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The International Vegetarian Union (IVU) was founded in 1908 when the first World Vegetarian Congress was held in Dresden, Germany. The idea for IVU came from the French Vegetarian Society, the first Congress was organized internationally by the British Society and locally by the Dresden Society with support from the Deutsche Vegetarier-Bund. Since then a series of World Congresses have been held all around the world.
The International Vegetarian Union is a non-profit making organization with membership open to any non-profit organization whose primary purpose is to promote vegetarianism and is governed exclusively by vegetarians. A Supporter of IVU may be any individual, family or organization that supports the aims and objectives of IVU, regardless of whether they are vegetarian or not.
For the purpose of membership of IVU, vegetarianism includes veganism and is defined as the practice of not eating meat, poultry or fish or their by-products, with or without the use of dairy products or eggs.
The aim of the IVU is to promote vegetarianism throughout the world.
In order to achieve this aim the main objectives are:
The activities of IVU are regulated by the General Meeting of Members held at each World Congress. Between Congresses the responsibility for the day-to-day running of IVU is undertaken by the International Council, the members of which are elected at each Congress.
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