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With a successful MeatOut behind us and Earth Day on the horizon, it’s almost time for the next animal-and-earth-friendly occasion: US VegWeek 2015.

From April 20 to 26, animal advocacy group Compassion Over Killing (COK) is encouraging everyone to explore the many benefits of a veg diet—from saving lives to helping human health to healing the planet.

Thousands of people sign up each year to take the 7-day VegPledge. Past participants have included celebrities and elected officials like Senator Cory Booker, David Carter (The 300-Pound Vegan) and many more.

“Celebrity and political supporters who are new so far this year include Dennis & Elizabeth Kucinich, Louis Psihoyos (Director of ‘The Cove’), Jane Velez-Mitchell, Micah Risk, MN Senator Scott Dibble and Patrick McDonnell (creator of MUTTS comics),” Erica Meier, Executive Director of COK, tells Latest Vegan News of the VegWeek 2015 effort. Esther the Wonder Pig is also lending her hefty girth to the campaign.

The week includes a whole host of offerings and events, from cooking demos to restaurant specials to movie screenings and more, all over the country. Native Foods is a partner, as are Tofurky and Farm Sanctuary, and COK works with restaurants and organizations to offer coupons, recipes and discounts for pledge participants.

VegWeek was first launched back in 2009, and six years later, Meier and team are still hard at work (successfully!) spreading the cruelty-free message. As Linoshka, of Wichita, Kansas, said:

I never understood what these animals go through, all the pain and hurt just for us to eat them for our own benefit. I’ve learned so much, and now I’m healthier and feeling so much better about my life. Making this change was the best thing I have ever done.

You can learn more about US VegWeek and take the VegPledge on the website.