---
title: "Chiang Mai 1999: Charles Hershey - Delegate Introduction - IVU - International Vegetarian Union"
description: "Chiang Mai 1999: Charles Hershey - Delegate Introduction: International Vegetarian Union (IVU) 33rd World Vegetarian Congress Chiang Mai, Thailand, January 4 - 10, 1999 'Vegetarianism is the Way' an unforgettable visual, cultural and gastronomic experience My name is Charles Hershey. I was born in Springfield, Illinois,"
url: "https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html?view=article&id=3662:congress-thai99-profiles-charlesh&catid=165"
date: "2026-11-06T00:13:41+00:00"
language: "en-GB"
---

#  Chiang Mai 1999: Charles Hershey - Delegate Introduction

**International Vegetarian Union (IVU)** | ![IVU logo](https://ivu.org/images/legacy/history/members/pics/ivu-con4.gif) |  |
|---|---|
 | ![Congress Logo](https://ivu.org/images/legacy/history/congress/thai99/pics/logo99.gif) **33rd World Vegetarian Congress**    Chiang Mai, Thailand, January 4 - 10, 1999    *'Vegetarianism is the Way'*    an unforgettable visual, cultural and gastronomic experience  My name is Charles Hershey. I was born in Springfield, Illinois, USA, in 1961, and grew up here. In the spring of 1972 I first thought about the fact that we kill animals to eat them. I had been brought up being taught that one doesn't tease or abuse animals, but treats them with respect. The implication of this is that there is SOMEONE there to tease or abuse. I don't worry about teasing or abusing a rock or a stick. To the best of my knowledge, it is not even possible. I also, of course, was taught that you don't kill someone just because they have something that you want. So the first time that I thought about what we do to non-human animals, it was obvious to me that it was murder. It would be many years before I knew that we are cruel to them as well before we kill them.  Within a day, I stopped eating meat. I had also been taught, as my parents had, that eating meat was necessary to live. Isn't it obvious? This belief seems pretty silly now - an ancient superstition which many people are reluctant to give up. But at the time, we all believed it. So I reluctantly gave in to my parents and began eating meat while trying to find a way out of this dilemma. Finally, in early January, 1973, I quit eating meat for good. I decided that even if it killed me to stop, I couldn't go on the way I had been. During those months in between, I had decided that I would have to spend my life doing what I could to change the world. At the time, I didn't know a single person who thought the way that I did, either personally or through reading about them.  I now have a B.S. in Electrical Engineering & Physics and an M.A. in Marriage, Family Child Therapy. I am self-employed writing computer software for a living. My first involvement with any animal rights or vegetarian organizations came in 1987 while I was living near Boston, Massachussetts, USA. I became active in CEASE (the Coalition to End Animal Suffering and Exploitation) as well as the newly formed Boston Vegetarian Society. In the late eighties and early nineties, I had the pleasure of being active in several Southern California organizations such as EarthSave L.A. and EarthSave Orange County as well as the California Vegetarian Association.  In 1995, I returned here to my hometown of Springfield, Illinois. Drawing upon my knowledge of what is possible that I gained from my Southern California experiences, I started the Springfield Vegetarian Association. While it continues to be a lot of work, I am pleased with the response that I have gotten. Springfield is a Midwestern U.S. town of a little more than 100,000 people (O.K., we are the Capital City of Illinois) surrounded by farmland. For those of you from other countries, we are in the middle of the corn belt where most of the corn and soybeans are grown in the U.S. Most of this, of course, is grown for animal feed, not human consumption. In the United States, the Midwest has a reputation for not being a source of "radical" new ideas (such as vegetarianism), but instead clinging to "old-fashioned" ways. Anyhow, in this Midwestern town of 100,000 or so people, we currently have over 250 people on our mailing list and have probably had 600 or so different people attend various events (speakers, videos, etc.). The biggest ones of these have been the two times that Howard Lyman has spoken here. Most recently, in May of this year, over 100 people showed up to hear him. I am always hearing about more people who are vegetarian who I haven't met and running into others who would like to be. And perhaps those are the most satisfying for me: the people who become more vegetarian as a result of our activities or the information that we make available. It is good to know that we are making a difference in our corner of the world and that I am part of it.  It has been heartwarming over the years to meet and learn of many of the people around the country and throughout the world who actually think about and care about non-human as well as human animals. I now know that I don't have to change the world, but I can do what I can to change my own little piece of it. It is also very encouraging to see and acknowledge the changes that have taken place, at least here in the U.S., in the past 26 years. While it is certainly not as fast as many of us would like it, the changes are actually quite dramatic. Twenty six years ago, I hadn't even heard of a vegetarian in Springfield! And anyone who became one was thought to be endangering their health. My doctor told my parents not to let me do this because I would destroy my body! Now, restaurants will let people know that they serve vegetarian meals. Everyone knows what a vegetarian is and most people associate it with people who want to be healthier. Most people have a suspicion that it might be better for their health. In the U.S., health insurance companies now will pay for scientifically proven programs that use a vegetarian diet in conjunction with other lifestyle changes to treat heart disease (Dr. Dean Ornish's program). Some local heart doctors tell their patients to eat a vegetarian diet! And best of all, here in Springfield, vegetarians and animal rights sympathizers seem to be coming out of the woodwork. It is a very different world than I grew up in. And I like these changes! (And both of my parents are vegetarian now also!)  