Sobre nós
This Meetup group is run by the Veg Society of DC (VSDC).
The Veg Society of DC hosts the events and pays the Meetup fee. You do not have to be a member of VSDC to participate in our events, but we encourage you to join. All of our events are vegan and we have a lot of fun! Membership enables you to enjoy members-only benefits like receiving discounts from our GreenRewards participating partners.
VSDC is a completely volunteer-run organization, with no paid staff. and is governed by an elected volunteer Board of Directors.
Founded in 1927, the Veg Society of the District of Columbia (VSDC) is the nation’s oldest continuously operating 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization promoting an all-plant diet and vegan lifestyle through education, community-building, and social activities throughout the DC metro area.
VSDC believes in treating all people, animals, and the planet with respect and kindness. We are committed to creating a more compassionate and caring world.
We do this by creating a community of like-minded people who are on the path to an all-plant diet and vegan lifestyle. Whoever you are, and wherever you are on this path, we offer resources and fellowship to support you. We make your journey easier, more enjoyable and meaningful.
VSDC. Creating communities for your health, the animals, and the planet.
Eventos futuros
11
VSDC @Compassionate Conversations™: What’s on Your Plate This Lent?
First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City, 14391 Minnieville Rd, Woodbridge, VA, USVeg Society of DC (VSDC) is pleased to join with The Ark of Compassion (AOC) to co-host a Compassionate Conversation™ on Sunday, Feb. 15 at First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City
Talk Title: What’s on Your Plate This Lent? - Faith, Fasting, and Compassion
Speaker: Rev. Adam Bowling, Pastor of First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City• In-Person Location: First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City
• Address: 14391 Minnieville Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22193
• Virtual Option: Microsoft Teams Link (join via browser, no account needed)
• Date and Time: Sunday, February 15th, 11:30–1:00 PM (Speaker begins at 11:45pm)
• Cost/Food: FREE buffet lunch will be provided (registration required for an accurate count)Event Description
For centuries, Christians have practiced fasting during Lent, often by giving up meat, not as a diet, but as a spiritual discipline rooted in prayer, simplicity, and compassion.Join The Ark of Compassion for a thoughtful and accessible Compassionate Conservation™ led by Rev. Adam C. Bowling, pastor of First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City and a “struggling, sometimes vegan.”
Together, we’ll explore:
- The history of giving up meat during Lent in the Christian tradition
- Fasting as a spiritual practice that shapes the heart and the soul
- How compassion for animals, care for creation, and concern for neighbor align with Christian faith
- Why Lent can be a meaningful season to explore plant-based living
Lent begins Wednesday, February 18, 2026, and participants will be gently invited, not pressured, to consider giving up meat for the 40 days of Lent as a grace-filled spiritual practice rooted in intention, not perfection.
You don’t need to be vegan, or even Christian, to attend.
Come curious. Come hungry. Come as you are.Why This Compassionate Conversation™ Matters
- It invites reflection on how everyday choices connect to deeper values, including compassion, responsibility, and care for others.
- It creates a welcoming space for learning without pressure, allowing people to engage at their own pace.
- It brings people together across differences, fostering understanding through shared conversation and experience.
Who Should Attend
- Anyone who believes the world could use a little more compassion right now
- People who are open-minded, curious, and willing to grow, even if they’re still figuring things out
- Those who care about their health, their family’s future, and the well-being of the planet
- Individuals who love animals, value empathy, and feel unsettled by the status quo
- People exploring faith, re-examining their beliefs, returning to faith, or questioning it altogether
- Anyone who wants to live more honestly, thoughtfully, and aligned with their values
- Anyone who believes future generations deserve a kinder, more just world
In short: this space is for people who are willing to listen, reflect, and engage with compassion, starting with themselves.
About the Venue
This event will be held at First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City, an inclusive and globally minded congregation committed to compassion, justice, and ethical stewardship.As a More Light Presbyterian Church, FUPCDC affirms LGBTQIA+ people as full participants in the life and leadership of the church and offers programming that supports care for animals, creation, and the wider community.
