With school coming to a close this week, I want to share something pretty remarkable that took place this year.
In the spring, our 10 year old, Bridget, came to me after school about speeches taking place in her class. The conversation went something like this:
B: Mom, we are doing speeches in our class and get to pick our own topic.
Me: Ok, well, what do you think you’d like to talk about?
B: I already know. I want to talk about why people shouldn’t eat meat and dairy.
I paused for a minute. Then I replied “Are you sure?? We can think of other ideas?”
In other words, I wasn’t sure. While we talk about many aspects of food at home, I don’t expect our girls to be activists in school or with their friends. I don’t ask them to preach the values of a plant-based diet. But this came up entirely organically for her. Despite my questioning her readiness, she was certain. She was passionate to share why she felt, in her heart, why people shouldn’t eat meat and dairy.
She presented her speech to her class, and was then chosen to present her speech to the school and parents.
I’m posting her speech for you to read and share:
Good morning / afternoon teachers and fellow students!
Raise your hand if you eat meat or dairy. Raise your hand if you think you have to eat meat and dairy to be healthy.
My name is Bridget, and today I’m going to share 3 important reasons not to eat meat and dairy: our health, the environment, and animals.
Meat and dairy are not good for us like people think. Studies have shown that our biggest health problems are linked to eating meat and dairy – including heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. We don’t need to eat meat or dairy, we can get all the nutrition we need in other foods like vegetables, fruits, beans, and grains. Not only can you be healthier without eating meat and dairy, it is also better for our environment, and kinder to animals that share our world.
In order for us to eat meat and dairy, animals have to be raised in factory farms. These are not farms with grass and sunshine. Instead, animals are kept in buildings that are factories, and people are cruel to the animals. Animals suffer and are tortured every day of their lives on these farms. On milk farms, baby cows are even torn away from their moms so the mommy cows can produce milk. If they don’t produce enough milk they kill the cows. The baby cows never see their mothers again.
Eating meat and milk products is also bad for our environment. We all want to do things like recycle, and use less water to help our environment. But, the one thing that makes the MOST difference? How much meat and dairy we eat. Consider this: skipping just one burger saves enough water to drink for 3 months!
Chickens, pigs, and cows feel and love just the same as animals like cats and dogs. They bond with other animals, and with people too. They value their lives just as much as we do, and they feel pain just as we do. If people treated our cats and dogs the way cows and chickens are treated on factory farms, they would be arrested! Yet, we eat these animals every day, but we would never imagine eating our dog or cat.
I have been raised without meat and dairy. I’m healthy, happy, and just like other kids. I eat pizza, hot dogs, burgers, ice cream, and so many other delicious foods, without any meat or milk! Every time we make a choice not to eat animals, it helps our health, our planet, and the animals. Please think about this. Thank you.
She asked if she could wear the “Plant-Powered” t-shirt for her speech. I didn’t encourage that one, either! Here she is on her way out the door that morning…
…and here she is delivering her speech to the school (see the raised hands?)
As a parent, we wonder whether our children are receiving the lessons and messages we are communicating. When days are tough, we feel our efforts are wasted, or that we are doing a terrible job as a mother or father. Then, we have moments where we see our children blossoming, developing into their own person. We see their heart, their courage, their care, their beautiful spirit.
This was one of those moments for me. Bridget feels more compassion about animals than any of our daughters. It’s just “in” her. She wants to free every bug or fly that enters our home, and she wants to start an animal rescue this summer… at our house! (We’ll talk about that one, lol.) But, this child has a heart for animals. More than I ever impressed upon her or ever expected. She was proud to present this speech, and I was beyond proud to listen to her.
Who knows, next year we may revolutionize hot lunch. Baby steps. 🙂
Feel free to share this speech!
x Dreena
Supriya says
This MAKES my day!!! Thank you, and please thank Bridget for me too! I went vegetarian 3 years ago (leaning vegan), but it’s been hard knowing how to talk to my kids about it without grossing them out or being too provocative. Bridget summed it up so simply and so perfectly—-this is a public service to other kids and families. So impressed. You must be so proud of her. Thank you again!!
Katherine says
Thank you for sharing this!! What a beautiful, thoughtful speech. Bravo, Bridget!
I especially appreciate reading this today because I’m about to send my older son to Nursery school and I’ve been thinking a lot about how his veganism will affect him in school. It’s so refreshing and reassuring to see Bridget embracing it and sharing veganism with others! I hope I can set a positive example for my boys so that maybe one day they’ll be giving plant powered speeches too 🙂
BTW just bought Plant Powered Families and it is fantastic!
