Support on Your Vegan Path

One of the most important – but often overlooked – aspects of thriving with a plant-powered, vegan lifestyle is having a strong support network. Research suggests that social challenges are among the most common reasons for straying from a plant-based lifestyle. Many find it hard to eat differently than those in their social circle, to be the “odd one out.” Having a social network with other vegans appears to strengthen our commitment and adherence. It also brings joy and fulfillment, as we connect with like-hearted others. Supportive social relationships have been hugely important on my journey, as well as for many of the vegans I interviewed for my recently released book, The Vegan Transformation: A Journey to Heal Yourself and the World (Lantern, 2025).

To experience the transformation that is possible with a vegan lifestyle, we can’t do it alone. We need others we can talk to, and share our hopes, dreams, and challenges. These supportive relationships inspire and uplift us. They give us hope and strengthen our commitment during challenging times. They empower and encourage us. In many cases, they collaborate toward a shared vision, whether to be more healthy, awaken spiritually, advocate for animals, or heal our planet.

Learning to build supportive connections with other vegans, as well as with non-vegan friends and family, is important for thriving with your plant-powered lifestyle. Below are five tips for building greater social fulfillment and connection: 

1. Join vegan networks or groups. Whether online or in person, it’s important to create vegan friendships where you feel supported, nurtured, and inspired. This may include online meetings, plant-based conferences, local meet-ups, or volunteering for a vegan or animal rights organization.These networks provide a safe space to share feelings and receive support. It isn’t the size of network that is most important; even a few vegan friends can make a huge difference. You can find these networks through searching online, on social media, or connecting with a local plant-based Building Healthy Communities group.
2. Be okay with being different. This is a big one—because eating plant-based is still a minority lifestyle, and for many of us, it isn’t easy to go against the status quo. We are biologically wired to want to fit in and avoid social rejection. Some people are more naturally rebellious and may not find this as difficult, but for many, it can be a major struggle. Thriving vegans discover how to shift their mindset around the idea of being “different.” It’s important to connect with a strong WHY for your choice to be vegan. What motivated you to choose a vegan lifestyle? Staying connected with these motivations strengthens you to hold your beliefs in the face of social pressures. This will empower you to speak up and honor your values with courage and integrity.
3. Learn to speak up assertively and effectively. Thriving vegans develop the ability to express their feelings, needs, and perspectives in ways that create heart-felt dialogue. Unfortunately, many of us lack the ability to skillfully navigate differences, and this leads to unresolved conflicts and emotional cut-offs. Many of us fall into extremes of being too passive (people-pleasing and avoiding conflict) – or too aggressive (speaking out in angry or hostile ways), rather than being assertive (speaking up clearly, directly, and respectfully). Thriving vegans work to develop healthy communication skills. These skills empower you to set boundaries around which situations you are willing (or not willing) to be part of and explore new ways to connect with those you love, including replacing old traditions that center around animal foods. (See my Resource List for books and resources on improving communication).
4. Create vegan allies. Even when your loved ones are not willing to go plant-based along with you, you can request their support for your journey. In her book Beyond Beliefs, Dr. Melanie Joy emphasizes the value of cultivating vegan “allies” who understand and support your vegan choice. These are people who, although not necessarily vegan themselves, do not undermine your choice to be vegan, and advocate for you when you need support. This is important because you are more likely to thrive on your journey when others are supportive and understand why a vegan lifestyle matters to you. Asking someone to be an ally lessens the likelihood they will try to sabotage your lifestyle – and invites them to be more receptive to learn about veganism, because they are not feeling personally pressured or judged.
5. Planting seeds for positive change. Focus on being a positive role model who embodies the compassion and well-being you wish to inspire in others. Rather than staying stuck in frustration when others are not willing to change, realize that everyone has their own journey. Pressuring or criticizing others rarely works to create personal or social transformation. At the same time, you can plant seeds that will help others, never knowing when those seeds may take root. As you embody a healthy, fulfilling, plant-powered lifestyle, you never know who you may inspire, and what transformations may unfold.

Developing meaningful connections is one of the joys that can come with discovering your passion for vegan living, and sharing this with others. Our connections strengthen us, bring fulfillment, and inspire us to be better versions of ourselves. Strengthening our skills for healthy relating, navigating differences, and nurturing support helps to create a healthy and fulfilling life, and a thriving, joyful vegan lifestyle.

NOTE: Excerpt adapted from The Vegan Transformation: A Journey to Heal Yourself and the World by Angela Crawford, Ph.D. Parts of this article were also shared with Vedge Your Best podcast and newsletter. CLICK HERE to listen to my interview on Vedge Your Best podcast.