Outgoing EVU President's Message

This seventh European Congress in Widnau has been a great success both in quantity, i.e. number of participants and delegations from Europe and other continents as well, and in quality, taking into consideration the enthusiastic responses at the various sessions. We had fine vegetarian food provided by an excellent chef and his co-workers. The program was well-organized under the competent guidance of Sigrid De Leo, who deserves credit for this great achievement. Together with a team of volunteers she made a great contribution to the promotion of the vegetarian movement. The Widnau Congress will undoubtedly be written in the annals of EVU as a very successful event. We are truly fortunate in that several European vegetarian societies also made an effort to make the EVU a dynamic organization. We indeed have an important role to play in the next century, one that has potential for significant impact. Reflect for a moment on the great humanistic messages we are able to give : respect for human and animal rights, for the planet's natural resources, improvment in quality of life both from an individual and a societal viewpoint. The vegetarian way of life can make a great contribution to these goals. Vegetarianism greatly reduces the risk of early degenerative disease and optimizes the human potential and spirit. I am sure that you would agree that this is a great message for the next millennium. One that the EVU will continue to shout from the proverbial mountain tops. Our success in sending the message depends also largely on all of you. It is quite clear that we must be primary deliverers of the vegetarian message. As with all the physical and spiritual health directives, education is the key to forging a lifetime of positive practices. To say that success in delivering the message will require a team effort cannot be overstated. These coming years are critical for contributing to the cause by being or becoming advocates for the vegetarian ideal, and models of excellence. While all of us have a part in the ongoing mission of enhancing vegetarian ideas, it is reasonable to suggest that much of our future is in our own hands. Each of us can have a definite impact on local politics. Moreover, united we may have a still bigger impact. It is partnership - we need each other - that will make the EVU and all its member societies speak with a strong voice. As we move into the next millennium, this is the time to "seize the moment". We must be advocates by delivering the message and showing the vegetarian models to the public at large. For this, I ask that each of you consider your particular contribution to delivering our message in the coming millennium. And yes, I personally envision and hope to nurture what I perceive to be an exciting venture for the EVU. This means developing stronger ties among us and new initiatives associated with the importance of education in forging the foundation for vegetarianism. It is the passion of each of us individually and collectively that creates a powerful wave that reaches the shore with great force and impact. The EVU council with its volunteer members cannot achieve this objective alone. We can provide information, we can develop materials about the importance of vegetarianism, we can collect evidence and disseminate it, but in the final analysis, people will refer to their own experiences and perceptions which come from their personal encounters with you. In conclusion, this is a very important time for delivering the vegetarian message. More and more people, including politicians, are looking for a greater quality of life. I invite each of you to consider your role in the next millennium in regard to advocacy of vegetarianism, and the seeds we must plant for the future.