I am looking forward to meeting all of you. Yikes! It's just a few days away! This is also the first time I've used my passport. The only other country I've been to is Canada (the English speaking part). And I hope I don't offend any Canadians with this, but it's not very different there from here in the U.S. This congress will be a nice way to celebrate 26 years of being a vegetarian and 20 years of being vegan!  \- Charles Hershey      A note on this archive. The history section of this website is drawn from a body of legacy content originally compiled by John Davis, former manager of the International Vegetarian Union. It represents his curation of historical material, and in places includes passages written by him directly.  Over the years, the IVU website has migrated between several different hosting servers. In the course of these migrations, a number of PDF files were unfortunately lost, and **some links to PDF documents may no longer function**. Where this is the case, we have chosen to leave the original link text in place, as it may itself carry information of historical value.  - Hits: 683    ###  1957 World Vegetarian Congress   - [1957 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1957-congress-wvc57-index.html) - [1957 World Vegetarian Congress: Souvenir Book](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1957-congress-wvc57-souvenir-index.html)      - [History of IVU](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html)      ###  Vegetarian Congresses: Main Archive   - [Illustrated History of IVU Congresses: 1908-2008](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-2008-ivuhistory-index.html) - [1847 England Physiological and Vegetarian Conference](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-1847-index.html) - [1850 American Vegetarian Convention](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-1850-index.html) - [1890 International Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-1890-index.html) - [1893 International Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-1893-index.html) - [1897 International Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-1897-index.html) - [1900 International Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-1900-index.html) - [1908 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc08-index.html) - [1909 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc09-index.html) - [1910 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc10-index.html) - [1926 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc26-index.html) - [1932 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc32-index.html) - [1935 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc35-index.html) - [1938 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc38-index.html) - [1947 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc47-index.html) - [1949 American Vegetarian Convention](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-1949na-index.html) - [1950 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc50-index.html) - [1953 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc53-index.html) - [1955 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc55-index.html) - [1957 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1957-congress-wvc57-index.html) - [1960 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc60-index.html) - [1963 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc63-index.html) - [1965 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc65-index.html) - [1967 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc67-index.html) - [1971 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc71-index.html) - [1973 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc73-index.html) - [1975 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc75-index.html) - [1977 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc77-index.html) - [1979 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc79-index.html) - [1982 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc82-index.html) - [1984 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc84-index.html) - [1994 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc94-index.html) - [1996 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc96-index.html) - [1999 World Vegetarian Congress: Chiang Mai](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1999-congress-thai99-index.html) - [2000 World Vegetarian Congress: Toronto](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2000-congress-2000-index.html) - [2002 World Vegetarian Congress: Edinburgh](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2002-congress-2002-index.html) - [2004 World Vegetarian Congress: Florianopolis](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2004-congress-2004-index.html) - [2006 World Vegetarian Congress: Goa](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2006-congress-2006-index.html) - [2008 World Vegetarian Congress: Dresden](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2008-congress-2008-index.html)      ###  History of Vegetarianism   - [History of IVU](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html)     - [Vegetarian History Timeline](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-timeline-index.html)     - [Museum of Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-museum.html)     - [History of the International Vegetarian