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Parliament of the World's Religions


  • McCormick Place - Lakeside Center 2301 South Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL, 60616 United States (map)

The Parliament of the World's Religions returns to Chicago, August 14th-18th, 2023, at the iconic McCormick Place.

The Vegan Museum exhibit will be displayed in the Climate Action Track for the duration of the entire event. This will be in the McCormick Place Lakeside Center, East Building (2301 S Lakeshore Drive).

We're thrilled to share that Kay Stepkin, the visionary behind The Vegan Museum, will be a distinguished speaker at the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions, on August 16th and 17th (find the agenda below). This remarkable opportunity offers The Vegan Museum a unique platform to share its message, extend its reach, and make a meaningful impact on a global scale.

The Parliament of the World's Religions stands as the torchbearer for the paramount interfaith gathering of changemakers – a nexus where civic leaders, spiritual luminaries, and grassroots advocates converge. Through its efforts, the Parliament advances a pivotal agenda encompassing religious freedom, environmental stewardship, peace, justice, women's rights, safeguarding the future, and championing Indigenous Peoples' rights.

A warm welcome extends to all individuals of faith and goodwill. The Parliament Convenings stand as a pinnacle of interfaith engagement, encapsulating over a century of luminaries including Swami Vivekananda, Susan B. Anthony, UN Messenger of Peace Jane Goodall, His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama, and a constellation of Nobel Peace Laureates, spiritual stalwarts, and international figures from diverse faith traditions, uniting a kaleidoscope of spiritual beliefs.

Registrants are invited to immerse themselves in a multitude of enriching experiences - plenary sessions, enlightening breakout discussions, captivating art exhibits, awe-inspiring performances, a cinematic tapestry of the human spirit, and endless avenues to connect with fellow champions of justice, peace, and sustainability. General admission, day passes, group packages, and student rates are available at 2023PoWR.org.

Be part of this living legacy, as we journey together towards a world marked by unity, understanding, and shared purpose.

For more information, please visit: https://parliamentofreligions.org/parliament/2023-chicago/

Agenda:

Join us on Wednesday, August 16th, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the Climate Village Art Gallery (Level 3, Hall D) for a thought-provoking experience: 'What Does it Mean to be Vegetarian?' Kay Stepkin will lead us through a tour of The Vegan Museum. Discover the ethical and environmental impact of dietary choices and embrace a deeper understanding of compassionate living.

Thursday, August 17, 8-9:30 am

Climate Action Track, Room E266

“Looking Back and Moving Forward: The Vegan Museum”

We seem to be in the middle of the Sixth Great Extinction on the planet, affecting both plant & animal life. As our planet confronts this unknown future, an urgent question arises: What pivotal transformation can each of us embrace in order to rejuvenate our dying world?
The Vegan Museum stands as a testament to the sweeping global shift towards conscientious food choices. Join us as Museum founder Kay Stepkin shares her vegetarian past as well as her inspiration for starting the world's first vegan museum.
Lisa Levinson will discuss the significance of documenting veganism via museums/exhibits, fostering credibility and community.
Venture further with Victoria Moran who will discuss the spiritual history of vegetarianism. Kay will conclude the forum by illuminating how the flourishing environmental/vegan movement is providing us with a deeper understanding of the nature of God.