
Option 1: A short but beautiful Niguel Botanical Preserve trail walk from 5pm-6pm and meet in front of the outdoor Crown Valley Amphitheater.
The Niguel Botanical Preserve is an 18 acre public garden that displays plants from the Mediterranean climate regions of the world. These regions include California and Northwestern Baja California, Central Chile, Southern and Southwestern Australia, the West Cape of South Africa and countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Plants that grow in these other areas of the world with similar climates are suitable for residential and commercial landscapes in coastal Southern California. They offer beauty and variety, as well as low water needs. The garden demonstrates the horticultural use of these Mediterranean plants to create beautiful, sustainable environments that provide habitat for various species of birds and important pollinators, such as butterflies, hummingbirds and bees.
All fitness levels and ages accommodated with the group walk/hike with dogs permitted, but the initial walk is up a small but fairly steep hill, so if you like to use hiking poles, it may be a good idea to bring them. This path takes less than hour, depending on the size and walking pace of the group members. If you would like to take breaks, there are benches amongst the beautiful vegetation or dip out early, we are quite flexible!
LOCATION with Google Maps link:
29751 Crown Valley Pkwy, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
The parking lot is free in front of the Crown Valley Amphitheater, across from the community center, which we will meet. Bathrooms are located inside the botanical garden by the playground as the community center is closed on weekends.Niguel Botanical Preserve - Garden Map
TIME: We'll meet at 5pm in front of the small Crown Valley outdoor amphitheater, next to the parking lot by the large sloping lawn. We will wait until 5:15pm and do introductions as a friendly group!
It's a hilly trail with some shade, so it's handy to come ready with:
1. Water 💦
2. Layers of clothing and sturdy, closed-toed shoes/hiking boots
3. A sun hat 👒
**An approximate trail map of where we will go, though we may diverge slightly depending on group needs: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/niguel-botanical-preserve-trailsOption 2: Dinner at Nice Burger in Mission Viejo from approximately 6pm-ish (with transition from the botanical garden) to 7:30pm when the restaurant closes.
Vibe is an all organic, gluten-free restaurant serving plant-based food & juice. It specializes in heathy and delicious bowls, burritos, burgers, smoothies, and juices. The food and drinks are super high-quality and there is a rewards program where you can earn free organic salad bowls and more!
Lunch address with Google Maps link:
25098 Marguerite Pkwy Suite C, Mission Viejo, CA 92692
Phone: (949) 317-3206
MenuHappy trails and look forward to seeing you there!
-Jade, host
DISCLAIMER: Group organizers and assistant organizers assume no liability; come at your own risk. By being a member of this group you hereby agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from any group functions. You agree that neither you nor any third party will hold any of the group's leaders, officers, or representatives liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own person or any members of your family, friends, acquaintances, children, pets, or property, arising directly or as a consequence from a group activity. You also agree that your membership of this group is based on an "at will" basis.
- Spirituality for Animal Advocates & VegansLink visible for attendees
Amidst global human suffering, environmental ecocide, and industrialized abuse of animals, there comes a call for compassionate action. The Compassion Consortium is a spiritual community created to serve the needs of vegans, vegetarians, animal rights activists, and others who care about and advocate for animals and the planet.
The non-sectarian monthly service features interfaith reflection, music, meditation, and a conversation with a special guest. It's open to all sentient beings of any spiritual tradition.
The program is monthly on the third Sunday of each month at 1 pm Pacific / 4 pm Eastern. Attendance at Compassion Consortium events is always free of charge, but registration is required: https://www.compassionconsortium.org/sunday-service. Hope you can make it.
More info at compassionconsortium.org