Union](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-ivu-index.html)     - [Vegetarian Societies: Historical Directory](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-societies-index.html)     - [World Vegetarian Congress History](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-2008-ivuhistory-index.html)     - [Famous Vegetarians: People Directory](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-people-index.html)     - [Vegetarian History Online Library](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-online-library.html)     - [IVU Magazine Archives](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-news-magazine.html)     - [IVU Online News Archive](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-news-online-index.html)     - [Vegetarianism in Ancient Greece and Rome](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-greece-rome-index.html)     - [Ancient India and Eastern Vegetarian Traditions](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-east-index.html)     - [Europe: Middle Ages to the 17th Century](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-renaissance-index.html)     - [England: Early 19th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-england19a-index.html)     - [Europe: Late 19th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-europe19b-index.html)     - [Europe: Early 20th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-europe20a-index.html)     - [Europe: Late 20th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-europe20b-index.html)     - [USA: 19th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-usa19-index.html)     - [North America: Early 20th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-northam20a-index.html)     - [North America: Late 20th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-northam20b-index.html)     - [Vegetarian Societies in Africa](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-africa-history.html)     - [Vegetarian Societies in South and West Asia](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-swasia-history.html)     - [Vegetarian Societies in Latin America and the Caribbean](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-societies-latin-america.html)     - [North American Vegetarian Societies and IVU](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-northam-history.html)     - [Music and Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-music.html)     - [Creative Writing and Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-writers-creative.html)     - [Religion and Vegetarianism Library](https://ivu.org/hv-libraries-research-religion-books.html)     - [Vegetarian Science Library](https://ivu.org/hv-libraries-research-science-library.html)      ###  Vegetarian News and Periodical Archives   - [IVU Magazine Archives](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-news-magazine.html) - [IVU Online News Archive](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-news-online-index.html) - [Interviews with Vegetarian and Vegan Activists](https://ivu.org/hv-news-periodicals-news-online-interviews-index.html) - [European Vegetarian Union News Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-news-periodicals-news-evu-index.html) - [European Vegetarian News Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-news-periodicals-news-europe-archives.html) - [Nigerian Vegetarian News Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-news-periodicals-nigeriaveg-newsarchive.html) - [The Vegetarian Newspaper: 1888-1903](https://ivu.org/hv-news-periodicals-history-europe19b-the-vegetarian.html) - [The British Vegetarian: 1959-1971](https://ivu.org/hv-news-periodicals-history-europe20b-british-vegetarian.html) - [The Vegetarian World Forum Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-news-periodicals-history-world-forum-index.html)      ###  Vegetarian Libraries and Historical Research   - [Vegetarian History Online Library](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-online-library.html) - [Museum of Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-museum.html) - [The Ethics of Diet: Book and Editions](https://ivu.org/hv-libraries-research-history-williams-index.html) - [Percy Bysshe Shelley: A Monograph](https://ivu.org/hv-libraries-research-history-shelley-monograph.html) - [The Vegetarian Movement in England: 1847-1981](https://ivu.org/hv-libraries-research-history-thesis-index.html) - [English Vegetarian Movement: Thesis Bibliography](https://ivu.org/hv-libraries-research-history-thesis-bibliography.html) - [Vegetarian Federal Union: 1897 Annual Report](https://ivu.org/hv-libraries-research-history-vfu-1897-report.html) - [Historical Books on Animal Ethics](https://ivu.org/hv-libraries-research-animals-books.html) - [Religious Vegetarian Books: Historical Library](https://ivu.org/hv-libraries-research-religion-books.html) - [How to Win an Argument with a Meat Eater: Booklet](https://ivu.org/hv-libraries-research-religion-articles-argument.html) - [Historical Books on Vegetarian Science](https://ivu.org/hv-libraries-research-science-library.html) - [Science Council of IVU: Historical Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-libraries-research-science-scivu-index.html)      ###  1990s Regional Congresses and Thailand 1999   - [1999 World Vegetarian Congress: Chiang Mai](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1999-congress-thai99-index.html) - [1999 Thailand Congress: Programme and Abstracts](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1999-congress-thai99-program-index.html) - [1999 Thailand Congress: Participant Profiles](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1999-congress-thai99-profiles-index.html) - [1999 Thailand Congress: Historical Materials](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1999-congress-thai99-index-old.html) - [1995 European Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1999-congress-euro95-index.html) - [1997 