IHE News & Announcements December 2011

• Help Us Make Humane Education Even Easier: Take Our Brief Survey
  
• 14 Must-Read Books for Activists
• 5 Questions for National Kind Teacher Award Winner Marcy Wells
• 12 Must-See Movies of 2011
• 7 Strategies to Better Model Your Message
• One Small Step for a Better World: Just Start
• New Report Names Best, Worst States for Animal Protection Laws
  

HELP US MAKE HUMANE EDUCATION EVEN EASIER: TAKE OUR BRIEF SURVEY!

We're exploring creating an ebook to help make it easier for teachers to integrate humane education in their classrooms, and we'd love to have your feedback. If you're a classroom or university teacher, please take a few minutes to complete our survey.

Complete our survey by December 31 and we'll enter your name in a random drawing to win one of the following:

• The Story of Lilly & Lou by Doriane Lucia, with humane education enrichment curriculum
• Rethinking Early Childhood Education by Rethinking Schools
• Rethinking Multicultural Education by Rethinking Schools
• Rethinking Popular Culture and Media by Rethinking Schools  

 Thank you for taking a few minutes to help us!

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14 MUST-READ BOOKS FOR ACTIVISTS

by Marsha Rakestraw, Director of Online Courses, Online Communications & Education Resources

We become activists when we learn about an issue or challenge and are inspired to take positive action. Teenager Natalie Warne learned about child soldiers when she watched a documentary in class. She was inspired to become an intern for Invisible Children and help get an important law passed. Economist Muhammad Yunus was inspired to develop a microlending program when he saw how little money it took to raise many of the people in his village out of poverty. One of the students from our Teaching for a Positive Future online course was inspired to start a Meatless Mondays program for the staff at her child's school.

Taking positive action seems pretty simple (and it can be), but when we embrace activism as an integral part of our lives, we begin to encounter issues such as managing our time well; maintaining a healthy, joyful and balanced life; choosing the most effective projects; learning to communicate compassionately; and struggling with political, systemic, and social obstacles to change.

Fortunately, there are numerous resources we can turn to for inspiration and help. Here are just a few: 14 super-relevant books for activists that are beyond the traditional list of "strategies."

1. The Animal Activist's Handbook: Maximizing Our Positive Impact in Today's World by Matt Ball and Bruce Friedrich (2009)
   While targeted to animal protection issues, the core premise that we must use our time and resources for maximum meaning and effectiveness is relevant to every global issue.
2. How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs & the Power of New Ideas by David Bornstein (2007)
   Profiles people around the world who have used the social entrepreneurship model to find innovative solutions to a variety of global challenges.
3. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie (2009)
   First published in 1937, this is the "bible" for people-skills. Still very relevant today.
4. States of Denial: Knowing About Atrocities and Suffering by Stanley Cohen (2001)
   While full of academic-speak, this in-depth examination of the personal & political ways that we can deny both uncomfortable realities and horrible atrocities offers important insights for activists.
5. Change of Heart: What Psychology Can Teach Us About Spreading Social Change by Nick Cooney (2010)
   It's essential for advocates to understand why people make the choices they do, what influences them, and what kinds of strategies can inspire positive change.  This book distills decades of research to help changemakers become more effective.
6. Animal Impact: Proven Secrets to Achieve Results & Move the World by Caryn Ginsberg (2011)
   Although the focus is on animal protection issues, the book offers a framework that's relevant for any social change movement. Full of insights, case studies, and strategies for maximizing your effectiveness. (Disclaimer: I was one of the manuscript readers for this book.)
7. Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard by Chip Heath & Dan Heath (2010)
   Designed primarily for business people, this book on the psychology of change is full of important insights for solutionaries.
8. Privilege, Power, and Difference by Allan G. Johnson (2001)
   An essential book for understanding systems of privilege and power and our role in them.
9. Don't Think of an Elephant: Know Your Values and Frame the Debate by George Lakoff (2004)
   While the focus of the book is on progressive/conservative politics, the important message here for activists is all about framing and use of language. Great insights and examples that can be applied to social change situations.
10. You Have the Power: Choosing Courage in a Culture of Fear by Frances Moore Lappé & Jeffrey Perkins (2004)
    Offers tools and inspirational stories for understanding our fear and turning it into a positive power to change our lives and the world.
11. Soul of a Citizen: Living with Conviction in Challenging Times by Paul Rogat Loeb (2010)
    Offers a new and empowering vision for engaging in social issues. Includes numerous insightful examples and important reminders.
12. Writing to Change the World by Mary Pipher (2007)
    If one of your tools for social change is writing (even if it's just the occasional letter to the editor), Pipher's book has some invaluable tidbits, and one of the best activist letters I have ever read.
13. The Lifelong Activist: How to Change the World Without Losing Your Way by Hillary Rettig (2006)
    Many books for activists talk strategy, but how many focus on how to integrate activism into your life in a mindful, healthy way. The book explores issues such as finding your mission, coping with burnout, and dealing with your time and finances constructively.
14. Most Good, Least Harm: A Simple Principle for a Better World and Meaningful Life by Zoe Weil (2009)
    Ensuring that our choices reflect our values and that we're striving to do the most good & least harm for all are important elements of being a healthy, joyful, effective activist. A must-read from IHE's own president.
    

 Image courtesy of 05com via Creative Commons.

