HUMANE EDUCATION DEFINED... NATIONAL HUMANE EDUCATION SOCIETY (NHES) Humane Education teaches people how to accept and fulfill their responsibility to companion animals. It teaches people to understand the consequences of irresponsible behavior and finally, Humane Education encourages the value of all living things. As today's society has come to recognize the connecting link between child abuse, animal abuse and violence against people, the need for effective humane education in our schools is greater than ever. NHES hopes that you will join us in our efforts to, "Foster a sentiment of kindness to animals in children and adults." NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR HUMANE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION (NAHEE) NAHEE's mission is to instill good character in children, with a strong emphasis on the humane treatment of animals and respect for the environment, by providing effective, high quality publications and programs to teachers, students, and animal sheltering professionals. , [NAHEE serves as the youth education affiliate of The Humane Society of the United States.] UNITED FEDERATION OF TEACHER'S (UFT) HUMANE EDUCATION COMMITTEE, NYC Humane Education involves imparting facts, as well as sensitizing students and educators to the various social philosophies, attitudes and behaviors humans exhibit towards the other animals which share our planet. Humane Education aims to help students understand the ethical dilemmas generated by different philosophies. Programs strive to help students make informed judgments and take compassionate action. Humane Education also encourages critical thinking and problem solving as a necessary means of dealing effectively with the issues raised. United Federation of Teacher's, Humane Education Committee, NYC AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS (ASPCA) At its most basic level, humane education is about learning to care for the animals in our homes and communities. It is about fostering kindness, respect and empathy for both human and nonhuman animals, and looking after the environment and its diverse habitats. Unlike science and other academic disciplines, humane education has a philosophical component that strives to establish a sense of responsibility and make the world a better, more humane place. INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR HUMANE EDUCATION (IIHE) Humane education turning compassion into action Humane education examines the challenges facing our planet, from human oppression and animal exploitation to materialism and ecological degradation. It explores how we might live with compassion and respect for everyone: not just our friends and neighbors, but all people; not just our own dogs and cats, but all animals; not just our own homes, but also the earth itself, our ultimate home. Humane educators inspire people to live examined, intentional lives so that what they do today helps the planet, animals and all people tomorrow. Humane education inspires people to act with kindness and integrity and provides an antidote to the despair many feel in the face of entrenched and pervasive global problems. Humane educators cultivate an appreciation for the ways in which even the smallest decisions we make in our daily lives can have far-reaching consequences.  By giving students the insight they need to make truly informed choices, humane education paves the way for them to live according to abiding values that can lend meaning to their own lives while improving the world at the same time. The success of IIHE programs lies in our pragmatic, comprehensive approach that trains you to be a humane educator and gives you the skills to: §      Enhance students reverence, respect and responsibility for the earth, other species and all people. §      Convey accurate information so students understand the consequences of their decisions as consumers and citizens. §      Inspire creativity, curiosity and critical thinking so students can evaluate information and solve problems on their own. §      Encourage informed, mindful choices so students can help bring about a better world. A METHOD THAT WORKS The International Institute for Humane Education (IIHE) has identified 4 elements of humane education that serve as guiding principles for programs, curricula and courses. They are: 1.      Providing accurate information - so students understand the consequences of their decisions as consumers and citizens 2.      Fostering the 3 Cs: Curiosity, Creativity and Critical thinking - so students can evaluate information and solve problems on their own 3.      Instilling the 3 Rs: Reverence, Respect and Responsibility - so students will act with kindness and integrity 4.      Offering positive choices that benefit oneself, other people, the earth and animals - so students feel empowered to help bring about a better world Humane education programs accomplish the above through interactive and engaging teaching techniques that model compassion, respect and openness. AnimalNK Humane education is an approach to teaching which aims to foster in young people a functional ethic embodying a balanced sensitivity for all living creatures, animals as well as people. In its most general sense, humane education refers to all those activities designed to encourage people to "be kind." Its goal is to help people develop empathy and compassion for other people and animals, respect for the environment, and the ability to make decisions based on the welfare of others as well as themselves. In its most general sense, humane education refers to all those activities designed to encourage people to "be kind" to animals and each other. Every parent or teacher who teaches children to be nice to others is thus involved in humane education. However, the term usually implies an organized program designed to develop empathy and compassion. CANADIAN FEDERATION OF HUMANE SOCIETIES (CFHS) In its most general sense, humane education refers to all those activities designed to encourage children to "be kind." Its goal is to help children develop empathy and compassion for other people and animals, respect for the environment, and the ability to make decisions based on the welfare of others as well as themselves. (CFHS) HUMANE EDUCATION ADVOCATES REACHING TEACHERS (HEART) Humane Education is a broad-based field of study devoted to principles of critical thinking and compassion for all beings and the environment. Specifically, Humane Education raises questions that examine our cultural assumptions regarding the inherent value of different species and nature, helps us explore our responsibility towards earth and other human and non-human beings and teaches us the connections between our daily choices and their global impact. Humane Education §      Challenges the cycle of violence at its core. §      Does not confine itself to a single issue, but rather addresses violence and oppression in all forms. §      Values self-discovery and critical thinking. §      Seeks practical solutions by encouraging individuals to define their own values and live by them. §      Develops self-esteem and the leadership skills necessary to put compassion into action. Humane Education may spark students' interest in learning when integrated into the existing standards based curriculum. Humane Education is most successful when implemented by the classroom teacher on a regular basis. BRITISH COLUMBIA HUMANE EDUCATION SOCIETY British Columbia Humane Education Society works for the creation of a humane and sustainable future encompassing people, animals, and the environment BC SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS (SPCA) The BC SPCA has a broad vision of what constitutes humane education. It is partly responsible animal care but it is more about caring, critical thinking and empathy building. It is developing and encouraging compassionate, respectful relationships with people, animals and nature. AMERICAN HUMANE ASSOCIATION 1998 SUMMIT ON HUMANE EDUCATION Humane education strives, through a variety of strategies and methods, to provide experiences that transform the individual. The process of humane education §      engenders the values of respect, compassion and reverence for life §      instills the understanding of the dynamic relationship and interconnectedness between and among the living and non-living components of the world §      promotes a sense of the individual's place, role and responsibility within this "web".