European Vegetarian Congress: Bussolengo](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1999-congress-euro97-index.html) - [1997 India and Far East Regional Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1999-congress-asia97-index.html)      ###  Vegetarian People, Arts and Culture   - [Famous Vegetarians: People Directory](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-people-index.html) - [Vegetarian Actors in Film and Television](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-people-actors-index.html) - [Vegetarian Actors in Bollywood](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-people-actors-bollywood.html) - [European Vegetarian Actors](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-people-actors-europe.html) - [Vegetarian Television Personalities](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-people-tv-index.html) - [Vegetarian Radio Personalities](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-people-radio-index.html) - [Vegetarian Models and Fashion Designers](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-people-models-index.html) - [Vegetarian Rock and Pop Musicians](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-people-music-index.html) - [Vegetarian Classical, Jazz, Folk and Country Musicians](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-people-music-classic.html) - [Vegetarian Punk, Hip-Hop and Reggae Musicians](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-people-music-punk.html) - [Vegetarian Politicians and Activists](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-people-politics-index.html) - [Vegetarian Sports Personalities](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-people-sports-index.html) - [Vegetarian Writers, Artists, Poets and Philosophers](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-people-writers-index.html) - [Vegetarian Religious Leaders and Mystics](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-people-writers-religious.html) - [Vegetarian Scientists and Physicians](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-people-writers-scientists.html) - [Vegetarian Quotations and Poetry](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-people-quotes-index.html) - [Music and Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-music.html) - [Classical Music and Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-history-music-classical.html) - [Jazz and Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-history-music-jazz.html) - [Rock and Pop: Bands, Musicians and Timeline](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-history-music-rock.html) - [Rock and Pop: Historical Directory Version](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-history-music-all.html) - [Creative Writing and Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-writers-creative.html) - [Creative Writing: Historical Influences Directory](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-history-influences.html)      ###  2000 Toronto Congress Archive   - [2000 World Vegetarian Congress: Toronto](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2000-congress-2000-index.html) - [2000 Toronto Congress: Photo Gallery](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2000-congress-2000-pics-index.html) - [2000 Toronto Congress: Host Association Reports](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2000-congress-2000-tva-index.html) - [2000 Toronto Congress: Vegetarian About.com Report](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2000-congress-2000-vac-index.html)      ###  Vegetarian Societies and IVU History   - [History of Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html) - [History of the International Vegetarian Union](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-ivu-index.html) - [Vegetarian Societies: Historical Directory](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-societies-index.html) - [International Vegetarian Meetings Before IVU](https://ivu.org/hv-societies-ivu-history-societies-pre-ivu.html) - [Vegetarian Society UK: Historical Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-societies-ivu-history-societies-vs.html) - [Vegetarian Societies in the United Kingdom](https://ivu.org/hv-societies-ivu-history-societies-united-kingdom.html) - [US Vegetarian Societies: 1837-1908](https://ivu.org/hv-societies-ivu-history-societies-usa.html) - [North American Vegetarian Societies and IVU](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-northam-history.html) - [Vegetarian Societies in Latin America and the Caribbean](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-societies-latin-america.html) - [Vegetarian Societies in Africa](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-africa-history.html) - [Vegetarian Societies in South and West Asia](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-swasia-history.html) - [Indian Vegetarian Societies](https://ivu.org/hv-societies-ivu-swasia-india-history.html) - [IVU Fellows: Historical Directory](https://ivu.org/hv-societies-ivu-members-council-fellows.html)      ###  Vegetarian History: Timelines and Eras   - [Vegetarian History Timeline](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-timeline-index.html) - [Ancient Vegetarian History Timeline](https://ivu.org/hv-timelines-eras-history-timeline-ancient.html) - [Vegetarian History Timeline: 1400-1800](https://ivu.org/hv-timelines-eras-history-timeline-pre-1800.html) - [Vegetarian History Timeline: 1800-1888](https://ivu.org/hv-timelines-eras-history-timeline-19a.html) - [International Vegetarianism: 1889-1907](https://ivu.org/hv-timelines-eras-history-timeline-1900.html) - [IVU and Vegetarianism: Early 20th Century](https://ivu.org/hv-timelines-eras-history-timeline-1908.html) - [Vegetarianism in Ancient Greece and Rome](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-greece-rome-index.html) - [Ancient India and Eastern