Gentle World Inc

One of the best sites for learning about being vegan. They have tons of top-quality articles, and all sorts of info on different aspects of the vegan lifestyle. I'm on the newsletter list and I love the emails they send out. Along with recipes and nutrition information, they always include something touching and meaningful about the animal rights issues. I'm a big fan :)

Gentle World helped me tremendously when I needed guidance with my transition to veganism. They have a unique approach that I found encouraging and uplifting. I would describe myself as "vegan-ish" when I first learned about their organization, but they made it easy to understand why 100% vegan is the way to be. Their accomplishments over the years are impressive, and they have a long history in the movement that really inspired me to drop my excuses and get on board with being vegan. So grateful, thank you

Thank you for being so generous with your time, helping me and my family to learn more about veganism. We were curious about it already, but after our conversations with your kind volunteers, we are now gung-ho and ready to embark on our vegan journey! Can't wait to try some of the recipes we talked about. And we're looking into starting our own garden as well. Excited for this next step!

Slime bags. Rapists. Manipulators at the finest. a cult of pedophiles who prey on young, naive women. HEAD THIS WARNING!

I am embarrassed to share that I fell into their "vegan commune" 8 years ago when I first moved to this island. I was 17 - my dad had just died and I was feeling the need to connect with people that felt like family, who were also vegan and living "sustainably."

I took a shot in the dark and joined Gentle world's community without much prior knowledge of who they were. We FaceTimed, agreed to work trade a few days a week in exchange for accomodations and food, and I booked my ticket.

As soon as I got there, they told me I needed to work way more than I initially agreed upon. They also asked me to give them 20% of my profits when I'd sell handmade things at the market. I wasn't allowed to go anywhere without them, and I felt constantly spied on.

They asked me to go get EBT and give them all of it every month. They asked me to change my name and cut all my hair off so I would "lose/shed my Babylon identity" and become my newer, better self. They got me high every day and would rant and rave for hours about veganism and tried to control what I listened to - I couldn't listen to music that THEY didn't make. You know what music they would play for me? Love songs - that they would sing to ME, after knowing me for less than two weeks. ������

They convinced me to leave my boyfriend, who came with me to the community, and told me I needed to try polyamory, and sleep with the older men (two of them were in their 70's - I was 17!!) They wanted to bring me to new Zealand and basically get stuck out there with them for six months and be apart of their polygamist "family." There were two other 20 year olds there at the time, also sleeping with 70 year old men.

One of the guidelines was that I HAD to lay naked in the sun every morning with them so that they could look at my naked body and creep on me. They chose what clothes I'd wear, and would tell me to sleep next to them at night, while they'd unconsentually touch me and try to get me to sleep with them.

I'm shocked to think I thought all of this was normal. I was just too young, naive, and looking for a new experience. I was definitely brainwashed to think all of that was normal.
Taking advantage of young women that lack boundaries and have daddy issues is their game.

I can't believe how completely blind I was to it. I had some intuitive feeling that it wasn't pono as soon as I got there, but like I said, I was young and didn't know how to trust my intuition yet. Had been abused a lot in childhood and was used to things not feeling good...
Anywho, Free/Rachel helped free me from that toxic situation and housed me until I ended up flying back home.

When I went back there to get my deposit back from the gentle World folks, they were disgusting that I'd leave them and were super aggressive towards me and said some really hurtful things I'll never forget.

I get it, they were hurt. I was free slave labor for them, and I had a hard time saying no, so I was easy to take advantage of. They probably thought I'd be there until they were dead!

I could go on and on about why it's a dangerous cult; I could even write a book about my experience, but I'll save the rest for another day

I have been listening to interviews with Gentle World on YouTube, and I am really touched by the stories that I'm hearing there. Thank you for offering a different perspective on the problems of this world, especially the suffering the animals are forced to live with. The Gentle World approach to vegan activism is really helpful for someone like me.

I'm so grateful that Gentle World exists! Over the years, I have found the information they share to be inspiring and enlightening as well as informative. My eyes have been opened to many important issues thanks to their website and social media pages. Their approach is gentle and accessible, and I always feel like a better world is possible after reading their content.

