Article - The Role of Humane Education
Canadian Humane Educators
In Shelter Work
Humane education must play an integral role in the everyday operation of a shelter. It is imperative that the staff be available to inform the public about issues of responsible pet care, wildlife, local bylaws and the role that the shelter plays in the community.
The shelter is an important point of contact with people (our customers). Therefore, materials and information can flow at that point of contact. Our shelter workers need to be educational ambassadors pointing the way to educational resources and offering educational intervention when they are able to. The animals in the shelter are, in part, ambassadors for the education program and reinforce elements such as the need for spay and neuter of companion animals.
Humane education allows staff to give something positive back to the community, thereby reaffirming our commitment to making a difference. It allows the public to see us leading by example, instilling confidence in us.
Education is necessary to make sure that prospective "pet" owners fully understand the responsibilities of caring for their animal - their physical and emotional needs, their needs for "training", the financial costs and the fact that owners need to be responsible for the animal throughout its lifespan.
In the School System
I think that humane education should be an ongoing part of the curriculum, not just a visit from a humane educator once a year. There are many ways that humane education can be integrated into everyday lessons (especially with the help of David Selby's book). Teachers also need to attend special workshops on humane education.
I see humane education as one day being implemented by provincial governments into their curriculum guides for teachers.
Here is where humane education is so important because you are reaching the unconverted as well as the converted animal people. People who visit an animal shelter are usually keen on animals but may just not know about proper pet care.
We must work to get these concepts in the curriculum, not as a adjunct, but as an important part of what each child needs to know. We can have specific materials and units available for those who want additional specific knowledge. Also, we should use the "Peer Helper" programs to get the enthusiasm of students teaching students. Many students have a natural interest in humane concepts and animal welfare. We can build a strong program where students teach these humane concepts including ... reduced violence in our society. We, as the SPCA or humane society, can help with the motivation and understanding of the students. We can assist with curriculum development, teacher training and peer development.
In Social Reform
I believe that humane education is the basis for social reform. Through teaching respect for all life, we will be able to decrease all forms of abuse: animal, environmental, child and spouse. By learning and practicing respect, we cannot help but build our own self-esteem and worth. The human race must learn that we are all part of nature and contribute equally to the survival of all species. The throwaway mentality of today cannot continue.
There needs to be more humane education involved in community programs. For example, students working community hours in caring/nurturing environments; young offenders being exposed to SPCA environments to sensitize them to animals.
Our role in social reform is to speak up about animal welfare issues and educate the public about our concerns so that people can make their own decisions knowing all of the facts.
I feel that humane education plays an integral role in shelter work, the school system, social reform and saving the environment. The shelter and school system are used as vehicles to foster the development of the values of humane education. Integrated into school curricula, it can benefit children, society, the environment and animals. By fostering the development of sensitivity, empathy and compassion in children, humane education results in better people. Widespread humane education would help society become more caring and less violent. People would have a greater understanding and respect for each other, animals and the environment.
I see current trends in humane education (e.g. increased awareness of the connection between violence towards people and violence towards animals) as having a positive influence on social reform.
The most important immediate social reform is the need to reduce violence in our society.... Instead of trying to change society, too many people are choosing highly individualistic responses such as carrying weapons or seeking stronger punishment of offenders. Root causes and global solutions are needed.
People who care about animals and the natural world care more about each other. Humane education can help to develop a more caring society with values directed at "community" rather than the individual.
In Saving the Environment
Once people feel that they are part of the environment or nature, rather than superior to, or separate from it, they will begin to care for it like it was part of themselves. By teaching children to empathize with nature it may be possible to create a population of humans who really feel part of nature.
Saving the environment, respect for living creatures, nature and beauty all fall in the category where children need to have respect and accountability.
The interconnectedness of all things is a vital element of humane education. If we don't take some action that addresses environmental problems, we may be left with an environment that does not support human life. What good will humane education be when human life can no longer be supported? Therefore, we need to see the efforts in humane education within the context of the huge environmental challenges we face. Cruelty and neglect to the environment need to be addressed as part of developing the humane perspective. We need to act soon because, like turning around an ocean liner, making environmental change will require a wide turning radius and take a long time.
Humane education can help save the environment when people are made to realize that pets are wonderful but that they must be controlled .... I believe people have to be taught to control their pets in a humane, responsible way.
If we can establish a more caring attitude toward animals, it is reasonable to assume that it will be naturally transferred to a more caring attitude towards the environments in which animals live (both wild and domestic).
