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August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources

  • 1.  August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources

    Posted 08-01-2023 02:23 PM

    A few months ago, we asked you what types of resources you need and @ERIN ELLIS suggested education programs and resources. This has been a popular topic of discussion so this month our resource drive is focused on Humane Education.


    What is Humane Education?

    It's the ultimate "pay it forward" -- teaching today's youth about empathy and compassion towards animals to make the world a better place in the future!

    From HEART's website: "Humane Education teaches kindness, develops empathy, and cultivates compassion toward animals, people, and the natural world. Students gain the knowledge and tools to make more informed and socially responsible choices that counteract real-world problems. Humane Education is Animal Protection + Social Justice + Environmental Ethics."

    From HSUS HumanePro: "From reading to shelter pets, to supervised, hands-on animal care, good humane education programs-no matter how small or grassroots-can gift the next generation with the knowledge and experience to become kind, compassionate pet owners and animal advocates. Tomorrow's humanitarians are in today's classrooms." 

     

    How to Participate in this Resource Drive

    1. UPLOAD OR SHARE Humane Education examples & resources on this thread

    2. REPLY with a request for a specific Humane Education resource you NEED or a question related to Humane Education

     

    What Should You Share?

    • Tell us about Humane Education programs at your organization (or another) including camps, tours, field trips, school programs, community programs, career days, youth volunteer programs, virtual programs, special events, etc.  

    • Share examples of handouts, activities, projects, marketing materials, camp/program materials, and anything else you use in your (or another organization's) Humane Education programs. 

     

    Where Will the Humane Education Resources be Stored? How do I view them

    All Humane Education-related resources shared on this thread will be accessible in the "Humane Education" folder in Maddie's Pet Forum Library:  https://maddies.fund/humaneeducationresources

     

    🤑  Share & You'll Be Entered To Win $50  🤑

    Everyone who uploads a file, shares a resource on this thread or replies with information or questions about Humane Education during the month of August 2023 will be entered to win a $50 gift card to Amazon, Petco or PetSmart (winner's choice). Start sharing now!

     

    Pro-Tips for sharing resources: 

    • Use the "Upload File" button when replying to this thread to attach a file. We encourage you to attach the file versus hyperlinking to the file whenever possible. Files that are attached get automatically added to the Maddie's Pet Forum Resource Library so attaching helps make the resource searchable and improves accessibility within the forum.

    • Yes, you can share resources that your organization did not create. Sharing is caring and this applies to resources too! Make sure the creator allows the resource to be shared publicly and be sure to give credit to the creator or source organization.


    #CommunityPartnerships*
    #EducationandTraining
    #PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)
    #CommunityPartnerships*
    #EducationandTraining
    #PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)


    ------------------------------
    Kim Domerofski (she/her)
    Community Manager
    Maddie's Fund
    ------------------------------



  • 2.  RE: August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources

    Posted 08-01-2023 11:10 PM

    The Life of Kai was created to instill and uplift the human-animal bond. We achieve this through 5 programs including our humane education program - Kind is Cool. In addition to being a trainer, I am also a certified humane educator through Red Rover and we use their reading curriculum with some modifications when necessary. This summer, we were invited to work with Davis Kids Kamp for 5 weeks and we were thrilled and honored to inspire 150 underserved kids to be kind. 

    The first week, we read "Max talks to me." The children discovered the remarkable truth: dogs, just like themselves, can communicate and experience a wide range of emotions. We briefly talked about body language.  We hope this revelation urges them to treat all creatures with love and respect. For the activity, they made an origami dog face. 

    In the second week, they experienced sadness, joy, and compassion as they listened to Ginger's story (Ginger Finds a Home), a stray cat who found solace in a loving home. They made a tabby cat out of paper plates gluing cut-out ears, nose, and whiskers.

    In the third week, we embarked on an exhilarating exploration of acceptance and celebrating diversity. The children heard a story about bullying with an alpaca and a llama and learned a valuable life lesson: our differences make us truly special and deserving of love and acceptance. (Macca, the Alpaca). For the activity, they used wool to make pompoms.

