Back in 1985, Tina Turner may have contended that We Don’t Need Another Hero, but I for one certainly find it important to draw inspiration from the examples of other activists who are out there raising awareness about animal protection issues and veganism in innovative, exciting, and – most of all – effective ways.  Since meeting her at the 2002 Animal Rights Conference in the United States, one of my personal ‘AR Heroes’ has been the media activist, spokesperson and author, Karen Dawn.

Karen in person has so much energy, enthusiasm, and passion for promoting animal rights, but it’s matched with equal amounts of knowledge about a multitude of issues and also the communication skills to get the message across in an engaging way.  Plus, there’s a huge sense of fun and playfulness in the way she approaches the serious issues of how animals are viewed and treated, which helps to draw in those who are not already interested and involved in the movement.

Karen with Katie Manitsas, a director of Samadhi Yoga

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Amanda Benham - accredited practising dietitian and vegan business owner

As a vegan, you have to be well-equipped with snappy responses, compelling stories and often the latest scientific data when confronted with the all too familiar question: “So, why are you a vegan?”

We all have our favourite responses. Every vegan has a unique and highly personal story they are usually more than happy to share. I can’t recall the number of times I have described the story that changed my eating patterns forever. Those poor chickens scrambling from the overturned truck couldn’t possibly have known how their suffering splashed across the evening news helped me in my evolution to eat cruelty-free. I have no hesitation in trundling out that well-worn tale of woe as part of my quest to help other people find their way to a more animal-friendly diet.

But sometimes tugging at the heart strings isn’t quite enough. If people are to give up factory farmed flesh, they need to know what is in it for them. It appears to be the way of the world we live in. People want to know how they will benefit from making compassionate food choices. This is where Amanda Benham can step in to help us fine tune our argument.

Amanda (proud owner of the Brisbane-based vegan grocery store The Green Edge) is an accredited practising dietitian who has made it one of her life missions to alert people to the health benefits of a plant-based diet. Her expertise and compassion have assisted many people in their journey to live healthier lives in a sustainable, planet-friendly way. I caught up with Amanda recently to discuss an upcoming free seminar she is hosting at her store during May.

Titled The how and why of plant-based eating, the seminar will explore the concept of plant-based eating and why it is booming in popularity. Amanda explained to me how she intends to give practical advice on how to maximise the health benefits associated with this type of diet. She wants to share what she sees as “vital information for anyone seeking a happier, healthier future for themselves and the planet”. So not only will Amanda arm you with the tools to be a healthier vegan, she will be giving you a few trade secrets for the next time someone wants to know what’s so special about saying no to eating animals.

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The how and why of plant-based eating

Monday 10 May, 2010

6:15pm – 8:30pm

The Green Edge 3/191 Wardell Street, Enoggera

Email: info@greenedgeonline.com.au     Phone: (07) 3855 5755

This is a free event. Booking is required

[Editor's Note: You can find this event and others like it in Brisbane and all over Australia on the vegaroo! events calendar.]