What is the vegan group called? Exploring the diverse world of vegan communities

December 4, 2025 •

4 min read

The word "vegan" was coined in 1944 by The Vegan Society in the UK, yet there is no single, all-encompassing answer to the question: what is the vegan group called? The reality is that the vegan community is a diverse and multifaceted movement, comprising many different types of groups and organizations.

Quick Summary

This article explores the various names and types of groups that make up the vegan community, including formal societies, online networks, and grassroots activist groups.

Key Points

No Single Name: There is no one official name for "the" vegan group; the term varies depending on the type of community and context.
Formal Organizations: Groups like The Vegan Society, which coined the term in 1944, and the American Vegan Society are official, non-profit entities focused on advocacy and resources.
Online Communities: Many vegans connect through digital spaces, including social media groups on Facebook and forums like Reddit's r/vegan, which offer support and a platform for information exchange.
Local Groups: Casual meetup groups and activist networks operate locally, organizing social events, restaurant outings, and street outreach.
Diverse Functions: Vegan groups serve diverse functions, including providing nutritional guidance, promoting animal rights, and fostering social connection for members.
Finding Support: New and experienced vegans can find communities that align with their goals, whether that's online support or in-person activism.

No Single Name for the Vegan Community

Contrary to what one might assume, there is no one overarching name for all vegan groups globally. The vegan movement, which is a philosophy and lifestyle that seeks to exclude all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals, is represented by a variety of organizations and communities that serve different purposes. The term 'the vegan group' is a simplification of a much larger, more diverse collection of people, societies, and networks.

Formal Vegan Organizations

Many of the most well-known vegan groups are formal organizations, often registered as charities or non-profits, that work to promote veganism and support vegans. The oldest and most significant is The Vegan Society, founded in 1944 in the UK. It was the founders of this organization who first coined the term 'vegan' to describe non-dairy vegetarians. Today, it remains a leading authority, offering resources, trademarking products, and campaigning for vegan-inclusive policies.

Around the world, many other national and regional societies have formed. The American Vegan Society (AVS), for example, was founded in 1960 and provides support and education across the US. Other examples include Vegan Australia, ProVeg International, and the European Vegetarian Union (which works to advocate for both vegetarian and vegan lifestyles). These formal societies are often involved in advocacy, nutritional research, and educational outreach to help people transition to and sustain a vegan lifestyle.

The Rise of Online Vegan Communities

The internet has revolutionized how vegans connect, creating a vibrant network of online communities. These informal groups are often what people refer to when they ask about "the vegan group." Online communities offer a safe space for discussion, recipe sharing, and emotional support, which can be invaluable for new vegans who may feel isolated.

Common platforms for these groups include:

Social Media Groups: Platforms like Facebook host countless local and special-interest vegan groups, such as The Vegan & Vegetarian friends or Vegans International.
Online Forums: Websites like Reddit, particularly the subreddit r/vegan, provide a massive, anonymous space for discussion and advice.
Community-based websites: Resources like HappyCow serve as both a restaurant finder and a social hub, where users can connect and share recommendations.
Meetup.com: This platform lists hundreds of local vegan and vegetarian meetup groups in cities around the world, ranging from casual dining groups to animal rights activism.

Local Meetup Groups and Activist Networks

Beyond the digital space, the vegan community thrives in local settings through various meetup groups and activist networks. These grassroots efforts provide a tangible connection for people who share a common goal of promoting veganism and animal rights. Many cities have active local groups that organize events like:

Potlucks and cooking classes: Sharing food and recipes with others who understand your dietary choices.
Restaurant outings: Exploring local vegan-friendly dining options together.
Activist events: Organizing demonstrations, vigils outside slaughterhouses, or educational street outreach.
Volunteer opportunities: Contributing time to local animal sanctuaries or rescue organizations.

This face-to-face interaction is crucial for building a sense of belonging and solidarity within the movement.

Comparison of Vegan Group Formats


Feature	Formal Organizations	Online Communities	Local Meetup Groups
Purpose	Advocacy, trademarking, research	Support, information sharing, recipes	Socialization, local activism, support
Structure	Official, often non-profit	Informal, user-driven	Variable, from formal organizers to casual groups
Reach	National and international	Global	Local or regional
Communication	Newsletters, press releases, formal websites	Forums, social media posts, chats	In-person meetings, messaging apps
Primary Function	Systemic change	Information exchange and discussion	Social connection

Finding Your Vegan Community

Finding the right vegan community depends on your specific needs and interests. If you are seeking official resources or want to support large-scale advocacy, joining a formal organization is a good path. For daily support, connecting with online communities is best. If you desire in-person connections and localized activities, searching for local meetup groups or activist networks is the way to go. Many people engage with a combination of all three to get the most out of their vegan journey.

For a comprehensive list of organizations, the Wikipedia page "List of vegetarian and vegan organizations" is an excellent resource for exploring the multitude of groups available worldwide.

Conclusion

In summary, there is no single correct answer to the question "What is the vegan group called?" because the vegan community is a mosaic of different types of groups. It includes pioneering formal organizations like The Vegan Society, vast and supportive online communities across social media and forums, and crucial local meetup and activist networks. Whether you are a newcomer seeking resources or a long-time vegan looking for connection, this diverse landscape ensures that there is a vegan community for everyone, offering a place for learning, sharing, and advocacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no single collective term for a group of vegans. They are simply referred to as vegans, or can be identified by the specific name of their formal organization (e.g., The Vegan Society) or online community (e.g., r/vegan).

The Vegan Society, based in the UK, is arguably the most well-known, as it is the original organization that officially coined the term 'vegan' in 1944.

You can find local vegan groups by searching on platforms like Meetup.com, exploring local vegan resource websites, or joining regional vegan groups on social media platforms like Facebook.

Online vegan communities are often called forums, subreddits (e.g., r/vegan on Reddit), or social media groups. There is no single official name for all of them.

A vegan society is often a formal, educational organization that promotes veganism through resources and advocacy, while a vegan activist group is typically a more grassroots network that engages in public outreach and demonstrations.

Joining a vegan group, whether online or local, can provide valuable social support, shared experiences, recipes, and a sense of belonging, which can be particularly helpful when starting out on a vegan journey.

While animal rights are central to many vegan groups, the community includes a broad spectrum of interests. Some groups focus on health-related veganism, environmental veganism, or purely social connection.