VSDC Outreach Tabling

At various local community events throughout the year, VSDC is an exhibitor where we staff a table full of information about VSDC and vegetarianism. We call it outreach tabling.

Tabling is an opportunity to meet and talk. Members and others in the community connect with the VSDC volunteers staffing the table. VSDC also connects with other exhibitors at the event, and with the event organizers.

Tabling allows us to share who and what VSDC is. We're here to help connect people in the DC area with local resources, including people, businesses, and information that can help people avoid using products from animals. We organize veg-friendly social and educational events, and publicize those of other organizations.

Our purpose is not to tell people to be vegetarian. Rather, we share the reasons we and others give for wanting to be vegetarian, point out the resources available to help people be vegetarian, and answer questions about which foods are eaten by the various categories of vegetarians. Details are in literature at the table, and on VSDC's website.

We don't expect volunteers to be experts about the many nutritional, ecological, humanitarian, and religious reasons people follow a plant-based diet. Instead, we refer people to other organizations' literature at the table, and names of contacts for more information. Or, visitors may want to leave their own contact information so we can later provide them with information.

Plus, tabling is a convenient opportunity for table visitors to hear and read about the benefits of becoming a VSDC member.

Members and friends of vegetarianism are welcome to volunteer a few hours to help us exhibit. There is a lot to do, including setting and packing up the table, talking with visitors to the table, handing out information, answering questions, selling books, organizing the event, coordinating VSDC volunteers, and supporting others who do all those tasks. We usually plan to have a few volunteers staff a table at any given time. If you are interested in helping, contact VSDC.

Some of the community events where we usually exhibit each year include the NBC4 Health & Fitness Expo in January, the Great American Meatout in March, and the Takoma Park Street Festival in October. We also table at some of our own events, including our Thanksgiving Celebration and VegFest DC. We look forwarding to meeting you at one. And, if you want VSDC to exhibit at your organization's event, contact VSDC.