VSDC @ Plant-Based Lunch & Learn: Rethinking Fish - Science, Sentience & Health

Veg Society of DC (VSDC) is pleased to join with The Ark of Compassion (AOC) to co-host a Plant-Based Lunch & Learn on Saturday, December 13th at Falafel Sam at 2425 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009.

Talk Title: Rethinking Fish - Science, Sentience & Health
Speaker: Mary Finelli, President and Founder of Fish Feel

Exploring the Hidden Lives of Fish and Why It Matters
Join The Ark of Compassion (AOC) and the Veg Society of DC (VSDC) for a special Plant-Based Lunch & Learn featuring Mary Finelli, President and Founder of Fish Feel, the first organization devoted to promoting compassion and respect for fishes as sentient beings.

We now know that fishes are intelligent, social, and emotionally complex, yet they remain the most exploited vertebrate animals on the planet. Mary will explore what science reveals about fish sentience, the little-known realities of commercial fishing and aquaculture, why eating fish isn’t the health solution many believe it to be, and how we can all take practical steps to help protect these remarkable beings.

Whether you're curious about animal behavior, environmental issues, health, or simply want to learn something new, this is a welcoming, pressure-free space to explore new insights over a casual plant-based meal.

What You’ll Experience

• A science-based look at fish sentience and the surprising abilities researchers are uncovering.
• An accessible conversation about health, industry practices, and compassionate choices, presented without pressure or judgment.
• A casual plant-forward meal at Falafel Sam, with options like falafel, hummus, pita sandwiches, salads, and more.

Questions? Contact Aashish Bhimani at 703-231-0291 (text preferred) or email: info@theaoc.org

• Cost/Food: Order at the counter (no set ticket price)

Update Your RSVP
Out of respect for others interested in attending this limited-space event, please update your RSVP promptly as your schedule changes.

VSDC: More Than A Meetup
We are so glad to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we enjoy 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 VSDC membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! Become a member of VSDC.

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.

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.