As a non-profit professional myself, I know how much work it takes to keep serving the public year after year. Gentle World has a loooooong history as a vegan educational organization, going back to a time when most people didn't even know what the word vegan meant! Kudos to the Gentle World crew for keeping it going all this time, and for continuing to be a light in this very non-vegan world.

I've been a donor to Gentle World for many years, and I’m so impressed with the recent online upgrades, even adding a new eBook with 20 FAQs about veganism. The updated website is beautiful, and the information published over the years is now so easy to see and access. I was actually amazed to realize just how much content has been produced so far, and new material is being added all the time. The website includes information on so many different topics, from animal rights to product reviews, and even information about vegan gardening! I always read the latest articles, and I often share them with friends who are interested in veganism. I know I can trust the resources from Gentle World’s site.

I stayed at Gentle World in the summer of 2021, right before my last semester at my university.

I spent two weeks at Gentle World as a volunteer. The residents taught me about vegan lifestyle, sustainability, gardening, etc. When I shared my interest in the management side of running a retreat center, a resident sat down with me and shared some of the projects she’s been working on.

During the last days of my stay, I was invited to extend my stay. I told them I had to prioritize my last semester at school. I also had my best friend’s birthday party to attend. The residents shared their concerns that “I wouldn’t be able to continue being vegan if I leave so soon.” I felt torn but I left as planned.

A few hours after I came back from my friend’s birthday party, the residents from Gentle World called to check up on me.

After reminiscing about the experience at Gentle World, I told them I missed living with them. To my surprise, they offered me a round trip flight just so I can spend the rest of the summer with them.

At the time, I thought I was the luckiest girl spending the rest of my summer in Hawaii. I was so thankful that they’d spend hundreds of dollars just so I can stay with them for 2 weeks…

Looking back, I know they had a different agenda.

Within a few days after my arrival, they offered me a semester-long internship at Gentle World. The offer was a perfect deal. They offered to teach me grant-writing as I assisted the member in charge of managing the center.

I told them I’d love to accept the offer once I complete my degree, but the members were persuasive about reconsidering my priorities. Eventually, I decided to stay, telling myself that grant-writing internship will benefit my resume.

Things started to feel wrong right after I told them I dropped all my classes for the semester.

First, I was told that if I wanted to learn grant writing, I’d have to commit for a year instead of a semester. They said teaching someone who’d only stay for a few months wouldn’t be worth their resources or their time.

Additionally, I was told I have to pay $500 per month for the duration of my stay.

I felt deceived. They withheld these information from me until after I withdrew from my classes. I felt stuck, lost, and alone.

My suggestion to come back after completing my bachelors was always received negatively. When I told them that I’m reconsidering the internship, they seemed confused and offended. I remember being told:

“We’re offering so much to you, but you keep on changing your mind. We wouldn’t want to work with someone who is not committed.”

“People your age are so unreliable. I don’t know what they are thinking.”

I started to wonder if spending a semester here was worth my time.

On top of all this, ever since I came back to the center, I was working 40-60 hours per week with no days off. (We were supposed to work 25 hr per week and get two days off).

I wrote an email to a member suggesting a 25 Hour schedule. The response I received was along the line of “I have always been suggesting that kind of schedule to you.”

When I expressed concern to another member, I was told that “you’re supposed to keep track of your hours yourself. We didn’t know you were working that long.”

My final straw was when I confided in a member, asking him to hear me out. The irritated response I received was “I don’t listen, I give advice. I get inspiration from above and I don’t want you to stop my flow. Go speak to the women if you want a listener. They are better at these things than men.”

I booked my flight right after this conversation. I told everyone that I am leaving, and I left the next morning.

When I showed interest in their center, they welcomed me with open arms. But when I suggested leaving, they guilted me until I changed my mind.

I thought everyone had my best intentions in mind. However, looking back, the round trip ticket and the internship were tools they used for their selfish reasons.

It took me a year to write about my experience, because I felt ashamed for not noticing the red flags sooner. I hope that sharing my experience will prevent anyone else from going through what I went through.