    We prepare to introduce the magnificent pandas to our young explorers in our fourth week. These gentle giants hold the key to understanding our planet's delicate balance and the vital role they play in its health. We will delve into why protecting these incredible creatures from the brink of extinction is crucial, nurturing within the children a profound sense of responsibility towards our environment and its inhabitants. (The Giant Pandas). The kids made Pandas masks out of paper plates.

    For the final week, we regaled them with the heartwarming tale of Murphy, the resilient seal who faced adversity and found solace in the compassionate embrace of kind-hearted humans. This story is a poignant reminder that being a good steward of the Earth and its animals is integral to kindness and empathy. (Murphy, the seal.) Instead of doing an activity, the children watched a short video of a real-life rescue of an injured seal on Youtube.

    At the heart of our program, Kind is Cool, lies the desire to challenge and inspire children to feel and be kind to themselves, animals, pets, and the world they inhabit. Our mission is to instill within them a deep-rooted sense of compassion, resilience, and environmental consciousness that will guide them through their life journey with the hope they will make better citizens for the planet and its society.

    This year we decided to skip out on the certificate and instead, the students reflected on what they learned and took a pledge. They were inducted into the Kind Kids Club and got a button which we feel is more fun to get than the certificate. 



    ------------------------------
    Julielani Chang
    The Life of Kai: Compassion Connections Inc.
    Davis CA
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources

    Posted 08-02-2023 08:23 AM

    Humane education and animal welfare is extremely important to me. I am a retired CVT and ACO and relocated to a state in the south about 5 years ago. (Culture shock for a Rocky Mound girl). What suggestions, resources, strategies and methods does anyone have for me as an individual to try and implement not only at the community level but possibly state as well to raise awareness of these subjects.
    Working in conjunction with the local code enforcement and shelter volunteer group is not an option.



    ------------------------------
    Patricia Mount
    CVT/ACO
    retired
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources

    Posted 08-02-2023 11:48 AM

    Hi Patricia, 

    I'm so glad you asked this question. As a person who was raised in the South by NJ transplants, I feel a special kinship with the folks I work with every day in Florida. The South gets a bad rap and so often in animal welfare I see/hear my colleagues make remarks that denigrate Southerners or refer to us as people who "just don't know any better" when in reality - we know what needs to be done, we just need help making it happen. I once heard a podcast interview where the person running the NY organization said that people in the South "just don't care about their animals the same way that we do" which simply broke my heart. I've run vaccine clinics where people stand outside in the sun for hours just to get their pets the care they need, or had them wait in line just to get a bag of dog food. You can't convince me that Southerners care less, but if you acknowledge that they are up against unique challenges (increased pet populations due to warmer climates, year-round exposure to heartworm, a seemingly never-ending kitten season, increased levels of human poverty), then you'll start to see things through our lens. 

    There is no tool or website that will serve you better than simply meeting people where they are. I guarantee you that someone in your community is doing the good work that you want to see. Pair up with that person. Ask what they need. If you want to look into state options, try reaching out to Best Friends Animal Society. If you use their national dashboard, you can sign up for alerts of actions and steps to take in your state. I'm a big advocate of ditching the word "education" and thinking of yourself as a partner or extension of the community. People rarely need education, more often they just need patience, compassion and resources. 

    Here is a link to the Best Friends dashboard so you can find your state. 

    I hope this helps you in some way! Thank you for wanting to be part of the solution after your many years of dedicated service to animals. 

