A 1994 Roper Poll estimated the number of vegans in the U.S. to be 500,000 and growing.
Many people view veganism as simply a restrictive diet, a list of products and ingredients to avoid.
Actually, it is part of an affirmative, compassionate philosophy of life. Veganism is the embodiment of ahimsa non-violence towards and respect for all sentient beings. The most powerful tool there is for making a better world is a positive example. If you do not think vegans are making a difference, just compare the world currently to that of only 20 years ago. Vegans used to be extremely rare, but today almost everyone knows at least one vegan person.