Truly the most gentle, caring, kind group of people you’ll meet. I feel honored to have had the opportunity to know and learn from them. Their dedication and commitment is inspiring. I’ve learned a lot about my self, how to be a more sustainable and compassionate human, how incredible & multi-faced the benefits of veganism is. They also paired me with a new friend when staying elsewhere on the island for the first week. Mahalo Gentle World!

Gentle World was the perfect first work exchange experience! The people here are truly gentle and patient. I learned so much about veganism, sustainability, cooperative living, and really love and truth in general. I would recommend coming here to anyone who needs time to find themself.
I am so happy I made friends while here. Not only did GW connect me with another short-term volunteer, which was a great match, but I felt like I truly connected and learned from everyone there. It was incredibly inspiring to see a long-term life like one that I want but didn't know was possible.

I had the opportunity to volunteer at Gentle World in March of 2022.
It was my 1st experience living & learning about the Vegan lifestyle & it was 1 of the best experiences traveling/volunteering.
Everyone at Gentle World was very friendly, knowledgeable & answered all the questions I asked. It was refreshing to meet people who practice what they preach and who really care about every living thing we are surrounded by.
I felt welcomed at Gentle World from the 1st day & time went by quick. The meals were amazing. I’ve never been a big meat eater but wasn’t sure how meals would be-everything was fresh & tasted great. It’s the only 2 weeks I ate 3 meals a day before & since I’ve volunteered there.
I can’t thank everyone at Gentle World enough for my experience.
My time seemed to go by so quickly but it seems I saw & did a lot while learning something everyday. I miss sleeping in the cabin & the beautiful Hawaiian sunrises/sunsets.
I have felt better physically/mentally & spiritually since my time volunteering at Gentle World. I’m definitely more conscious about what I consume & use everyday and where/what it’s made of & thanks to everyone at Gentle World for that✌������❤️

It's a gentle world; it's a gentle home; it's a gentle life. I have had the absolute pleasure of being hosted by this lovely community of people. They are all united in a message I firmly stand with: injustice anywhere is still injustice. They have grounded me in the message that I should use my voice for those that can't. The cabin I lived in on the property was quaint and adorable. It gets cold at night, so make sure you bring layers :) The dogs (freedom and fawn) are angels. The view from the deck is heaven. Absolutely recommend spending two weeks of your life here. You might just learn some new things-- about the world and about yourself. I am a college freshman at Dartmouth; I am the president of a recently started club called "Eating for the Earth" (E4TE). This experience of living at gentle world has done nothing but reaffirm all of the philosophical and moral benefits that I noticed about veganism when I first considered making the life-alerting shift. Working in the garden and planting string bean babies was extremely humbling. And the food OH the FOOD! If you were on the fence before, you'll find that perhaps it was because you didn't know about how to properly cook tofu or "rocket fuel" (a smoothie) or eggless omelets.

Thank you for teaching me, Gentle world.

Love,
Anna

Gentle world is a wonderful place to be. Filled with wonderful people and wonderful opportunities for growth. My time here was a very informative one. I learned how to live more consciously within a vegan community who truly cares about you. The lessons I learned here I can take with me for future endeavors and use to create the life I want for myself. I am so grateful to Gentle World for helping me live my truth of Veganism and caring for the earth.

I had a rewarding experience volunteering with Gentle World Vegan. This intentional community is located in the idyllic and scenic northwest of the Big Island of Hawaii, which in my opinion is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. I left feeling centered after a few weeks of communing with nature and learning about vegan lifestyle. The wonderful group who live here were helpful, kind and inspiring.

My days were full but there was also time to take a walk, read, or just be. I worked in the garden de-weeding or mulching, helped prepare meals, cleaned the house, and walked the dogs. The cabin I stayed in was simple but clean and comfortable. As a city-dweller it took a day to get used to living partially outdoors. But I ultimately loved sleeping there, hearing the sounds of nature outside and breathing the crisp air.

I highly recommend a stay here for anyone who is interested in vegan lifestyle or sustainability.

Really excellent and helpful vegan organization. Great resource for vegan information.

