Today we’d like to introduce you to Hal Brody.
Hi Hal, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I moved to San Diego in 1968 after graduation as a mechanical engineer. I worked in local industry for three years and then started a manufacturing business producing electric potter’s wheels. After 22 years I sold that business and started some others before getting my contractor’s license and doing some construction as a volunteer for the Peace Resource Center of San Diego. I also designed and built my home in Point Loma which won environmental recognition. From 1980 to ’93, volunteering with The Alternatives to Violence Project, I conducted conflict resolution/violence avoidance workshops for different community orgs. But mostly in Calif. State Prisons. In 2008 I began volunteering with Last Chance for Animals at street fairs handing out literature and conversation to those interested in a vegan lifestyle. That name changed to the current Vegan Justice when I took over managing that org. in 2020.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been pretty smooth. Significant obstacles haven’t appeared in my life. I feel lucky about that but know that luck is where preparation meets opportunity. I feel “lucky” that I’ve had opportunities to prepare for the opportunities that presented.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My current volunteer position as Director of Vegan Justice is the best thing I’ve done in my life. About once a month I take our booth to some community event–often a street fair-type venue–and hand out vegan cookies, literature, and compassionate conversation to those seeking info about becoming vegan. Others in the vegan community volunteer with me at these events.
My motivation is the knowledge that animals raised for food in factory farms live their entire lives in a state of torture–all their natural instincts denied. After living in crowded cages in terrible conditions, they’re violently murdered, packaged, and sent to supermarkets for us to buy, eat and get sick from. I’m convinced that eating animal products is the leading cause of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and many cancers–the leading causes of death in this country. And the environmental consequences are severe with regard to pollution and global warming.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
My parents came from large families, and we’d all get together for holidays. There were a lot of cousins about my age, and we’d have a great time together.
Contact Info:
- Website: VeganJustice.com