Laura Black says
Great story! It does my heart good to see young people so passionate about a plant-based diet, saving animals that are so cruelly treated and doing their part to protect the environment. You did good, mom!!! I bet that was a very proud moment for you. Did you cry?? I would have! Thanks again. 🙂
sil @ entre jardins says
Beautifully said, a truly Plant (Em)Powered Bridget!
Julia says
Bravo Bridget….. 🙂
Karen says
WE are ALL working in one way or another to make our friends, family and everyone we interact with understand how seriously we have been duped by the media, which is working solely on the info that filters down to them AFTER it has been “sanitized” by “big dairy” and meat industry. $$$$$$$$$ always wins! BUT, and it’s HUGE, we are approaching the tipping point w’our “young people” in SO many ways and as I said earlier I hope it’s not to late for those young people to inherit an earth one can live on! Each and every blog and F’book post helps, we will get there! Till all are free, Karen
Josh makar says
Bridget is awesome!
Stephanie Dreyer says
This is awesome and inspiring! She is so eloquent and poised. Hooray for her! Can’t wait to share this!
Heidi says
Beautifully written! I’m sure it will make people think about many things and inspire many to change their ways.
AlisoN Cole says
Wow, I am so impressed at Bridget’s speech! It is so well done! So amazing!! She is definitely a special and compassionate girl. I was so touched to read her speech and now have tears in my eyes.
Lyn E. says
I am very impressed by your speech Bridget. And thank you for speaking up in defense of the animals and the environment. Your Mom must be very proud.
Kyra @ Vie De La Vegan says
This is how I hope my children will grow – how inspiring to see Bridget embracing veganism and having the courage to spread the vegan word in front of her whole school! Thank you for sharing this, Dreena 🙂
Caroline says
You’re message is beautiful Bridget – simple and effective. Living in a small town in Australia and being vegan can be tough, having to go on and on trying to explain your lifestyle to people and emphasise the fact that inconvenience and phrases such as ‘it’s just normal to eat meat’ cannot be used to justify factory farming. Reading small things like this give me faith in our future generations and the future for animal welfare – if 10 yr olds across the world can relate to the environment more than any of my adult friends then I look forward to a bright and cruelty-free future 🙂 Keep up the inspiring work! x
JUDY says
Brilliant! A very clever girl. It all starts with our youth. Go get em Bridget!
x
Susan says
What a beautiful and inspiring speech! And great that they asked her to present it a second time as well, clearly getting people to think.
Brandie says
You’re speech is amazing! I’m pretty sure you’ve planted seeds with your fellow classmates and teachers. I thank you for sharing and for lending your voice to speak for the ones who cant! I’m proud of you!
Amy says
Way to go, Bridget! Your speech was very smart and made an impact on your classmates. You rule!
Wendy Ysasi says
Tears of joy for a young generation that will be a force for humanity and wellness of the planet. Well done Mom, you have one amazing daughter.
Anne says
Bridget, you did well just by acting on your convictions. The speech was well written and interesting !
Thank you for sharing this, Dreena!
Nancy Nurse says
Wow, oh wow!! Am I ever impressed Bridget! Fantastic!! Fantabulous!! The animals thank you and it goes without saying that I thank you a million, billion, trillion times over!
Kimberly/TheLittlePlantation says
You must be so proud!
Eve L. says
Amazing speech! Truly, I don’t think an adult could have written it better. What a great example she is. I know she will make a difference in her peers’ lives.
Alie says
What a wonderful post! Thank you for sharing this and all that you do Dreena.
And to Bridget, you are an amazing young lady with admirable compassion and strength. Thank you for sharing your message!
Mary says
This brought tears to my eyes – bravo to your lovely daughter – and to you for raising her the plant powered way.
Mary x
Christine Magiera says
This is so touching!! It brought tears to my eyes! You must be so proud. It’s amazing how children feel so much more comfortable than we would when discussing different topics. She did an awesome job getting people to re-think their eating habits. That is huge!!! Awesome job, Bridget!,
Natalie says
Bridget, you are a trailblazer! That was awesome, very well said! Soon, there will be a new segment on the plantpoweredkitchen.com site, “Bridget’s Bites” where you can give us more of your insites! Much love and support to you and your family!
Dreena says
That’ s a fun idea! Will pass that along to her, Natalie.
Isabelle says
Way to go Bridget!!! Not many ten year olds have the compassion or the ability to express their conviction. Great things will come your way.
Karen says
What a moment of pride for you. She sounds like an amazing, compassionate girl. This message really is best served in our children’s world…they are our future! Who better to deliver it than one of their own. When it comes from a fellow student rather than a parent or teacher it’s effect is likely stronger. Bravo Bridget! Can’t wait to see what she has up her sleeve next!
