Veganism stirs emotion. Some people jump into it, others are skeptical and still others might want to give it a shot but aren't sure where to begin. The Peace Advocacy Network hopes to help out the locals in that boat with its 30-day Vegan Pledge.

The pledge originated across the pond, and last year, a month-long pledge event was held in Philadelphia. This year, PAN has taken the reigns and the Vegan Pledge will make its debut in Phoenixville starting Jan. 9.

"Part of my goal is to make Phoenixville more vegan-friendly in general," said Allison Memmo Geiger, a borough resident and the coordinator of the pledge in Phoenixville. "Bringing the Vegan Pledge here is kind of a natural thing to do since I live here and can coordinate it here."

According to the U.K.-based Vegan Society, vegans "exclude – as far as is possible and practicable – all forms of exploitation of animals for food, clothing or any other purpose. Vegans enjoy foods made from fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, peas, lentils, grains and mushrooms, including all plant-based herbs and spices."

The Phoenixville Vegan Pledge will challenge 30 people to try out a vegan diet. Though you don't have to be from the borough, you should be able to travel to meetings and other events planned during the month. The roster is currently about one-third full, according to Memmo Geiger.

Why 30 people? It's a nice, manageable number, and also mirrors the Philadelphia pledge held early this year. Once people take the pledge, they'll have plenty of support. Memmo Geiger explained that cooking demos, care packages including donated items, a 28-day recipe guide and educational sessions are designed to help people on the journey.

Additionally, each participant has a mentor, though some mentors might have two participants to mentor. PAN is still seeking veteran vegans to serve as mentors.

"The only struggle is finding enough mentors in the suburbs, so enough experienced vegans," Memmo Geiger said. "They have plenty of those in Philadelphia. It's a little harder out here. I have quite a few people in the area, but not as many as I'd like."

In the aftermath of the 30-day pledge in the city last year, Memmo Geiger, who served as a speaker during the event, explained that some participants turned into mentors for those taking the pledge in 2011.

"Some of the people regressed, but a lot of them stuck with it and are actually active PAN volunteers," Memmo Geiger said.

She noted that donations from local restaurants and businesses are welcome to help out with compiling the care packages and events planned during the month. Everyone working on the pledge in Phoenixville does so as a volunteer, so support can help make the pledge successful.

The pledge is free for participants. Memmo Geiger said as more people question where the food supply comes from and look to vegan diets, the better the outcome for the environment.

"I ride my bike everywhere, but being vegan is way more important to the environment than the fact that I ride my bike," Memmo Geiger said. "[The Vegan Pledge] can be a really great way to get a start on the new year."

For more information or to sign up, visit the PAN website.