Socializing

Where do you go to meet other vegans? Does it just happen by chance? Or do you generally go out of your way to socialize where you know you'll find other vegans? I have vegan friends in parts of the world who feel very much alone. While this is rapidly changing in urban areas, it can still be discouraging. Luckily, Boston has many options.

Whether you're looking for a dining partner, fellow activist, a relationship, or just a friend who won't bring pork rinds to your beach picnic, you can get out there and enjoy the company of like-minded compassionate folk at any of these fabulous groups:

• Boston Vegetarian Society - The BVS is best known for organizing the two-day Boston Vegetarian Food Festival in October for almost two decades. Vegans are usually in the majority at the monthly BVS dinners and lectures, focusing on education and increasing ethical awareness. You can meet other vegan volunteers at exhibits and social gatherings throughout the month by checking the BVS events calendar.

• Boston Vegan Association - The BVA belongs to the International Vegan Association and is therefore strictly vegan in its advocacy. Monthly educational opportunities include speakers such as Gary L. Francione, as well as reading groups, volunteering at events, film screenings, and public discussions. Keep up to date by following the IVA Boston page on Facebook.

• Vegan MetroWest Network - It's worth the short commute by car or commuter rail out to the suburbs if you want to participate in an active and outgoing vegan community. Dining, hikes, group discussions, and advocacy--this group is also very family-friendly. Join them on Meetup and Facebook. 

• VegWorcester - This is the group that hosts the spectacular Worcester VegFest each year. Worcester isn't that far if you carpool out via I-90. Their blog will keep you updated on local events and advocacy info.

• Boston Vegan Collective - The BVC is a relative newcomer to the area, mainly a social outlet and advocacy group for Boston locals. Find them on Meetup and Facebook.

• Boston Vegan Fitness - A small group focusing on physical activity and animal advocacy. Get involved via their Facebook page.

• Meetup - There are a multitude of vegan Meetup groups in the the greater Boston area. Start by joining the Boston Vegan Meetup Group, with a monthly dinner, happy hour, and over 750 members. Then search for other Meetups specific to your personal interests.

• VeggieDate - Looking for a date? Relationship? Activity partner? When you prefer to spend your personal time with another vegan, go to VeggieDate. Sort through potential matches by town/city. There are lots of other vegans looking for someone to share their lives with.

• FitnessSingles - If you crave a significant other or activity partner who also enjoys a healthy, active lifestyle, check out this dating site. You can specify a vegan match, among many other qualities.

While many activities within these groups are family and kid-friendly, it's helpful to get to know other vegan families to normalize veganism for children. A decade ago, Sprouts, a subset of the BVS, used to meet regularly with playdates and potlucks. Now those vegan kids are teens, and there are more vegan children than ever. Maybe it's time to revive this group? Or begin something new? What do you think? How can we nurture the next generation of Beantown vegans?