Questions? Contact info@theaoc.org
Update Your RSVP
Out of respect for others interested in attending this limited-space event, please update your RSVP promptly as your schedule changes.The Ark of Compassion (AOC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting animal welfare through education, outreach, and partnerships that inspire beneficial change for all life. Founded on the belief that compassion should extend to every living being, The Ark of Compassion bridges faith-based and secular communities to explore how our choices, traditions, and systems impact animals, people, and the planet.
It creates inclusive spaces for conversation and action, helping launch events and ideas that bring people together. By turning meaningful moments into sustainable movements, AOC amplifies compassion into lasting change.
Its mission is inspired by faith, shaped by empathy and reason, and powered by a vision of a future in which animals, people, and the planet flourish together.
VSDC: More Than A Meetup
We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that VSDC is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits?With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle.
The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! Join today!
Ways to Stay In Touch with Us
Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to:- Become a VSDC member to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle.
- Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter to hear more about our activities.
- Follow us on Instagram or Facebook to engage with us.
Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?
VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, please visit our website.Only Vegan Food, Please
While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources.Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct
When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge VSDC's Liability Waiver and commit to follow the code of conduct found at Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC.VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.
10 participantes
Vegan Trekkers Hike: Boulder Bridge, Rock Creek Park. Moderate 3.1 miles
Rock Creek Park : Picnic Grove #1, Beach Dr. NW, Washington, DC, USVisit an area of Rock Creek Park frequented by President Theodore Roosevelt 100 years ago. This 3.1 - mile loop hike travels through the forest and along the creek, following the route identified by pink tape wrapped around wooden posts and along the trail. It's rated as moderate due to narrow dirt trails, gentle ascents and rolling hills. There are obstructions such as rocks and tree roots along the path, and if it's rained recently, it could be slippery.
Trail Map: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/boulder-bridge-hike.htm
Meeting Point: Rock Creek Park, Picnic Grove #1, Washington, DC
Meeting Time: 10:00 am
Distance: 3.1 Miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Pace: Moderate (2.5 miles/hr)
Elevation gain: 337 ft
Duration: 2 hours
Type of trail: Dirt, stones, rocks, tree rootsTRANSPORTATION
By Metro, option #1:
Take the Red line to Van Ness/UDC. Exit the station and head three blocks south along Connecticut Avenue, making a left on Tilden Street, NW. Walk down the hill until you see Peirce Mill on your left and Shoemaker Street on your right. Turn onto Shoemaker street and walk to the picnic area parking lot. It’s about a 20 minute walk from the Metro.By Metro, option #2:
Take the Red line to the Cleveland Park station. Exit the station on the east side, and follow Connecticut Avenue north, past Porter Street, NW. Just after the Wilshire Park Condominium (on your right), turn right onto the Melvin C Hazen Trail. Follow this trail about half a mile, with several easy stream crossings through natural wooded terrain. Turn left at Western Ridge Trail, and follow the parking lot to the picnic grove. It's about a 17 minute walk from the Metro.By Car:
The Rock Creek Park Picnic Grove #1 parking lot is off Tilden Street, NW, across from Peirce Mill.Dog friendly?: Yes. Please keep your dog leashed at all times.
Bathroom Facilities: Located at the Rock Creek Grove 1 parking lot, and mid-hike at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center.
Food/Water: Bring your own vegan snack and (non-alcoholic) beverage to enjoy after the hike at the picnic area near Peirce Mill and the parking lot. Please carry plenty of water!
Weather: Be prepared! We will hike rain or shine, but if conditions pose a danger, we’ll cancel the hike and post a notice in the “comments” section. We suggest that hikers wear comfortable footwear and suitable clothing made from quick-dry, synthetic fabrics, as cotton can lead to uncomfortable blisters and life-threatening hypothermia in case of inclement weather.
For important updates regularly monitor the "comments" section below.
Don't be a no show! If your plans change, update your RSVP.
Please also view the Rules listed at the end of this description
*Please read The 10 Essentials of Hiking: https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/ *RULES
Pets: When hikes are organized in dog-friendly areas, hikers are invited to bring their pet(s). However, dogs are the sole responsibility of the owner(s) who brought them; should be up-to-date on their vaccinations & in possession of the relevant tags; and should be under the control of their owner(s) at all times. Dogs that demonstrate consistently aggressive or otherwise out-of-control behavior will be banned from future hikes. Owners should come prepared to dispose of their dogs’ waste in appropriate receptacles.