    -- Lindsay



    ------------------------------
    Lindsay Layendecker
    Director of Community Partnerships
    Jacksonville Humane Society
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources

    Posted 08-02-2023 01:09 PM

    Thank you Lindsay! This will be very helpful I really appreciate the information. I myself have come across people in the area that really do care about their pets as well! I think as well that trying to be aware of the unique challenges people face not only geographically, financially (particularly in an impoverished area) as well as what resources are or aren't available within a community are definitely key factors in aiding an increase awareness of these vital topics 



    ------------------------------
    Patricia Mount
    CVT/ACO
    retired
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources

    Posted 08-18-2023 06:20 AM

    Lindsay,

    I couldn't agree more. We are in a very rural area of S. Florida and see/hear the same things. Our rescue is a little different, we take in farm and exotic animals, many of which end up staying at our sanctuary for life. It is not easy finding a home for a pot belly/wild boar mix pig, for example. We believe the key is definitely education and working with other rescues and the community.

    I think this is a great idea for a resource. Currently our on site education program is on hold due to damages from hurricane Ian but we have two onsite programs. One is basically a classroom setting where kids can make bird and small animal toys. The other is  in the form of a teen volunteer program we call Teenworks. we work with local school service groups who come out to the farm and learn every aspect of the animals caer and about animal enrichment. We also attend events with our animal ambassadors and have printed activity pages for kids that were created by one of our volunteers. We recently started a pet food bank program for local residents who may be facing giving up their dogs, cats, rabbits etc. due to financial reasons. Along with giving out food and supplies we hand out educational flyers (Oxbow has great small animal info sheets) and microchip chip vouchers that are supplied by another local rescue.  We are working to find a partner to offer free or reduced spay and neuter.  I've attached some of our kids activity pages as examples. 



    ------------------------------
    Lisa Burn
    Co-founder/VP
    Farmhouse Animal & Nature Sanctuary
    Myakka City, FL
    https://farmhousesanctuary.org
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources

    Posted 08-20-2023 12:34 PM

    As a born and bred Southerner and life long "rescuer"...I have to agree. Animal welfare doesn't seem to be a high priority...or even "mid-level" from my observations.



    ------------------------------
    ANDI ELLIOTT
    Founder/President
    FOR THE LOVE OF PETS FOUNDATION INC
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources

    Posted 08-25-2023 10:54 AM

    Thanks for this perspective, Lindsay! As a Georgia native, I agree, Southerners get way more negativity and accusations about animal care than we deserve. People forget (or just don't know) that we have some of the most well-respected animal welfare organizations in the world here -- including Jax Humane!! 



    ------------------------------
    Shari Cahill
    silvercometawa.org
    ------------------------------



  • 9.  RE: August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources

    Posted 08-20-2023 12:32 PM

    You and I are in the same boat. Relocated to Arkansas from Idaho where it took 15 years but I was finally able to get resources provided to local LEOs for animal welfare concerns. Here in rural Arkansas...they care very little and "Working in conjunction with the local code enforcement and shelter volunteer group is not an option."



    ------------------------------
    ANDI ELLIOTT
    Founder/President
    FOR THE LOVE OF PETS FOUNDATION INC
    ------------------------------



  • 10.  RE: August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources

    Posted 08-20-2023 01:11 PM

    Hi Andi

    Knowing you are in Arkansas as well and have been here longer in curious to know if you have had any interactions or success in reaching out on a state level regarding animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, humane education etc?  I'd really be interested in trying seeing as the local environment isn't encouraging for such. I'd love too see a anti abandonment campaign, responsible pet ownership etc subjects addressed here.



    ------------------------------
    Patricia Mount
    CVT/ACO
    retired
    ------------------------------



  • 11.  RE: August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources

    Posted 08-20-2023 01:30 PM

    Hi Patricia, 

    No, I have not reached out to state authorities. Trying to start here at the "bottom" but folks in the city government are afraid to "buck" the system in place. Booneville does have an animal shelter (think dog pound) and some of those dogs have been in those cages for over two years now. Tried volunteering for months but it was "their way or the highway". I chose to step outside of the "system" which was very poorly run. ZERO records by ACO. ZERO activity for 8 years on their FB page. Since I have started "making waves" they do have a somewhat active??? FB page and will adopt to locals which they did not want to do before.   Plus being a newcomer of 18 months now they are not interested in my suggestions. I am a "rescuer" with 50 years of experience behind me but when all is said and done...I am a newcomer and my suggestions are not welcomed.  Which makes me try all the harder!  LOL