I first came across Gentle World about ten years ago when, as a new vegan on the other side of the world, I was captivated to discover their online presence. This is a unique resource that combines clear vegan education with a window into a community where the peace and harmony arising from living vegan values are clear for all to see.

Right from the start I could see that what Gentle World represented was more than simply a theory; the vision of founders Sun and Light had achieved a breath-taking embodiment of veganism.

My earliest impressions have been more than sustained over the years since that first discovery. As a writer and activist on the subject of animal rights and the veganism that is the logical moral requirement for all who respect living creatures and the planet we all share, I have referred time and again to the educational material provided by Gentle World both for my own instruction and to share with others.

In the writings of Gentle World’s Angel Flinn in particular, I have found a source of profound inspiration. Through her work, I learned to stand uncompromisingly on the side of the victims of our species, presenting the truth of their plight compellingly, without hostility or judgement. Articulate and engaging, her educational writings are unsurpassed.

The same morally consistent and unequivocal application of the vegan ethic shines through every aspect of Gentle World, serving as an inspiration to us all and a reminder that the world that all activists seek to achieve, really can exist.

I honestly cannot recommend this organisation highly enough.

I was 12 when I meet the founders of Gentle world. 14 when I met Angel and the others. They have played a huge part in my life and have helped to show me a way of life I never concieved possible. I love following their story and seeing their updates. After spending a while in their New Zealand home, I believe they helped me become the person I always wanted to be.. without even realising it. They will forever hold a special place in my heart

My experience of Gentle World has been through their online work. I know they are also a practice-based community, and this is part of their integrity and work, where they “walk the talk” and ground their theory, but living far away, I’ve never been able to directly experience this aspect. So my comments will mainly be about their work online.

Gentle World is one of the world’s great vegan education resources. I’ve used their material for over 11 years, and love that they are so clear, so easily understood. They take the strong ethical position about the inexcusable nature of using other sentient beings as things, as resources, as property. They address all aspects of animal use (not just as food), and address many of the common misperceptions, such as that “backyard animals” are OK, and the only problem is industrial animal use. They also have wonderful stories, and evidence that veganism is not a new thing, like the writings of Al-Ma’arri in the 10th century, or of Leslie Cross. Evidence that vegan ethics is activist based, and not some intellectual idea “invented” recently.

Their work is beautifully clear, and emotionally compelling, while based in the logic that cruelty is cruelty, and mental compartmentalisation is intellectually and morally dishonest. If we oppose cruelty, exploitation, and the abuse of others for our own self-interest, we must be vegan.

Gentle World lives this, and provides plentiful resources to support both the inquiring minds and the committed. I recommend it unreservedly, and have no worries referring others to their work.

While I had been vegetarian most of my life, I didn’t commit to living my ethical beliefs by becoming vegan until gently guided by the folks at Gentle World. After many educational e-mail exchanges with Angel (who was kindly willing to discuss such questions as “what happens to all the cows if everyone stops consuming dairy?”), I visited Gentle World in Hawaii. Being among these people who lived what they believed helped convince me I could do the same. My birthday this year, 9/13/21, found me celebrating eight years of being vegan. I have kept in touch since then and find Gentle World a constant source of inspiration to just DO what I know is right!

I have been working with Gentle World for several months. Gentle World is an excellent resource for those looking for more information on veganism, whether it’s recipes, nutrition, or ethics. They always make sure their sources are evidence-based.

This nonprofit has a very informative website and two cookbooks (available online) that are extremely helpful for anyone looking to increase their knowledge of the vegan lifestyle (and all the who's, what's, and why's that go along with it).

They provide these valuable resources to longtime vegans, new vegans, and "veg-curious" alike, in a friendly and approachable manner.

They also have recently taken on an additional function: that of an actual sanctuary for abused animals who have been rescued from their previous inhumane circumstances. They are currently home to five cows, rescued from the dairy industry.

My experience at Gentle World was amazing and life changing. I learned a lot about veganism and sustainable living. The people of Gentle World were able to change my outlook on life within two weeks. They are truly gentle people who have a positive impact on not only their local community but the whole world.

Incredible people.
They really changed the way I view the world and what I want out of my life.
Cannot thank them enough for this amazing experience.
Do yourself a favor and visit GentleWorld in Hawaii.

