Local animal advocacy organization Open the Cages Alliance (OTCA) presents the 2012 Vegan Living Program, a series of educational events for the “vegan-curious” – those interested in vegan lifestyles. Most of the twelve Vegan Living Program sessions will take place on Sundays in April and May at Cyclops Books, 30 W. North Avenue in Baltimore. From vegan nutrition, to raising vegan kids, to “What in the world is nutritional yeast?” the Vegan Living Program will address the concerns and questions of new and aspiring vegans. Sessions include a “field trip” to Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary in Poolesville, and four cooking demonstrations, including a Mothers’ Day cooking demonstration at The Land of Kush.

All educational sessions are open to the public, and twenty-five pre-registered participants have “pledged” to live vegan for the course of the program from April 15 to May 20. These individuals have been paired with personal Vegan Coaches to provide one-on-one support and guidance. This is the second year Open the Cages Alliance has run a vegan mentoring program. Like last year, the sessions will culminate in a Vegan Pledge “graduation” and celebratory meal, complete with diplomas and a walk across the stage. Last year’s closing speeches were very moving, as pledges reported increased energy levels, weight loss, and lower blood pressure. One Vegan Pledge from last year’s program will lead a roundtable discussion April 29th on vegan living and spirituality.

Vegan Living Program speakers include vegan baker Teresa Pessaro of Goody Goody Gumdrops, Registered Dietician Joseph Gonzales from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Michael Weber from Farm Animal Rights Movement, “The Boot Camp Girl” Stephanie Dignan, and raw foods chef Jahari Adjiri of Raw Soul-licious Gourmet. Not to confuse vegans with health nuts, Pessaro will demonstrate vegan doughnut making on May 5th at Cyclops Books, complete with a deep fryer and a dusting of powdered sugar. The full schedule of Vegan Living Program workshops is posted at www.VeganLivingProgram.org.

Open the Cages Alliance is a nonprofit animal advocacy organization based in Baltimore, Md. OTCA organizes the Vegan Living Program to help people align their compassion for animals with their daily actions, including diet. OTCA conducts frequent outreach to promote vegan lifestyles, and is currently planning a Vegan Eighties Prom, and the second annual Vegtoberfest.

For information: www.VeganLivingProgram.org or
Contact: info@openthecages.org
Phone: (443) 478-3074