    ------------------------------
    ANDI ELLIOTT
    Founder/President
    FOR THE LOVE OF PETS FOUNDATION INC
    ------------------------------



  • 12.  RE: August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources

    Posted 08-02-2023 03:00 PM

    I love this Humane Education and our organization sends subscriptions of the KIND News magazine to 4th and 5th grade classrooms in our county, city and adjoining county schools.    Kind News™ magazine is a colorful, eight-page publication. It helps children understand and respect animals and think about why treating animals and people with kindness matters.    



    ------------------------------
    Dawn Roberts
    Executive Director
    Beesley Animal Foundation
    ------------------------------



  • 13.  RE: August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources

    Posted 08-02-2023 03:19 PM

    That is awesome and actually gives me an idea. My daughter is a third grade teacher and that would be a great resource for her and her classroom as well. Thank you for the information 



    ------------------------------
    Patricia Mount
    CVT/ACO
    retired
    ------------------------------



  • 14.  RE: August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources

    Posted 08-02-2023 03:25 PM

    Yes and they have a teachers guide as well.    We did have to get permission from the schools to be able to have it mailed to the classrooms but RedRover is super easy to work with.  



    ------------------------------
    Dawn Roberts
    Executive Director
    Beesley Animal Foundation
    ------------------------------



  • 15.  RE: August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources

    Posted 08-02-2023 05:00 PM

    Great. Thank you. She actually starts back from summer break tomorrow, I will have her talk to her administration about implementing the resource.



    ------------------------------
    Patricia Mount
    CVT/ACO
    retired
    ------------------------------



  • 16.  RE: August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources

    Posted 08-03-2023 03:57 AM

    I love this idea! Thank you for sharing! We currently do outreach to all our local schools and this would be a nice addition.

    Our ACOs take their K9s to the elementary and middle schools to teach the children about interacting with big dogs, when to pet, when not to pet, how to approach, etc. the ACOs usually bring some of our other shelter animals along (puppies, kittens, and our educational goat, Mr. Moo). The children then get supervised playtime so they can implement what they just learned. It's always a fun time, which the children and the ACOs love! 



    ------------------------------
    Renee Milner
    Nonprofit Board Member
    Animal Shelter Alliance of Rhea
    ------------------------------



  • 17.  RE: August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources

    Posted 08-03-2023 06:34 AM

    Wow!  Sounds like your organization has an extensive public outreach program! I love hearing officers are engaged with students at the schools. Not only teaching humane education, responsible pet ownership and safety features but that also enhances a positive beneficial perception of the officers within a community rather than the negative connotations ACOs have been (and still are in many communities) perceived as.



    ------------------------------
    Patricia Mount
    CVT/ACO
    retired
    ------------------------------



  • 18.  RE: August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources

    Posted 08-03-2023 08:23 AM

    Hi Renee,

    I think it is wonderful to teach kids about interactions as many do not know. I would love to duplicate and to hear more about how the ACOs manage kids' interactions with dogs, especially big dogs so as not to stress out the dogs. I would appreciate any tips or protocols to keep everyone safe.  Limited contact? I am always worried about liability as kids love to touch and grab. Thanks. 



    ------------------------------
    Julielani Chang
    The Life of Kai: Compassion Connections Inc.
    Davis CA
    ------------------------------



  • 19.  RE: August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources

    Posted 08-09-2023 01:55 PM

    Julielani,

    our ACOs teach the kids about not touching without permission, not talking in an excited baby voice, and not putting their face right in the animals face or making eye contact.  They also teach about service dogs and working dogs and what the vests and/or muzzles might mean. The ACOs also teach proper handling for kittens and puppies so they (and the children) don't get hurt. Then the children are allowed one at a time to come up and pet the animals, it's always 1-1 supervision. 