Vegetarian Traditions](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-east-index.html) - [Asia and Pacific Vegetarian History up to 1900](https://ivu.org/hv-timelines-eras-history-east-index2.html) - [Europe: Middle Ages to the 17th Century](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-renaissance-index.html) - [European Vegetarian History: 18th Century](https://ivu.org/hv-timelines-eras-history-renaissance-europe18.html) - [Food in England Since 1066](https://ivu.org/hv-timelines-eras-history-renaissance-food-england.html) - [England: Early 19th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-england19a-index.html) - [Europe: Late 19th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-europe19b-index.html) - [Europe: Early 20th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-europe20a-index.html) - [Europe: Late 20th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-europe20b-index.html) - [North America: 18th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/hv-timelines-eras-history-northam18-index.html) - [USA: 19th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-usa19-index.html) - [North America: Early 20th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-northam20a-index.html) - [North America: Late 20th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-northam20b-index.html)      ###  2008 Dresden Congress Archive   - [2008 World Vegetarian Congress: Dresden](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2008-congress-2008-index.html) - [2008 Dresden Congress: Lecture Texts](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2008-congress-2008-texts-index.html) - [Illustrated History of IVU Congresses: 1908-2008](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-2008-ivuhistory-index.html) - [2008 Dresden Congress: Historical Materials](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2008-congress-2008-index-old.html)      ###  2006 Goa Congress Archive   - [2006 World Vegetarian Congress: Goa](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2006-congress-2006-index.html) - [2006 Goa Congress: Lecture Texts](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2006-congress-2006-texts-index.html) - [2006 Goa Congress: Photo Gallery](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2006-congress-2006-jdphotos-index.html)      ###  2004 Brazil Congress Archive   - [2004 World Vegetarian Congress: Florianopolis](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2004-congress-2004-index.html) - [2004 Brazil Congress: Speakers and Food Demonstrators](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2004-congress-2004-speakers-index.html) - [2004 Brazil Congress: Lectures](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2004-congress-2004-lectures-index.html) - [2004 Brazil Congress: Reports and Comments](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2004-congress-2004-reports-index.html) - [2004 Brazil Congress: Cruelty-Free Fashion Gallery](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2004-congress-2004-photos-fashion-index.html) - [2004 Congress: Rio Grande do Sul Tour Gallery](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2004-congress-2004-photos-postcong1-index.html) - [2004 Brazil Congress: Historical Materials](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2004-congress-2004-index-old.html)      ###  Vegan Recipes   - [![Halloween Pumpkin Tajine](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/halloween-pumpkin-tajine-1775425120_82b242cd0cb29c390a63411ee74b7052.jpg "Halloween Pumpkin Tajine")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/halloween-pumpkin-tajine.html "Halloween Pumpkin Tajine")           ####  [Halloween Pumpkin Tajine](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/halloween-pumpkin-tajine.html "Halloween Pumpkin Tajine")            [Main course](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/main-course-for-lunch-and-dinner.html) [Soups](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/soup.html) [Morocco](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/morocco.html) [African](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/african.html) - [![VEGAN TARO SMOOTHIE](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/th10%20582_3d89acd6f2e2c3a3db3ab36d42f5297a.jpg "VEGAN TARO SMOOTHIE")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/vegan-taro-smoothie.html "VEGAN TARO SMOOTHIE")           ####  [VEGAN TARO SMOOTHIE](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/vegan-taro-smoothie.html "VEGAN TARO SMOOTHIE")            [Beverage](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/beverage.html) [Breakfast and brunch](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/breakfast-and-brunch.html) [Drinks](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/drinks.html) [Vietnam](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/vietnam.html) - [![Jamaican Jardinière Pickles](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/jamaican-jardini--re-pickles-1780528829_bdad05932e4d638ec1b0cee9d4eb6f55.jpg "Jamaican Jardinière Pickles")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/jamaican-jardiniere-pickles.html "Jamaican Jardinière Pickles")           ####  [Jamaican Jardinière Pickles](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/jamaican-jardiniere-pickles.html "Jamaican Jardinière Pickles")            [Jamaica](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/jamaica.html) [Starters & side dishes](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/snack-side-dishes.html) [Caribbean](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/caribbean.html)       ###  VFA Blog   - [![The Ultimate Guide to the Science and Culinary Magic of Nutritional Yeast, Marmite, and Vegemite](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/nutritional_yeast_5511cf79dd291bdb390a2926a01c7b3b.png "The Ultimate Guide to the Science and Culinary