What could be better? A cooking class with the brilliant chef Renee Press of Fire and Earth Kitchen, who knows her way around a holiday — or any kind of — meal, plus a tour of Pasado’s Safe Haven, where a whole barn is named for NARN. Now you can have both on the same day, and bonus: It’s a fundraiser for the animals!!
This Saturday (Nov. 4) is your chance! From noon to 3 p.m., for $65, you can have all those good vibes and all this good food: creamy potatoes au gratin with herbed cashew crumbs, cranberry pecan rice salad and roasted delicata squash rings with savory mushroom gravy. Yes!
Get your tickets here! And look forward to a fun class and to meeting all the wonderful animals, including the billy goats, pigs and llamas who call the NARN Barn home!
How did the NARN Barn get its name? Not many people from NARN or Pasado’s remember anymore, but NARN’s Rachel Bjork checked with Joe Haptas, who was NARN’s executive director from 1998 to 2002. He recalled a large donation — perhaps $30,000, the largest ever for NARN and the Margaret Kyros Foundation given “to build the barn and to encourage Pasado’s to have a strong focus on farm animal issues and to promote a plant-based diet to the public through their work.”
There was a big, fun dedication event for the barn’s opening, Haptas said, where someone “broke a bottle of champagne against the barn to christen it, if I recall correctly.” It was in the late ’90s, and “Pasado’s really seemed to take off from that point and grew so quickly,” he said.
The NARN Barn
Sweet billy goats rescued from a dairy
Pasado’s Safe Haven
Local vegan boutique Drizzle & Shine donates a portion of sales to a different non-profit each month. Food Empowerment Project is their non-profit for July. In addition to donating a percentage of the monthly sales total, Drizzle & Shine is hosting Food Empowerment Day at the store and will be offering 10% off all purchases with an additional 10% going to Food Empowerment Project.
Come visit and meet some of the local FEP volunteers and try some fair-trade, vegan chocolate!
Where: Drizzle & Shine, 102 15th Ave East (Capitol Hill), Seattle, WA 98112
Date: July 30th, 2016
Time: From noon to 4 pm.
Food Empowerment Project is an organization that is working to create a more just and sustainable world through the food choices we make. They are a fantastic organization that is creating a more compassionate society by spotlighting the abuse of animals on farms, the depletion of natural resources, unfair working conditions for produce workers, the unavailability of healthy foods in communities of color and low-income areas, and the importance of not purchasing chocolate that comes from the worst forms of child labor.
Check out their app, Chocolate List, in Google Play or in the Apple App Store. It’s a great resource to help you source companies that make vegan, slave-free chocolate.
The True Cost is a groundbreaking documentary that asks the simple question: “Who made my clothes?”
What does that have to do with animals? Well, as an animal rights organization, NARN advocates for all sentient beings to live a full life, to be free, and to not to be used and exploited. People, animals, and the earth are often exploited in the name of business.
The True Cost is playing at Central Cinema (1411 21st Ave., Seattle WA 98122) on Sunday, March 13, 2016 @4 PM.
Click here to see the trailer.
Tickets are only $8 and are available here.
The True Cost pulls back the curtain on the untold story and asks us to consider, who really pays the price for our clothing?
Filmed in countries all over the world, from the brightest runways to the darkest slums, this film will take you on an eye-opening journey around the world and into the lives of the many people and places behind our clothes.
The film sheds light on the wasteful nature of fast fashion and the horrible working conditions in the factories where cheap clothing is made.
We all wear clothes. Even if you don’t follow the latest trends or count “shopping” as one of your pastimes, there’s something in this film for you.
In light of our poster making party for the Black Lives Matter Rally, and of course next week’s Black Lives Matter Rally on Nov 27th, we’d like to share, and encourage everyone to read, this blog post from the Vine Sanctuary:
http://blog.bravebirds.org/archives/2612
If you are interesting in learning more, please check out this additional resources:
On All Lives Matter:
On Allyship:
On White Silence and 18 Daily Resolutions for White People to Fight Racism
On Systemic Racism (video)
Ever feel lonely, sitting at your computer writing letters to help the animals? There’s an event for that!
Check out NARN’s monthly letter-writing parties, where we supply the stationery, stamps, pens and sample letters — and you supply the penmanship.
Pick your passion: Letters to prisoners, to SKANSKA execs, to UW regents, to city council members, to Xfinity Arena management for hosting the rodeo. Or thank companies, organizations and people who have championed animal-friendly policies.
Even better, there’s food involved.