    ------------------------------
    Renee Milner
    Nonprofit Board Member
    Animal Shelter Alliance of Rhea
    ------------------------------



  • 20.  RE: August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources

    Posted 08-09-2023 02:04 PM

    Hi Renee,

    Thank you. Sounds like a very controlled setting which is excellent. Wonderful work from the ACO's. I love it when we shine a different light on the ACOs - protectors and teachers. Thank you again for your reply. 

    Best

    Julielani



    ------------------------------
    Julielani Chang
    The Life of Kai: Compassion Connections Inc.
    Davis CA
    ------------------------------



  • 21.  RE: August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources

    Posted 09-07-2023 03:24 PM

    Thanks for sharing these tips on how ACOs teach kids how to safely interact with pets, @Renee Milner! You've been randomly selected as the resource drive winner for August 🎉  Be on the lookout for a direct message from me with more details. 

    And a big thank you to everyone who shared their Humane Education resources. Although the drawing for the gift card is over, please continue to collaborate and share! 



    ------------------------------
    Kim Domerofski (she/her)
    Community Manager
    Maddie's Fund
    ------------------------------



  • 22.  RE: August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources

    Posted 08-02-2023 03:14 PM

    Wow, it's only been one day and we've already got some awesome comments and resources for this month's resource drive. Thanks to everyone who has contributed so far and keep 'em coming! 

    I've added some resources from RedRover, Animal Welfare Institute and HEART (Humane Education Advocates Reaching Teachers) to the library folder. Be sure to check them out here:  Humane Education folder in forum library



    ------------------------------
    Kim Domerofski (she/her)
    Community Manager
    Maddie's Fund
    ------------------------------



  • 23.  RE: August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources

    Posted 08-03-2023 12:04 PM

    I would love to see Humane Education material be developed with Humane Training and Behavior Science in mind. Perhaps through a relationship with organizations like the IAABC as part of a peer review process might get us moving towards helping people help animals in living a life with their mental well being in mind?



    ------------------------------
    Melinda Lee
    Director of Volunteer & Foster Engagement
    Mr. Bones & Co.
    West Islip NY
    ------------------------------



  • 24.  RE: August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources

    Posted 08-03-2023 12:55 PM

    Thanks for the IAABC resource. I was not aware of this organization and just googled them. Looks like they have a great variety of various materials and courses that can be accessed and extremely beneficial for Humane Education awareness and skill development for professionals. I love that they also have some material for other species in addition to dogs/cats. I agree as well that a joint program to implement would be a wonderful opportunity 



    ------------------------------
    Patricia Mount
    CVT/ACO
    retired
    ------------------------------



  • 25.  RE: August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources

    Posted 08-04-2023 10:59 AM

    Hi all!

    I'm the Humane Education Manager at the Jacksonville Humane Society in Jacksonville, Florida. I also serve on the Board of Directors for the Association of Professional Humane Educators. 

    These are the main humane education programs we currently offer at JHS:

    Pawsitive Reading - This is a program in which kids can come and volunteer to read out loud to the pets in our shelter. Studies have shown listening to people reading out loud lowers stress levels in animals, and it's also an incredible way to boost kids' reading confidence and help them build their literacy skills. 

    Camps - We offer a Summer Camp, Winter and Spring Break Camp, plus some one-day camps throughout the year like our Future Veterinarians Camp. We also do a high school camp in the summer! Our curricula are a blend of educational lessons, crafts/activities/art projects that benefit our pets in some way or tie into our learning, animal interactions, and - of course - GAMES!

    Service Days - These are 4-hour events for middle and high school students in which we complete a variety of projects benefiting our shelter and also learn about a topic in animal welfare that we then tie into our own lives (for example, stress in people and stress in animals - how can we manage our own stress, how can we help pets manage their stress, etc.)

