Michigan vegan Hillary Rettig is the co-founder and organizer of the grassroots vegan movement Vegan Kalamazoo.
A native of the Bronx borough in New York City, she was raised in a perfectly “normal” meat eating family that loved animals, although at the time it was mostly about dogs.
Hillary became vegan in 2003, immediately after seeing the movie “Peaceable Kingdom” at the National Animal Rights Conference in Washington, D.C., when she was 45 years old. From that day forward, Hillary began minimizing harm to animals through her lifestyle and activist actions. She recalled that it was a true epiphany.
“Literally, right after that movie, I went on the phone afterwards and told my then-husband that I was now vegan. For me, taking up the vegan lifestyle was a commitment to NOT contributing to the world’s suffering – and, of course, the suffering of individual animals. And it was also a commitment to contributing to justice in as many ways as I could.
VEGAN STORYTELLER
Most of us face challenges of one sort or another when we transition away from meat and dairy. What were some of the challenges you faced when you decided to become vegan?
HILLARY RETTIG
I am an emotional eater with a strong family history of addiction, so veganism has definitely been a process for me. I went 95% vegan almost immediately; that 95% meant that about once a month I would eat some non-vegan snack or meal, usually when traveling or during times of stress. Fifteen years later, my number is probably 99% or even higher. Maybe I have a non-vegan snack every 2-3 months now.
I strive for 100% veganism, cruelty-free living, and kindness in all I do. I don’t succeed 100% but I’m clear on my goal and grateful for the practice.
Does anyone ever really make it to 100%? I’m not sure that’s even possible, given the pervasiveness of animal-derived products in our food, medical, household, and other spheres.
Some vegans don’t see it that way. They demand instant and eternal perfection of all vegans. I’m guessing they see themselves as maintaining the standard, which I do think is a valuable role.
VEGAN STORYTELLER
What about you personally? What benefits have you derived from being vegan? How has being vegan impacted your overall mental, physical, and/or spiritual well-being?
HILLARY RETTIG
It’s just a wonderful way to live, knowing I’m minimizing my harms to animals, the environment, and my own body. I feel wonderful about my choices every single day. And when the rest of the news is upsetting, the vegan movement is a huge positive thing that I’m part of, and contributing to.
It is amazing to watch veganism “win” in the marketplace, and in people’s hearts and mind, in real time. It feels great to be on the “winning team.”
Before I was vegan I had only the vaguest ideas about the other species on our planet, except perhaps dogs, which I had grown up with. Post vegan I definitely ‘understand’ other species better, and also understand the sad and terrible ways we exploit them. I also understand the environment better, and how we are all interrelated.
VEGAN STORYTELLER
It sounds like being vegan has raised your consciousness about societal and cultural concerns. Does this sound like an accurate assessment?
HILLARY RETTIG
Veganism is an enormous topic encompassing nutrition, animal protection, food politics, and more. The word vegan was originally defined as a diet free of meat, dairy products, and eggs. The term now also refers to any item, from shoes to shampoo, made without animal products.
I have learned that many people need a bunch of personal interactions to go vegan. They need teaching, encouraging, mentoring, and support—not to mention, the plentiful availability of vegan options at their local stores and restaurants. They also need to see veganism accepted by their friends, neighbors, and others in their community.
I have met the most friendly, fun, thoughtful, committed, and kind people through my vegan activism.
Vegan Kalamazoo is a welcoming place to meet vegan neighbors
VEGAN STORYTELLER
Finding support can sometimes be difficult when becoming vegan. What would you say is a concrete way for people to interact with vegans and to be mentored and supported in a decision to transition away from meat and dairy?
HILLARY RETTIG
We need local vegan groups everywhere—and by “everywhere” I mean every city, town, village, suburb, exurb, treehouse, hobbit hole, etc. Everywhere there’s people and food, there should be someone advocating—kindly, intelligently, and with an understanding of the local culture–for veganism.
Fortunately, building a local group happens to be one of easiest and most fulfilling types of vegan activism you can do. I know, because I’ve built one.
I started a local vegan group in Michigan called Vegan Kalamazoo, and have met the most wonderful people through it. Sure, there have been people who didn’t like my veganism, but it hasn’t been a big problem.
I will say that I was very lucky in meeting a partner who was already vegetarian, and who went vegan pretty much immediately when he saw what it was about. Many vegans aren’t so lucky.
VEGAN STORYTELLER
What are some practical tips you would offer to other people who would like to form a local vegan group where they live?
HILLARY RETTIG
Vegan Kalamazoo began with a single monthly meetup at a local restaurant. Our first meeting consisted of three people: me, my partner, and Chris Hendrickson, who had gotten the idea of founding a local vegan group at almost the exact moment I did.
We promoted the group on Meetup.com and Facebook. Before long we had attracted about 20 members who were participating regularly. These were, for the most part, devoted vegans who had previously felt isolated, each believing they were the only vegan in town. And so, when they saw the opportunity to join a vegan group, they jumped at it.
Before long we had attracted about 20 members who were participating regularly. These were, for the most part, devoted vegans who had previously felt isolated, each believing they were the only vegan in town.
Dinner meetups support vegans and promote veganism
VEGAN STORYTELLER
You saw instant results with Vegan Kalamazoo. What was your secret behind growing the group so rapidly and with such success?