I came across an essay from The Gentle World through a friend. They are good reads and come in handy to share with friends that are newly vegan and are looking into going vegan.
Earlier this year I have learned about their cookbook "The Cookbook for People Who Love Animals" being sold for a deep discount to their supporters. I bought several copies and in this way I am able to give out a cookbook to people that I meet on different occasions.
Thank you for all your great work.

Gentle World is a magical nonprofit which educates everyone about veganism and with it, how to be a compassionate environmentalist. It is a magical experience to be at Gentle World. Everyone there is superb, and I hope everyone one day gets a chance to work with this incredible organization.

I'm so happy and grateful for our partnership with this beautiful organization. When we were running out of grass for our rescued cows, our friends at Gentle World offered to help without hesitation. They are showering our girls with love and compassion, I couldn't have asked for better caregivers.

The people of Gentle World are genuine and kind, with a profound love for all beings. They are working tirelessly towards are more compassionate world, for humans and non-humans alike.

Gentleworld’s purpose and way of being is a wonderful example for the world. Based on a true vegan ethic they stand out as world leaders. I truly believe is we took the violence off our plates world peace would actually be possible. Thank you Gentleworld for being a beacon for people everywhere. Always in my heart. Hope ������

I moved to the island about 3 months after staying with the lovely folks at Gentle world. I like to believe that staying on island had a lot to do with how familial and gentle my stay was when I first arrived in Kona. Sky picked me up and told me story after story until we reached the property over an hour away! Next, I met Summer, whom I spoke with several times before arriving... and her energy was just as grounded and kind as I imagined it would be. Later I would meet Love, the writer, Meadow, the techy garden man and Light, the man who made Gentle world what it is today... The stories I heard are incredible, the energy, passion, care for life, good food and good intention is very much present in all of these people... i can sincerely say that each and every soul there was incredibly fascinating, kind, intelligent and filled with beauty and good intention. My cabin at the bottom of the gentle world property neighbored several acres of grassland w/goats and I have no complaints. It was a beautiful sight! The stars were bright, the koki frog sounds beautiful and the work/projects leave you with enough of the day to relax in the sun or to read a book under a tree, have an incredible lunch and hang out/play games with other work-traders. I was only there for one week but I felt included, cared for like family and was always learning something new... I loved my stay at Gentle World!

I went to visit Gentle World in New Zealand with my mum a few years ago. I found it to be an incredible place, that gave me hope when I had none. I feel extremely lucky to have been fortunate enough to have travelled to a place that harnessed the idea of community, living from the earth, respecting nature and standing up for animals.
The people were lovely, the landscape was beautiful. We paddled in fresh water and sunbathed in the long grass, totally isolated. We cooked and ate with members of the community in the evening. It's a wonderful place to visit and a worthy cause to donate to, we need more of them!

Gentle World is a real-life experience into a holistic, sustaining model of human experience that celebrates compassion, intelligence and awareness. Not only is Gentle World the longest continuously operating vegan community in the United States, nearly all of its founding members continue to chart its destiny today. It is with great joy that I can call all at Gentle World true friends. Don not pass up an opportunity to visit!

Everyone there is a pioneer of ethical, compassionate, healthy living, and I continue to reflect upon what I experienced during my stay. As soon as I arrived, I was met with love, patience, and acceptance; and the learning started immediately. While I had stopped using animal products for some time prior to my trip, I didn't fully understand the role and virtue of veganism until I went to Gentle World. The food was delicious, the people were great, and the work on the farm was intensely satisfying; and I also enjoyed doing my "cheers," a word they use instead of "chores." Maybe the best way to sum this review up is that I hope to go back as soon as possible!

The 3 weeks I spent at Gentle World changed my life forever! It was the first time I felt so much honesty and connectedness in a group of people working towards a common goal. After one week of staying there I adopted a vegan lifestyle which for me until today, is the most profound transformation I ever allowed my self to experience! A blessing for my life and the entire creation! Thanks so much to you dear people at Gentle World! You make a big difference in many lives!