The next letter-writing party is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 25, at the Veggie Grill in South Lake Union (446 Terry Ave N).
Help Animals India is having its first-ever Seattle benefit for India’s animals.
Date: October 17, 2015
Time: 5 pm
Cost: $15 (tickets available here)
Location: Culture Shakti Dance, Seattle
Despite some of the best animal protection laws in the world and a renowned heritage of reverence for life, modern India is a country where millions of animals suffer severe neglect or abuse.
Overpopulation, poverty, pollution, superstition, apathy and ignorance all contribute to their plight. In a country where human misery and impoverishment remain high, the welfare of destitute animals is a low priority.
Help Animals India is a Seattle-based non-profit dedicated to improving the welfare of animals in India by raising money for dedicated Indian animal protection groups and advising them on how to improve their capacity to help the animals.
Join them for a fun evening of Indian Dance Performance by the Dancers of Culture Shakti, Indian and World Vibes Music by Dj Seanuman, Mystic Kombucha on Tap, and a Catered Silent Auction with Items from local businesses.
Delicious Food Provided by Chaco Canyon, The Shop Agora, & Cupcake Royale.
ALL proceeds go the benefit Help Animals India
Can’t make the event? Please consider donating – any amount helps!
You can find out more about Help Animals India on their website or on their Facebook page.
Let’s keep Keith Tucker spinning veggie burgers!
Keith hosts awesome Hip Hop Green Dinners all over the country to spread the word about tasty, animal-free burgers. I was lucky enough to attend one in Seattle’s Lake City neighborhood a few months ago — yum! He provides great entertainment, too.
These hip hop dinners change lives by doing something as simple and powerful as serving healthy vegan meals to youth and families who may never have had one before. Keith shows them that veganism is possible, delicious — and necessary, for animals, our health and our communities.
Sponsors like Seattle’s Field Roast help ensure that the Hip Hop Green Dinners are free. So do fundraisers like the one Keith is holding this Labor Day Weekend in Seattle, Baltimore and Miami.
Please join the Big Burger Battle Fundraiser, where you can buy a scrumptious Field Roast burger for a great cause!
Details: Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. at The Collaboratory, 5623 Rainier Avenue South, Seattle.
Seattle Veggie Burgers, represent!
(And thanks to our friend Christie Lagally at Living Humane for the heads up!)
In his new film, UNITY, writer/director Shaun Monson (the man behind EARTHLINGS) takes an in-depth look at what it truly means to be human. The film presents a message of love, tragedy and hope, all set against the backdrop of some of the most compelling 20th and 21st century footage imaginable.
It’s a one-night cinematic event, playing in multiple locations nationwide on August 12, 2015.
Watch the trailer
Get your tickets
UNITY features a dizzying array of 100 celebrity narrators including Ellen Degeneres, Kevin Spacey, Adrian Grenier, Joaquin Phoenix, Selena Gomez, Adam Levine, Pamela Anderson, Ben Kingsley, Common, Deepak Chopra, Geoffrey Rush, Dr. Dre, Zoe Saldana, Aaron Paul, Jennifer Aniston, Jeff Goldblum, Moby, Susan Sarandon.
We were lucky enough to interrupt Shaun Monson’s busy schedule for an interview.
NARN: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself (where you grew up, what you did before making documentaries, are you vegan and if so, what made you decide to go vegan? If you aren’t, why not)?
SM: I was born and raised in Southern California. I always wanted to be a movie director, but it was a difficult industry to break into. I got my first chance directing a public service announcement commercial. I have been a vegan for around 15 years. I became one after seeing footage of animals being slaughtered for food.
NARN: Why did you decide to make Earthlings? What did you hope to accomplish? Are you happy with its impact?
SM: I made the film Earthlings because at the time, I was not aware of any film that tackled all of the issues involving human abuse of animals for economic purposes. With the movie Earthlings, I hoped to accomplish awareness of this exact issue. I am happy with the impact. It outdid what I had expected the film to do.
NARN: Why did you decide to make Unity? What do you hope to accomplish with it’s release?
SM: Unity is an extension of Earthlings. Earthlings focuses on the achievement of one group of beings (mainly animals), while Unity focuses on the perception of all beings. Like the last question, I hope to accomplish increased awareness.
NARN: I really like that this movie mentions social justice and other systems of oppression in addition to animal exploitation. Can you say a bit about why those issues are important to you and why you wanted to include them in your movie?
SM: Any time we deal with dominion, it is because a group of beings oppress another for whatever reason. On the surface, it may be social justice, but at the core, they deal with the same problem–dominion and all of its forms.