Magic of Nutritional Yeast, Marmite, and Vegemite")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page/item/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-science-and-culinary-magic-of-nutritional-yeast-marmite-and-vegemite.html "The Ultimate Guide to the Science and Culinary Magic of Nutritional Yeast, Marmite, and Vegemite")           ####  [The Ultimate Guide to the Science and Culinary Magic of Nutritional Yeast, Marmite, and Vegemite](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page/item/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-science-and-culinary-magic-of-nutritional-yeast-marmite-and-vegemite.html "The Ultimate Guide to the Science and Culinary Magic of Nutritional Yeast, Marmite, and Vegemite")                - [Read more](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page/item/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-science-and-culinary-magic-of-nutritional-yeast-marmite-and-vegemite.html)       ###  Science   - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/207-rapid-global-phaseout-of-animal-agriculture-has-the-potential-to-stabilize-greenhouse-gas-levels-for-30-years.html)     [ Rapid global phaseout of animal agriculture has the potential to stabilize greenhouse gas levels for 30 years](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/207-rapid-global-phaseout-of-animal-agriculture-has-the-potential-to-stabilize-greenhouse-gas-levels-for-30-years.html) Popular - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/206-animal-agriculture-and-climate-change-a-qualitative-holistic-note.html)     [ Animal Agriculture and Climate change a Qualitative holistic note](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/206-animal-agriculture-and-climate-change-a-qualitative-holistic-note.html) Popular - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/202-environmental-impact-of-two-plant-based-isocaloric-and-isoproteic-diets-the-vegan-diet-vs-the-mediterranean-diet.html)     [ Environmental Impact of Two Plant Based Isocaloric and Isoproteic Diets The Vegan Diet vs the Mediterranean Diet](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/202-environmental-impact-of-two-plant-based-isocaloric-and-isoproteic-diets-the-vegan-diet-vs-the-mediterranean-diet.html) Popular            ###  History     [ ![Taiwan's climate legislation embraces plant based eating](https://ivu.org/joomlatools-files/docman-images/generated/0f49c89d1e7298bb9930789c8ed59d48.jpg)    Taiwan's climate legislation embraces plant based eating                ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/history/vegan-nutrition-history/283-taiwans-climate-legislation-embraces-plant-based-eating.html "Taiwan's climate legislation embraces plant based eating")       [ ![Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2022   Guideline 4 Eat fish poultry eggs, and lean meat in moderation](https://ivu.org/joomlatools-files/docman-images/generated/6a9aeddfc689c1d0e3b9ccc3ab651bc5.jpg)    Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2022 Guideline 4 Eat fish poultry eggs, and lean meat in moderation                ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/history/vegan-nutrition-history/282-chinese-dietary-guidelines-2022-guideline-4-eat-fish-poultry-eggs-and-lean-meat-in-moderation.html "Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2022   Guideline 4 Eat fish poultry eggs, and lean meat in moderation")       [ ![Reply to Proposal No 4748 (Agriculture and Water Conservancy Category No  297) of the Third Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People´s Political Consultative Conference](https://ivu.org/joomlatools-files/docman-images/generated/e3796ae838835da0b6f6ea37bcf8bcb7.jpg)    Reply to Proposal No 4748 (Agriculture and Water Conservancy Category No 297) of the Third Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People´s Political Consultative Conference                ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/history/vegan-nutrition-history/281-reply-to-proposal-no-4748-agriculture-and-water-conservancy-category-no-297-of-the-third-session-of-the-13th-national-committee-of-the-chinese-peoples-political-consultative-conference.html "Reply to Proposal No 4748 (Agriculture and Water Conservancy Category No  297) of the Third Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People´s Political Consultative Conference")                              ###  2002 Edinburgh Congress Archive   - [2002 World Vegetarian Congress: Edinburgh](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2002-congress-2002-index.html) - [2002 Edinburgh Congress: Programme](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2002-congress-2002-program-index.html) - [2002 Edinburgh Congress: Talks and Recipes](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2002-congress-2002-texts-index.html) - [2002 Edinburgh Congress: Photo Gallery](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2002-congress-2002-photos-index.html) - [2002 Edinburgh Congress: Jeff's Journal](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2002-congress-2002-journal-index.html) - [2002 Congress: Edinburgh and Scotland Travel Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2002-congress-2002-scotland-index.html)      - <a href="">Archives by Language </a>     - [Chinese People Archive: Traditional Chinese (Big5)](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-chinese-people-index-big5.html)     - [Chinese Writers Archive: Traditional Chinese (Big5)](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-chinese-people-writers-index-big5.html)     - [Chinese People Archive: Simplified Chinese (GB)](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-chinese-people-index-gb.html)     - [Chinese Writers Archive: Simplified Chinese (GB)](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-chinese-people-writers-index-gb.html)     - [French Famous