Alcohol/Smoking/Intoxicants: Use of intoxicants such as alcohol, cigarettes and/or illegal substances is banned during the hikes.
VSDC: More Than A Meetup
We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that VSDC is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits?With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle.
The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! Join today!
Ways to Stay In Touch with Us
Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to:- Become a VSDC member to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle.
- Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter to hear more about our activities.
- Follow us on Instagram or Facebook to engage with us.
Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?
VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, please visit our website.Only Vegan Food, Please
While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources.Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct
When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge VSDC's Liability Waiver and commit to follow the code of conduct found at Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC.VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.
44 participantes
VSDC LGBTQ+ Collaging, Creating, and Community
Southwest Neighborhood Library, 900 Wesley Place Southwest, Washington, DC, USPlease join the Veg Society of DC (VSDC) with your fellow LGBTQ+ veg and veg-curious folks at an event where we'll have some warm conversation and get in touch with our creative sides.
We'll be meeting at Southwest Neighborhood Library (900 Wesley Pl SW, Washington, DC.) in the Large Meeting Room on February 22 from 2pm-4pm.
The host will bring some magazines, glue, paper, and scissors if you want to do some 2026 visioning or just make some collage art. There will also be some colored pencils and activity books available. Feel free to also bring your own crafting supplies if you'd like, as long as they don't make a mess (no permanent markers, paint, etc.)
This event will be a combination of chatting and quiet time, depending on the group’s preference. There will be a few vegan snacks as well, but please bring your own water. (The library has strict rules on what refreshments are allowed in the meeting room, so please don't bring in additional food or drink items.)
This event is indoors so will proceed unless the weather is so inclement that the library closes, and attendees will be notified in that instance by an important Comment on this meetup page.
Transportation
The library is just a short walk from Waterfront Metro Station on the Green line. There is limited parking in a lot at the library as well as street parking (Sunday street parking should be free but be sure to check and follow all parking signs).WHEN: Sunday, Feb 22nd, from 2 pm to 4 pm.
Update Your RSVP
Please change your RSVP if you can no longer make it.VSDC: More Than A Meetup
We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that VSDC is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits?
With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle.
The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! Join today!Ways to Stay In Touch with Us
Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to:- Become a VSDC member to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle.
- Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter to hear more about our activities.
- Follow us on Instagram or Facebook to engage with us.
Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?
VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, please visit our website.Only Vegan Food, Please
While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources.Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct
When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge VSDC's Liability Waiver and commit to follow the code of conduct found at Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC.VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.
15 participantes
VSDC Book Club discusses “Agent Josephine” (online)
·OnlineOnlinePlease join the Veg Society of DC Book Club discussion of “Agent Josephine: American Beauty, French Hero, British Spy” by Damien Lewis. This meeting will take place online, via Zoom.
“Josephine Baker moved from St. Louis to France in the early 1920s and quickly became a highly successful entertainer … Lewis's biography captures another facet of Baker: her role as a spy for the Allied Forces during World War II.” — Library Journal
To participate, read at least half the book — and RSVP at least two days before the meeting. People who RSVP yes will get the details to join the discussion (a few days before the meeting). The details will not be posted on Meetup.
The VSDC Book Club began meeting online in March 2020 (previously we met in vegetarian restaurants in DC or nearby Maryland or Virginia). We read fiction and nonfiction in alternating months, about any topic. For more information (including everything we have read over 30+ years!) visit: https://vsdc.org/Book-Club
Or contact Beth through Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/members/1642817/Don't be a no-show! If your plans change, update your RSVP.
VSDC: More Than A Meetup
We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that VSDC is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits?With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle.
The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! Join today!
Ways to Stay In Touch with Us
Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to:- Become a VSDC member to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle.
- Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter to hear more about our activities.
- Follow us on Instagram or Facebook to engage with us.
Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?
VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, please visit our website.Only Vegan Food, Please
While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources.Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct
When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge VSDC's Liability Waiver and commit to follow the code of conduct found at Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC.VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.
11 participantes
Eventos passados
1782
