What we believe

We believe in a more inclusive Vegan Society

Not in ignoring the existence, impact or causes of systemic inequality

While many vegans may be vegan 'for the animals', the vegan movement (of which [The Vegan Society] is one element) is made up of humans. And to maximise the good we can do for nonhuman animals (and any other factors driving our veganism – such as the environment) we need to maximise the growth of veganism by creating a movement that welcomes those of any race, culture, gender, sexuality, class, ability, age, etc.

Chair of Council Robb Masters' candidate statement, 2021.

Collectively, we stand fully behind this commitment to fellow members of our own species, and feel that to do otherwise is to undermine the common arguments for human rights and animal rights; to alienate members of marginalised groups (and their allies) before we even have the opportunity to present the merits of our cause; and to literally hand non-vegans an excuse to reject our message – "oh you vegans only ever care about animals, never humans".

This is why we've introduced policies on recruitment diversity and gender-neutral language, arranged anti-racism training for all members of Council and senior management, and commissioned an investigation into trustees' concerns about racism – to help ensure that we're not inadvertently upholding any other oppressions.

We believe in returning power to the membership

Not in concentrating it into the hands of trustees and their friends

We want to hear what the membership has to say. This is why we're fighting to keep the society democratic, and to have a Council that listens to, rather than speaks over, our diverse membership. It's also why we're working to abolish unelected positions, minimise the potential for conflicts of interest and loyalty, and ensure that those required to make judgements about members are qualified to do so, and impartial.

We believe in adopting charity sector best practice

Not in merely upholding the status quo

The way we've always done things isn't necessarily the way we should always do things. This is why we believe in reviewing our objects, values, articles, and internal procedures - and moving towards best practice for the charity sector (such as recommendations for term limits.)

We fully support the current CEO and staff, and have recommended both an internal governance taskforce and an external governance review to ensure proper delegation of operational matters to them. 

We believe in giving and receiving constructive criticism

Not in defensiveness, unsubstantiated accusations or personal attacks

In order to be accountable to the membership and the wider vegan community, constructive criticism is vital. Without holding the 'difficult' conversations, we won't be able to make the necessary positive changes. This is why we welcome being challenged, are ready to challenge each other, and are working on addressing members' concerns - both within Council and with the wider membership.

We also adhere to due process when we receive concerns or complaints, giving and receiving constructive criticism as it is intended - as a learning moment and a challenge to find the best outcome for The Vegan Society, veganism and all animals (non-human and human alike).

We believe in learning

Not in simply thinking we know best

As individuals we are always learning and growing, and we want to see this for the society. Veganism is seeing the biggest growth over the last few years, and that's creating a lot of opportunity for people to redefine what veganism means for them. The Vegan Society should be leading conversations around veganism in the modern age, as well as expanding our history to respect and acknowledge the many vegan and animal-free ways of living pre-'veganism' worldwide. This is why we promote learning from vegans from marginalised backgrounds on how to make veganism accessible, inclusive and representative of all, not just the privileged, so that we can have a Vegan Society that isn't stuck in the past.

We believe in transparency and accountability

Not in hiding behind confidentiality or procedure

As a Council, we only work if we are accountable to the membership that we represent. And "developing a culture of openness within the charity" is a part of the Charity Governance Code's recommended practices. This is why seek greater transparency, so that the membership can see more of what we do, and why we do it.

Members have the right to see how individual trustees vote, and to use that to hold them accountable should they stand for reelection; and to raise questions or concerns to the Council based on full and correct information that isn't hidden behind confidentiality.

We believe in shared values

Not in block voting

As individuals we have our own personal values and beliefs, however we have found ourselves banding together for the common cause of creating an inclusive, aware and accountable Vegan Society.

This is why we have this united cause, one that we see as fully achievable. It allows us all to put forward motions and vote independently, and still trust in each other's dedication to working towards the bigger picture. We prioritise our vision for The Vegan Society over personal issues, and we respect each other as individuals.

You can access minutes from past meetings in the Members' Area of The Vegan Society website.