    Field Trips - We offer field trips every weekday morning before we open during the school year. Our trips are either 1 hour or 1.5 hours and include an orientation to JHS, a tour of our Adoption Center, and Pawsitive Reading if the class wants that add-on. We also typically get to meet a kitten or a dog, depending on who is available in the shelter!

    Birthday Parties - We offer several birthday party packages with varied themes. Even though these are parties, they still tie back to our mission - we learn about what an animal shelter does, take a tour, and do some sort of service activity to help the pets! (And, of course, we get to meet kittens or a dog!)

    Outreach - We started an outreach program about a year/year and a half ago that allows us to now venture out into the community to share humane education lessons and activities. We regularly visit Title I schools and after school programs for underresourced youth and do lessons, service projects, social-emotional learning games, and more. We even bring Pawsitive Reading on the road sometimes - we bring a shelter pet with us and the kids can read out loud to the pet at their location rather than coming to our facility! 

    Juvenile Diversion - This is a newer program for us, but we now offer a humane education-themed juvenile diversion option for pre-teens and teens in our city. It's a 12-week program and we meet once a week for about an hour - the participants learn about all sorts of animal-related topics, engage in social-emotional learning and reflection opportunities, and earn volunteer hours.

    We are very grateful to have incredibly generous grant funders who make many of these programs possible. We have actually found that adding education programs can bring in new sources of revenue, as many funders who aren't inspired to give to animals may be motivated to support education!

    If anyone has any questions about any of these programs or is interested in any of our curriculum materials, please don't hesitate to reply to this post or email me at snew@jaxhumane.org. This is my favorite topic and I love exchanging ideas and resources.

    The Association of Professional Humane Educators - www.aphe.org - is an awesome resource for all things humane ed. If your organization has an education program currently or interested in starting one, I highly recommend joining APHE if possible. All members get access to a resource library full of materials. We also sell a camp manual which is a must-have for anyone starting a humane education camp for the first time.

    I hope all of this information helps!



    ------------------------------
    Savanna New
    Jacksonville Humane Society
    ------------------------------



  • 26.  RE: August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources

    Posted 08-04-2023 11:14 AM

    Wow Samantha your programs are fantastic.  My organization has an education program but nothing to this well rounded extent.  I am emailing you as I would love to learn more about your Outreach and Juvenile Diversion programs.  Thank you!!  



    ------------------------------
    Dawn Roberts
    Executive Director
    Beesley Animal Foundation
    ------------------------------



  • 27.  RE: August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources

    Posted 08-04-2023 11:26 AM

    Hi Savanna,

    Thank you for posting. I am so impressed with all the different programs in your post. I am looking forward to chatting with you more about these programs. Thanks again. 



    ------------------------------
    Julielani Chang
    The Life of Kai: Compassion Connections Inc.
    Davis CA
    ------------------------------



  • 28.  RE: August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources

    Posted 08-15-2023 08:01 AM

    Yay, humane education! Here are a few of the lesson plans we teach in the schools. 

    https://docs.google.com/document/d/19rGRE87TLDT1widT4gzK83L0idPZYxlC/edit

    https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FfJpD1A-V0tXNlzz8NZKjzyNMr0ZLwaA/edit#heading=h.gjdgxs

    https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AWzck7dnff8s_tyJJjLgPYIamvFyJKcS/edit



    ------------------------------
    Erin Ellis
    Community Engagement Director
    Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe

    ---------
    Foster Program & Volunteer Management Specialist
    ------------------------------



  • 29.  RE: August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources

    Posted 08-15-2023 08:18 AM

    Hi Erin,

    Thank you for sharing the lesson plans. I am aware of your program from online research and I love it. For some reason, I am unable to access these lessons without permission. Thank you again for your generosity.

    Best



    ------------------------------
    Julielani Chang
    The Life of Kai: Compassion Connections Inc.
    Davis CA
    ------------------------------



  • 30.  RE: August 2023 Resource Drive: Humane Education Resources