HILLARY RETTIG
Very early on, we got a professional to design our group’s logo, and also our banner, business card, and website. This initial design work cost money, which we paid for with personal funds. But it was 100% worth it. When you’re just starting out, a professional appearance helps you feel prouder and more confident, and encourages others to treat you with respect.
After developing our presence, we promoted our grassroots vegan group in every way possible. To grow your group as fast as possible, you have to relentlessly promote and partner, and you also have to make sure your group is a positive and welcoming environment for everyone.
The goal of every Vegan Kalamazoo activity is to bring lots of new people into our group and/or convince stores and restaurants to offer vegan options. Animals’ lives are at stake with every meal.
For ideas on how to go about forming and structuring a vegan club, you can click here to see how we do things at Vegan Kalamazoo.
VEGAN STORYTELLER
I understand you are engaged in vegan advocacy outside of Vegan Kalamazoo. In what other ways are you helping to grow the vegan movement?
HILLARY RETTIG
I am the author of The Lifelong Activist, a guide to sustainable progressive activism (including vegan activism) that’s published by Lantern Books. I have also written many articles for vegan publications. I have given talks on effective vegan advocacy at vegfests and other meetings throughout the U.S. and some other countries. I was honored when Vegan.com asked me to write their local vegan advocacy section.
I’m also a vegan living kidney donor, and have, to my knowledge, inspired at least a couple of other vegans to donate a kidney.
A lot of people look at you weird when you tell them you’re donating a kidney to a non-family member, just as they look at you weird when you tell them you’re vegan. In this society, unfortunately, you can ruin countless people’s lives running a corrupt investment fund and still meet with more social approval than if you try to lead a life of nonviolence and altruism.
But we’re all working on that, right? So, just like with the veganism, I shout out the kidney donation loud and proud. As vegans, we all know that there is nothing more wonderful than saving a sweet life.
We need local vegan groups everywhere—and by “everywhere” I mean every city, town, village, suburb, exurb, treehouse, hobbit hole, etc. Everywhere there’s people and food, there should be someone advocating—kindly, intelligently, and with an understanding of the local culture–for veganism.
Building a better vegan world in Michigan
VEGAN STORYTELLER
I have found activists to be a special breed of passionate people. What kind of people have you met through your activism?
HILLARY RETTIG
I have met the most friendly, fun, thoughtful, committed, and kind people through my vegan activism. People tend to think of activism as a sacrifice, but it is really a gift. I’m a better, more accomplished, and more connected person as a result of organizing Vegan Kalamazoo.
I swell with pride and satisfaction for the work we are doing in Michigan. It is a sublime feeling to help build a vegan world. It truly feels to me to be the best possible use of my time. Veganism is growing at a very rapid speed that none of us could have predicted!
Veganism is also healing, especially at a time when so much of the news we hear is so utterly depressing. There have been many times, when after reading a random piece of disturbing world news, that I have found myself thinking, “Thank God I’m vegan.”
VEGAN STORYTELLER
I understand that you are a strong proponent of self-care. Not everybody is. How do you counter the stigma that some people place upon self-care as being for those who are weak?
HILLARY RETTIG
The need for self-care would seem obvious, except that some people view others who ask for it as being weak, and a culture that supports it as dysfunctional. That attitude diffuses into the general culture and causes people to feel guilty about wanting or needing self-care.
Some good people also feel guilty for “taking time off” to care for themselves when there’s important social justice work to be done or others in need of serious help. But you disempower yourself, and you don’t help anyone through self-neglect. Successful people, including activists, devote time each day to exercising, getting appropriate rest, and adopting other forms of self-care. This helps them maintain good health and energy levels while staying motivated and focused.
Activist poet Audre Lorde summed up the notion of self-care when she said, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”
I wrote about the importance of self-care on a blog a few years ago. What I wrote then still applies today.
VEGAN STORYTELLER
You seem to have a knack for helping people stay productive, which is critical when organizing street actions and campaigns. How do you do it?
HILLARY RETTIG
Along with my vegan activism, I am a productivity author, coach, and workshop leader. In this capacity, I have worked with many vegans and vegan activists, to help them get more effective and productive in their writing, advocacy, and other activities.
I worked for many years running programs funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration and Office of Refugee Resettlement. I have a passionate interest in social change and helping innovative products and people succeed.
My website has more information about how I help people with productivity, for those who might be interested in learning more.
VEGAN STORYTELLER
You are in good health and have high energy levels, despite having one kidney. What do you do to optimize your health?
HILLARY RETTIG
It’s pretty simple really. I eat healthy whole vegan foods and take B12 supplements, as well as Vitamin D and a multivitamin.
People tend to think of activism as a sacrifice, but it is really a gift. I’m a better, more accomplished, and more connected person as a result of organizing Vegan Kalamazoo.
Hillary Rettig at a Vegan Kalamazoo street action.
Follow Hillary Rettig
Books by Hillary Rettig
A guide that offers instructions for living a joyful and productive life and helps you figure out the form your authentic life should take.
The definitive guide to overcoming procrastination, perfectionism, and writer’s block.
The HIAPy Guide to finding work in a tough job market.
Vegan Storyteller shares people’s personal journeys in the ON BEING VEGAN interview series to illuminate the world. Stories about vegans inspire and uplift us and help us realize that a vegan lifestyle benefits not just people, but animals, and the environment as well. If you are a vegan thought leader or influencer with a vibrant web presence to impact others, I’d like to interview you. Please contact me if you would like to be interviewed for the ON BEING VEGAN interview series.
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