NARN: What other animal- or environmental-related documentaries do you admire?
SM: I like all of them. I commend anyone who is making an effort to raise awareness of suffering, dominion, injustice and other related issues.
NARN: How widely will Unity be distributed? How can we see it? How can we convince all of our friends to see it?
SM: For starters, theatrical distribution will be worldwide. But, since only a small percentage of the world lives within driving distances of a theater that is playing it, another worldwide release will occur online in the fall. As for encouraging friends and family to see it–tell them that if they are to see one documentary this year, please let it be Unity.
NARN: How did you get all of those celebrities to narrate it?
SM: It started with one, then two, then four, then eight and so on. It kept on multiplying. It took many years–not just to record, but to edit together.
Please watch Unity in theaters tomorrow!
On Saturday, April 11th, 2015 from 2:00 to 4:30 author Ruby Roth will be at Seattle First Baptist Church (1111 Harvard Ave, Seattle, WA 98122) for a special event.
See more at the Facebook event, and be sure to buy your tickets at http://rubyroth.brownpapertickets.com.
In this one-of-a kind lecture, acclaimed author Ruby Roth explores the transformative power of veganism on society and the individual (children included!). Through an examination of pop culture, the controversial media response to her children’s books, and the obstacles one faces by being vegan and raising vegan kids, Roth reveals the invisible forces that shape public thinking about health, children, and animals, strengthening her audience’s resolve to fight the good fight, overcome social and familial pressures, and engage children in healthy eating and animal rights. Whether you’re a vegan veteran or a veg-curious newbie, whether you’re raising kids or work with children other than your own, whether you’re planning a family or involved in animal advocacy, Roth will inspire you to rethink the status quo as well as our cultural approach to raising kids.
The 90-minute presentation and Q&A portion of the event is designed for adults (babies in arms welcome). Free onsite childcare will be provided on a very limited basis–please see ticket page for full information. The presentation and Q&A will be followed by a book signing and a reading for children of V Is for Vegan. Tickets for adults are $15 and children are free.
Featured on CNN, FOX, Today, and other major media outlets, Ruby Roth is the world’s leading author and illustrator of vegan and vegetarian books for children. Roth has received international attention for her sensitive, yet frank advocacy of a vegan diet and lifestyle. Complementing her degrees in art and American Studies, she has researched animal agriculture, health, nutrition, and the benefits of a plant-based diet for over a decade. Learn more about Ruby Roth at http://wedonteatanimals.com/home and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/wedonteatanimals.
Announcing #Comments film USA tour
Seattle Premiere, Saturday July 16 2016
Northwest Film Forum, 8:30 pm
What the heck is #Comments?
A film short kicking off a new genre: “Sketch Commenty.”
Ever been frustrated by online comment sections? This short film is for you.
#Comments, a 35-minute video, is part of a series of verbatim comments from online articles acted out as characters by musicians Eleni Vlachos and Rob Beloved of the band Beloved Binge. The first in the series includes three articles on vegan mayo, two of which chronicle a lawsuit by corporate giant Unilever (Hellman’s) against tiny startup Hampton Creek (Just Mayo).
Eleni started the series to address the inhumanity of our online behavior in a humorous way, and named this new genre “sketch commenty.” She wondered: By laughing at ourselves, can we change the conversation?
At each show, two bands join the party: Audiences are invited to sit, drink, listen, and watch.
Seattle premiere: 8:30 pm Saturday, July 16, 8:30 pm – 12:00 am
Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
9:00 pm: Black Giraffe: www.facebook.com/blackgiraffemusic
9:45 pm: #Comments film (trailer): https://youtu.be/P4cgpIVLrM0
10:20 pm: Q&A with filmmaker & actors
10:30 pm: Ichi Bichi: https://www.facebook.com/Ichibichiband/
$8 goes to performing acts and space.
Event page: http://www.nwfilmforum.org/live/page/calendar/4006
Invite: https://www.facebook.com/events/141049829638336/
This film premiered in Durham, NC on April 23, 2016 to a sold-out crowd who laughed during the entire performance. One man said, “I almost peed my pants.”
The new “Sketch commenty” series hit the road in June — both screening this film and making a new one recording characters from shows across the US featuring reader comments from articles about “fake” meat. Watch for the wigs!
Trailer: https://youtu.be/P4cgpIVLrM0
Theme song: https://soundcloud.com/beloved-binge/comments-theme-song
Press: Independent Weekly Creative Loafing
Photos from the sold-out premiere, by Edward Wando
Learn more: www.youbigtalker.com/comments