As some of you may notice from our Potluck Rules ( http://www.meetup.com...) we are asking not to bring/use any intoxicants (including tobacco and alcohol). Because of using legal drugs do not contradict with being Vegetarian or Vegan and some other similar Meetup groups do not have these limitations we believe you deserve an explanation.

Here are the reasons:

1. It’s illegal to use even some legal drugs at some public locations and for someone under 21. We don’t want to limit ourselves in this respect neither with the locations we choose or with age of the people who may want to join us.
2. Some people might be uncomfortable (which is very understandable) to be around people who are under the influence of a substance or smoking.
3. Occasional use of intoxicants might be more harmful to our bodies than occasional eating of meat.
4. It seems that in our society we are conditioned to using meat during our meals similar to using alcohol during our social events. We would like to break these conditionings by offering a good environment for like-minded people where they can enjoy each others' company without using any kind of intoxicants.
5. Using any intoxicants contradicts with one of our missions - promoting conscious and healthy living.

We realize that some of these reasons might be debatable. However, even just one of the reasons is sufficient. Therefore we are kindly asking not to bring/use any intoxicants during our events.

Wishing you clarity, health, and joy.

Vadim & ChicagoVeg Team
www.ChicagoVeg.com
~ For Planet, For Animals, For You ~

Vadim, thank you so much for posting these guidelines. As a new member attending my first Potluck even, I greatly appreciate knowing this in advance. I do drink wine, and would have likely brought a bottle. I greatly appreciate you steering me away from this faux pas!

~Joann

Although you have every right to make rules as you wish for this group, I would like to comment.

As a vegan and animal rights activist, I am offended that you would allow dairy (as stated on your potluck rules page) but crack down on people who want to smoke at an outdoor event or bring a bottle of wine.

It sounds as if you wish to have a straight edge or sober group, and labeling it as such might be helpful for your goal.

I'm not going to get into the gory details of the dairy industry (arguably the most horrifying of all animal industries) because I will be preaching to a lot of the choir, however, I am removing myself from this group since you find it more offensive to have alcohol than dairy served at your potlucks.

Thanks and good luck.

As a vegan and animal rights activist, I am offended that you would allow dairy (as stated on your potluck rules page) but crack down on people who want to smoke at an outdoor event or bring a bottle of wine.

Sorry that you got offended by allowing dairy products during our potlucks while asking people not to use any intoxicants. I personally command and support both Vegan and Animal Rights movements. In fact I consider myself participating in them. At the same time I am surprised to notice how often they support drinking establishments by having their meetups there. I choose to take a stand by not supporting drinking during our events which is truly consistent with one of our goals of supporting healthy and conscious living.
While I strongly disagree with practices of our diary industry I would like to point out that in many communities in India (where cow is considered being a holly animal) people still eat dairy products while treating the animals with love and reverence. It's unfortunate that this is not a case here. However, I would prefer my child drink milk than alcohol. At the same time I would really recommend for him/her to drink soy/rice milk instead.

Thank you for taking a stand in what you believe and good luck to you too.

i'm appreciative of these rules myself; as stated, the fact that alcohol isn't allowed in many public places and the age restrictions on it is enough reason. i myself am very sensitive to cigarette smoke, so i have a personal bias there. most importantly though, i joined this group as part of developing new lifestyle habits that are healthier for mind and body; i can alter my mood, my consciousness with meditation, music, friends, etc, without the harmful side effects of controlled substances, which include a reduction in consciousness and faculty(not always perceived by the user); i know sometimes it feels easier to open up when there is a bit of 'aenesthetic'. it's not like i completely abstain from sugar or caffeine or even some occasional ethanol, but i have found it invaluable to learn how to be present without using those things.
as far as the dairy issue- hey the industry can be pretty sickening; i use very limited dairy from humane sources; there is indeed a long tradition from india that the cow is sacred because she allows one to get enough fat and protein in a sustainable way without killing. personally, i'll take a little dairy over the raw meat...
ultimately though, the goal with this group is to get like-minded people together; as far as i'm concerned, to each his own- none of it is that big an issue; but in hosting a public forum like this, sometimes some restrictions are necessary
so thanks to the organizers for handling this.

As much as I love to imbibe on wine & the like (not in excess), I understand, commend, and support this policy. It makes sense and I appreciate the conscious reasoning.

Thanks Vadim.

Pete

If anyone out there really thinks that 'smoking anything' is healthy they must be living in a cave! Even second-hand smoke has been proven dangerous!

(Re: former member/vegan activist......o.k., so 'maybe' your 90 yr. old grandmother has cancer and it helps her with chemo but that's probably not your situation).

I've seen the "Vegan Meet-ups" at bars who drink 'vegan beer.' Does that mean it has some type of nutritional value in it or does that just make you feel better about drinking?

Red wine, particularly due to its' 'tannins' has some proven health benefits including anti-oxidants but within a normal consumption range or moderation.

This meet-up states a mix of catagories from vegetarians to vegans, etc. It has a broader-based spectrum in its' scope as a group. Perhaps, we can learn from others and each make our own informed choices.

I think the point that Vadim is trying to make here is that this particular meet-up is not about smoking or drinking, which overall is a health concern to most people including myself.

I feel it is a good idea not to have alcohol and other intoxicants at our meetups. I appreciate Vadim in taking this initiative. We all look towards this lifestyle for a healthier and morally conscious life, and am sure alcohol and other intoxicants indeed do not agree with this choice.
One who wants to drink, can anyway drink anytime, let this be an attempt to reduce that...and let them have atleast one activity sans drinking.

It may sound trite. But it's true, partying and enjoying does not mean we should always have drink or meat. Sad that one of our members had left the group...of course in a large group differences of opinion will indeed exist, but I don't think anyone should take it personal...it is a general policy and its unfortunate that some differ with it,but then...meetups are about like minded people and anyone is free to join and leave as long as they respect the majority opinion and follow decorum.

I'm sure it must have been quite a decision for Vadim to come up with this policy, ...knowing some members may be turned off by this , but then I think its a very great idea. Lets get high on Peace and non-alcoholic pleasure!!

Thanks Vadim!!!

I just want to say bravo! I was so happy to hear that the potlucks will be free of intoxicants. I know it's hard to take a stance like that in a society where (as you said) we are conditioned to need alcohol in social situations, so I commend you and want to let you know I completely support you.

It makes me feel great knowing that I can bring my daughter to these events (she is also vegan) and not have to worry about exposing her to alcohol or cigarettes.

I find it funny that as soon as you associate vegan/vegetarian with not drinking and smoking people label you as straight edge, though I do enjoy punk music I am definitely NOT straight edge.

As a strict Vegan I find your guidelines in complete alignment with my core values & I think drinking alcohol usually tends to disconnect a community NOT bring it closer together plus I hate cigarettes so I am all good with your path, My friend. Peace, Gill