Humane Education

Humane Education is not a new concept at all.  As early as 1933, the National P.T.A. Congress issued the following statement in support of humane education:

“Children trained to extend justice, kindness, and mercy to animals become more just, kind, and considerate in their relations with each other.  Character training along these lines will result in men and women of broader sympathies, more humane, more law abiding, in every respect more valuable citizens.

Humane education is teaching in the schools and colleges of the nation the principles of justice, goodwill, and humanity toward all life.  The cultivation of the spirit of kindness to animals is but the starting point towards that larger humanity which includes one’s fellow of every race and clime.  A generation of people trained in these principles will solve their international difficulties as neighbors and not as enemies.”  (From the 1933 National P.T.A. Congress)

When looking at the definition of humane education, you can’t help but think this is topic worth teaching!  Many communities have the idea of humane education entrenched in their school’s curriculum already.  The concept of training children to grow up to be responsible, compassionate citizens is one that every community embraces.  Keep this in mind if you are a small humane society or animal control facility interested in offering humane education in your area schools and you doubt they would give you an opportunity to present educational programs.  In reality, animal welfare groups have much the same goal as school districts do, and that is to train young people to extend kindness, justice, and mercy to all life which results in men and women of broader sympathies.  Consider contacting your local school district, you may be surprised at their interest in having presentations on responsible pet care, safety around animals, wildlife appreciation, or even careers with animals.

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