Vegetarians Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-french-people-index.html)     - [French IVU Magazine Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-french-news-magazine.html)     - [French 2008 Dresden Congress Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-french-congress-2008-index.html)     - [German IVU Magazine Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-german-news-magazine.html)     - [German 2008 Congress: Historical Materials](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-german-congress-2008-index-old.html)     - [German Illustrated IVU Congress History](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-german-congress-2008-ivuhistory-index.html)     - [German 2008 Dresden Congress Programme](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-german-congress-2008-program.html)     - [Italian Famous Vegetarians Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-italian-people-index.html)     - [Italian IVU Magazine Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-italian-news-magazine.html)     - [Italian 1997 European Congress Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-italian-congress-euro97-index.html)     - [Italian 1999 Thailand Congress Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-italian-congress-thai99-index.html)     - [Italian 2008 Dresden Congress Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-italian-congress-2008-index.html)     - [Portuguese 2008 Dresden Congress Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-portuguese-congress-2008-index.html)     - [Spanish Famous Vegetarians Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-spanish-people-index.html)     - [Spanish 1999 Thailand Congress Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-spanish-congress-thai99-index.html)     - [Spanish 1999 Thailand Congress Programme](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-spanish-congress-thai99-program-program.html)     - [Spanish 2008 Dresden Congress Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-spanish-congress-2008-index.html)        ###  Download the Vegetarian Nutrition Booklet for Kids and Adolescents   - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/117-vegetarian-nutrition-booklet-for-kids-and-adolescents.html)     [ vegetarian-nutrition-booklet-for-kids-and-adolescents](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/117-vegetarian-nutrition-booklet-for-kids-and-adolescents.html) Popular               7676 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/122-booklet-ivu-portugues-web.html)     [ Booklet IVU portugues web](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/122-booklet-ivu-portugues-web.html) Popular               7320 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/123-nutrition-guide-for-students-with-khmer-translation.html)     [ Nutrition Guide for Students (with Khmer Translation)](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/123-nutrition-guide-for-students-with-khmer-translation.html) Popular               6052 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/130-2023-05-03-18-17-13.html)     [ ベジタリアン・ヴィーガン栄養ガイド](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/130-2023-05-03-18-17-13.html) Popular               5524 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/124-vegetarian-nutritie-cartea-pentru-copii-si-adolescenti.html)     [ BROȘURA DE NUTRIȚIE VEGETARIANĂ - Romanian](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/124-vegetarian-nutritie-cartea-pentru-copii-si-adolescenti.html) Popular               5040 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/131-cartel-de-nutricion-vegetariana.html)     [ CARTEL DE NUTRICIÓN VEGETARIANA](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/131-cartel-de-nutricion-vegetariana.html) Popular               4558 downloads            ###  Nutrition   - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/294-what-are-the-best-sources-of-protein-introducing-the-bpi-score.html)     [ What are the best sources of protein Introducing the BPI Score](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/294-what-are-the-best-sources-of-protein-introducing-the-bpi-score.html) Popular               603 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/250-2024-the-omniveg-study-health-outcomes-of-shifting-from-a-traditional-to-a-vegan-mediterranean-diet-in-healthy-men-a-controlled-crossover-trial.html)     [ 2024 The OMNIVEG STUDY Health outcomes of shifting from a traditional to a vegan Mediterranean diet in healthy men A controlled crossover trial](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/250-2024-the-omniveg-study-health-outcomes-of-shifting-from-a-traditional-to-a-vegan-mediterranean-diet-in-healthy-men-a-controlled-crossover-trial.html) Popular               2782 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/205-plant-based-nutrition-exploring-health-benefits-for-atherosclerosis-chronic-diseases-and-metabolic-syndrome-a-comprehensive-review.html)     [ Plant Based Nutrition Exploring Health Benefits for Atherosclerosis, Chronic Diseases, and Metabolic Syndrome—A Comprehensive Review](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/205-plant-based-nutrition-exploring-health-benefits-for-atherosclerosis-chronic-diseases-and-metabolic-syndrome-a-comprehensive-review.html) Popular               3834 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/204-2024-plant-and-animal-fat-intake-and-overall-and-cardiovascular-disease-mortality-main-folder-all-cause-mortality.html)     [ 2024 Plant and Animal Fat Intake and Overall and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality Main Folder All Cause Mortality](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/204-2024-plant-and-animal-fat-intake-and-overall-and-cardiovascular-disease-mortality-main-folder-all-cause-mortality.html) Popular               4052 downloads                                ![](https://ivu.org/media/yootheme/cache/02/adult-guide-029d8cad.png)### The International Vegetarian Union’s Vegan Nutrition Guide for Adults  In 2 versions:  - [For healthcare professionals](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutritional-guide/the-international-vegetarian-union-s-vegan-nutrition-guide-for-adults-healthcare-professionals.html) - [General Public Edition](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutritional-guide/guide-for-non-healthcare-professionals.html)    [Get it now](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutritional-guide.html)         ![](https://ivu.org/images/banners/booklet2.jpg)### Vegetarian Nutrition Booklet A Dietary Approach to Vegetarianism for Kids and Adolescents  The intention of this booklet is present to kids and adolescents a healthy vegan diet    [Read more](https://ivu.org/nutrition/vegetarian-nutrition-book-for-kids-and-adolescents.html)                 Vegan Nutrition            ![](https://ivu.org/media/yootheme/cache/a6/logo_IVU_01_SLOGAN-a678b962.png)               ### Presidents, Chair and Council  - [IVU President and Chair of the International Council](https://ivu.org/ivu-chair.html) - [IVU Honorary President](https://ivu.org/ivu-honorary-president.html) - [International Council](https://ivu.org/international-council.html)       ### Departments  - [Fund-raising](https://ivu.org/fund-raising.html) - [Global Health](https://ivu.org/global-health-department.html) - [Medicine and Nutrition](https://ivu.org/nutrition/medicine-and-nutrition.html) - [Policy Initiatives](https://ivu.org/policies-initiatives.html)     - [Articles](https://ivu.org/policies-initiatives/policies-iniciatives-articles.html)       ### Regions  - [Europe](https://ivu.org/europe-union.html) - [Latin America](https://ivu.org/latin-america.html) - [North America](https://ivu.org/north-america.html) - [Africa](https://ivu.org/africa-continent.html) - [Asia-Pacific](https://ivu.org/asia-pacific-region.html) - [Asia-South & India](https://ivu.org/asia-south-west.html) - [Asia-West & Middle East](https://ivu.org/asia-west-middle-east.html) - [Contacts](https://ivu.org/contact-ivu.html)       ### Blogs  - [Cynthia Schuck](https://ivu.org/cynthia-schuck.html) - [John Davis](https://ivu.org/john-davis.html) - [Marly Winckler](https://ivu.org/marly-winckler.html) - [Vegan Food Academy](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page.html) - [Login](https://ivu.org/login-2.html) |

## Schema

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1999-congress-thai99-profiles-index.html?view=article&id=3662:congress-thai99-profiles-charlesh&catid=165","url":"https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1999-congress-thai99-profiles-index.html?view=article&id=3662:congress-thai99-profiles-charlesh&catid=165","name":"Chiang Mai, Thailand, January 4 — part 6 of 32","inLanguage":"en","isPartOf":[{"@id":"https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html#archive"},{"@id":"https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1999-congress-thai99-profiles-index.html"}],"publisher":{"@id":"https://ivu.org/#organization"},"description":"International Vegetarian Union (IVU) 33rd World Vegetarian Congress Chiang Mai, Thailand, January 4 - 10, 1999 'Vegetarianism is the Way' an unforgettable visual, cultural and gastronomic experience…","about":{"@id":"https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html#wvc-1999"}}]}
```

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
    "itemListElement": [
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 1,
            "name": "Home",
            "item": "https://ivu.org"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 2,
            "name": "History of IVU",
            "item": "https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 3,
            "name": "History of the Vegetarian Societies",
            "item": "https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html?view=category&id=46"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 4,
            "name": "congress",
            "item": "https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html?view=category&id=83"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 5,
            "name": "thai99",
            "item": "https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html?view=category&id=163"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 6,
            "name": "profiles",
            "item": "https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html?view=category&id=165"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 7,
            "name": "Chiang Mai 1999: Charles Hershey - Delegate Introduction",
            "item": "https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html"
        }
    ]
}
```

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "Article",
    "mainEntityOfPage": {
        "@type": "WebPage",
        "@id": "https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html"
    },
    "headline": "Chiang Mai 1999: Charles Hershey - Delegate Introduction",
    "description": "Chiang Mai 1999: Charles Hershey - Delegate Introduction: International Vegetarian Union (IVU) 33rd World Vegetarian Congress Chiang Mai, Thailand, January 4 - 10, 1999 'Vegetarianism is the Way' an unforgettable visual, cultural and gastronomic experience My name is Charles Hershey. I was born in Springfield, Illinois,",
    "publisher": {
        "@type": "Organization",
        "name": "International Vegetarian Union",
        "logo": {
            "@type": "ImageObject",
            "url": "https://ivu.org/images/logos/logo-ivu-tranparent-background.png"
        }
    },
    "author": {
        "@type": "Person",
        "name": "Alex Fernandes",
        "url": "https://ivu.org/international-council.html"
    },
    "datePublished": "2026-06-30T23:45:46+00:00",
    "dateCreated": "2026-06-25T00:04:45+00:00",
    "dateModified": "2026-10-08T00:52:32+00:00"
}
```