Gentle World distinguishes itself from other nonprofits promoting nonviolence by focusing on veganism as an essential and integral part of avoiding unnecessary violence in our lives. First and most importantly, veganism avoids unnecessary exploitation and violence inflicted on innocent nonhuman animals. Secondarily, a plants-only diet (i.e. the dietary component of veganism) has far reaching effects in sustainability and reducing our ecological footprint by reducing consumption, waste, and pollution. A plants-only diet also solves the most widespread health problems facing large, affluent human populations, including heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, cancer, diabetes, and many other diet-related diseases.

Gentle World engages in vegan education -- online, through multi-day, overnight education programs, and through special events -- to inform and inspire people from all over the world about the many diverse benefits of veganism touched on above, as well as how to go about adopting vegan attitudes and living, from the “big picture” of a philosophical paradigm of avoiding unnecessary violence in our lives, to the small details of label reading and delicious animal-product-free recipes for traditional favorites such as lasagna.

After over nine years of experience in exploring many nonprofit organizations dedicated to reducing unnecessary violence toward both human and other animals, I am convinced that Gentle World is one of the most, if not the most, undervalued nonprofit organizations in existence today.

Gentle World open hearts and minds to what is possible. Compassion, sustainability and health are at the core of this group. They offered me many opportunities to do outreach for myself and with them. They are an inspirational and dedicated group to making this world a better place for every being.

When I first went to Gentle World I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. What I found there was a group of people dedicated to living a compassionate life and to teaching others about it. Though I can be an introverted guy at times, I found myself wanting to spend every possible moment that I could with these remarkable and inspiring people. They will always hold a dear place in my heart. The dreamer in me hopes that more individuals like them are growing every day. They are a blessing to this world and to all those they meet.

I've been impressed and inspired by Gentle World's valiant efforts to spread the vegan message for many years. I have found the articles on the Gentle World website to be consistently excellent in terms of both creativity and skill in articulation, as well as passion in articulating the ideas that i feel are the most important for people to be considering today. I especially appreciate Gentle World's consistent insistence on liberation for all nonhuman animals, as well as their awareness of the spiritual, cultural, and psychological dimensions of the issues. Besides their website, Gentle World does hands on outreach and activism, and also works as a living/learning/education center to demonstrate the viability of vegan community in our world today. They've also published a terrific vegan cookbook and other materials to help spread the vegan message, and thus to me stand out as one of the most benevolent, insightful, helpful non-profit organizations.

Finding Gentle World's website was a revelation to me and continues to inspire me to continue my quest to help others to follow the path of respect for our fellow creatures and our planet. To know there is a working environment that is sustainable with no use of animal products is important to the world at large, to teach the students that are involved with it as well as to prove it is possible in a society that might say it is not. Gentle World is a shining example that is a comfort and an inspiration to all that hope to create a better future for ourselves, the planet and all its creatures.

Over the years I have contributed to animal rights and animal welfare organizations, but since discovering Gentle World two years ago, it has become my favorite foundation. The main reason is that the members of this community live the lifestyle that they teach. And they welcome everyone to come and learn firsthand what they have learned from decades of experience about creating a harmonious world for all sentient beings.

My grandson and I were so inspired and encouraged by this organization and the community members. We viewed a powerful film called Earthlings that we would recommend to any one who is searching for the truth about how the commercial animal businesses are processing our fellow beings. We volunteered at the community in Hawaii where we where treated in a fair and supportive way. The food was tasty and the accommodations where clean and beautiful. I would recommend this organization to anyone who is open to learning by immersion about eating ethically and for well being. We hope to return to this lovely place where we met new friends!

I began volunteering for Gentle World in 2000. Since then, I have become so inspired by this organization's mission that I have made it my life's work. I am now Gentle World's Director of Outreach, and I am excited to see what we will be able to achieve in the years to come. I encourage all those who are passionate about building a more peaceful world to get in touch and volunteer your time. You won't be sorry!

Gentle World is unlike any non-profit that I had volunteered for before. Two years ago I joined the crew to help for three weeks and I loved it so much I'm still volunteering for them today. My experience with Gentle World was and continues to be truely life changing.