Nicolette says
It’s wonderful you care so much . I’m trying to be vegan . I wished I had been brought up a vegan from birth . It’s such a lie that we need to eat meat and dairy. My heart breaks for the animals and how people treat them ….
Karen says
WELL DONE, Bridget, I KNOW you caused a number of questions between your friends and fellow students and their parents on the car ride home. I am a school bus driver and have gotten into serious trouble simply because I mentioned the environmental impact of animal agriculture on our environment! I was NOT preaching, only making a simple, one sentence statement, w’in the context of a conversation I was having w’a 7th grader, that was initiated by the student. This conversation was over heard by quite a few Jr. High kids on the bus, so I don’t know whose parent called to complain, however that one sentence made a parent call my employer and complain loudly and and at length that the bus driver had no right to “PREACH VEGANISM” to their child!!!!!
During this week of “rocking the boat” on so many deeply held opinions on a number of issues, I am once again reminded that it is YOUR generation that will be “the tipping point” of truly open discussions on so many things! I am an old white lady who stood w’civil rights issues back in the ’60s, and who read “Diet for a Small Planet” by Francis Moore Lappe sometime in the late ’70s and went Pesca, Ovo, Lacto Veg. back then. With Veganism becoming more wide spread, I learned what I was doing wasn’t nearly enough, and now a “real” Vegan.
Our Vegan Meet Up group here on Long Island in NY, has more than doubled in the last 3 years (pushing 1,500 now) and includes MANY kids being raised Vegan. I only hope for the sake of HEROS like yourself that there will be enough time for you to make the difference this world needs. My VERY BEST to you and your family, Karen
Dreena says
Karen, thanks for sharing this. What an ordeal. What a ridiculous reaction. I’d say I’m surprised, but I’m not. People are so defensive about consuming meat. Yet, our daughter in kindergarten was corrected by an assistant this year that “meat and dairy IS healthy”. I had to have a long conversation with our 5 year old about how most people truly do not understand what they are eating, and we know what is right. We certainly have a long way to go, and it’s unfortunate that an innocent conversation evoked such a defensive response for you. Thank you for continuing to be vegan, and show the benefits of being vegan. Best to you as well. -D.
Sandy says
It’s in her Dreena! Leading my example, it shows that kids can make their own “good” decisions. I’m sure you’re proud as punch!
Jacqui says
As the saying goes “out of the mouths of babes”. What a leader she will become!
Liz says
You must be SO proud, Dreena! I’m amazed at how ARTICULATE Bridget is at such a young age. The speech was everything a speech should be — on point, succinct, simple, factual and, most importantly, thought provoking. I can’t imagine there was ONE person who walked away after listening to that that DIDN’T feel motivated and inspired to eat less animal products. I’ve been plant-based for over 16 years, and even *I* was inspired by Bridget’s speech. 🙂 And, yes; what heart, courage and a beatiful spirit she has.
Debbie goedtel says
What a great speech! I am sure it made some people think a little bit and that is always a good start. As a fairly new follower of your blog, I did want to mention though that it was a little weird to have to scroll by an ad for a meat tenderizer and a bacon press in the shape of a pig, to get to the comment section. It would be nice if the advertiser would save those ads for a different kind of food blog…….
Dreena says
Thank you Debbie, and sorry about that ad. That set was just placed and I just realized this morning that those ads squeaked through. There shouldn’t be any more – If you do see anything similar, pls don’t hesitate to notify me!
Sandra Beall says
OOPS TYPO: “WITH” NOT “well”.
Sandra Beall says
Wonderful speech. You were able to make valid points about not eating meat and dairy but you did it in a way that did not demonize or put-down folks who aren’t vegan at the moment. By doing it that way the folks listening did not feel ostracized which made them want to listen and consider what you were sharing because you showed respect and concern toward them, the environment and other sentient beings that we share the earth well. No wonder your Mom is so proud. Well done.
Susan says
Way to go Bridget!
Janina says
This is so awesome! Thank you for sharing that story. It helps me believe, that my actions eventually will have an impact on my kids as well!
Yesterday, I was really proud at my kids, especially Mr. picky eater himself, to try and drink a fresh juice I bought! This is what I call baby steps, but got to appreciate them and keep working on it! 😉
Michele says
Bridget, your parents must be very proud of you and your speech. Most adults don’t understand what you already do about a plant based diet and kindness to animals. I have no doubt that you will have a great and positive influence on many people as a result of your passion. Thank you for being willing to stand up for your beliefs.
Karen says
Beautiful speech Bridget! Great job, thanks for sharing!
Allison Rivers Samson/Allison's Gourmet says
Yay, Bridget! And yay, Mama, for being such a loving, generous model of compassion. She chose you wisely! Too bad we live so far from one another, she and Olivia could get together to create an animal sanctuary! xoxo