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5 QUESTIONS FOR NATIONAL KIND TEACHER AWARD WINNER MARCY WELLS

In 2003 Marcy Wells founded Funny Farm Early Learning Center in Portland, Oregon, a preschool dedicated to learning that's fun and meaningful and that focuses on the importance of qualities like compassion and empathy -- both for people and animals. This year Marcy's humane education efforts were recognized when she won the 2011 National Kind Teacher Award, which is bestowed by the Humane Society of the United States. Marsha met this lively and enthusiastic woman at Portland's VegFest in September, and Marcy kindly agreed to talk with us.

IHE: How and why were you drawn to humane education?

MW: I’ve always believed in the humane treatment of animals, but my passion for animal welfare issues was sparked about 8 years ago when I adopted my first pet, a highly opinionated cat I named Sass. I believe one of the most important things young children should learn is RESPECT – for their school, each other, their parents, other adults, and that includes animals. Not just the animals that may be living in the home, but all animals…even bugs. Learning compassion and empathy at this age, while they are just learning to gain their independence and starting to feel like they are “getting bigger,” is important to their emotional growth. Utilizing principles of humane learning helps them understand that they can become the caregivers, as well as learn that there is a world outside of their own.

In many preschool settings, teachers are told what curriculum to run in their classrooms. With the founding of my own school, and with my knack for cleverly writing my own curriculum units that reach preschoolers in a fun and engaging way, I have the freedom to teach the things I feel are necessary for a strong early educational experience.


IHE:  Tell us about some of the humane-themed lessons you've used.

MW: “Funny Farm Gone Wild” is a summer curriculum program we created in 2007. Unlike the regular school year where lessons are built around numerous themes lasting 1-2 weeks, our summer program focuses on a single theme for the entire three months. 

The goals of the curriculum program are to learn 1) what “endangered” means, 2) the plight of certain endangered species (loss of habitat, poaching, pet trade, etc.), and 3) what our preschoolers can do to help.

The Funny Farm Kids (ages 3-5) become Eco Rangers in a summer adventure to save the planet and rescue endangered species. During the summer, we transform our school into our Eco Ranger Station base camp complete with medical center, survival gear, walkie-talkies, and other necessary tools of the trade. At the start of each week, our Eco Rangers receive a call from Eco Headquarters on their walkie-talkies about an animal that needs their help and then it’s “Eco Rangers to the Rescue” as they gear up to follow clues to the animal’s location and the danger the animal is in. 

The idea for this program came from pairing a natural love for animals with this age group. Kids are eager to help if you just ask them. This seemed like a perfect solution to tapping into these young “superhero wanna-bes,” while teaching them about the world (and species) around them.

During the regular school year we incorporate humane learning in other curriculum units, where appropriate. For example, in November our turkey unit takes inspiration from the children’s book ’Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey and Farm Sanctuary’s Adopt-A-Turkey program. Children in the classroom learn to care for a small flock of adopted turkeys (stuffed animals) shifting the emphasis from what we eat at Thanksgiving. In February, our Dramatic Play area in the classroom is transformed into an animal shelter with pretend cats, dogs, lizards, frogs, even rabbits, as well as all the necessary care items needed to find proper homes for each of them.

IHE: What evidence do you have that students are internalizing humane principles?

MW: Where do I start? If a teacher knows how to present the material, then kids will respond. The kids all become VERY attached to the stuffed animals we bring in to teach humane principles. As with our summer curriculum, the stuffed animals that have been rescued take on a very real role in the classroom. Giving each its own name and personal story, they are handled respectfully and cared for with a sweet tenderness.

Recently, one of our dads shared that during a weekend of weeding in the yard, his daughter insisted on inspecting each dandelion before it was plucked so as not to “destroy habitat” of any creatures that might be living on it. Examples like this one are proof that the learning is sinking in.


IHE: Congratulations on being this year's winner of the National Kind Teacher Award! How did that come about?

MW: I was nominated for the award by a board member – who is a staunch supporter of animal welfare issues – who thought I should be recognized for my efforts regarding humane education with preschoolers. I was very honored to receive the award and very appreciative of the recognition. It was a great confirmation to have our efforts recognized. 


IHE:  What advice would you give to someone who wanted to start his/her own humane education preschool?

MW: Keep in mind that humane education is important and can be incorporated into any school. It takes someone with passion for animal welfare and a knack for reaching little ones in a creative way.  

12 MUST-SEE MOVIES OF 2011

by Marsha Rakestraw, Director of Online Courses, Online Communications & Education Resources

Video can be one of the most powerful and moving means for enlightening us and motivating us to take action. Each year there are dozens of films worth seeing for those of us passionate about working toward a just, compassionate, healthy world for all. We've narrowed the list down to 12 suggested must-see movies of 2011.

1. Born to Be Wild (40 min)
   An IMAX 3D film that documents orphaned orangutans and elephants and the extraordinary people working to save them.
2. The Bro Code: How Contemporary Culture Creates Sexist Men (58 min)
   Dissects a range of media that glamorize and promote sexism, violence against women, and certain very specific definitions of "American manhood" and looks at how these cultural forces help shape young men to dehumanize and disrespect women.
3. Buck (88 min)
   A powerful film about a man who recovered from years of abuse to become an acclaimed horse whisperer.
4. Forks Over Knives (90 min)
   Puts to the test the idea of food as medicine & explores the power of a healthy, plant-based diet.
5. Farm to Fridge (12 min)
   A brief but powerful look behind the closed doors of industrial animal agriculture facilities.
6. Hot Coffee (88 min)
   An eye-opening look at how big business influences the civil justice system.
7. I Am (76 min)
   A bad bike accident leads a filmmaker around the world to explore 2 questions: "What's wrong with our world?" and "What can we do to make it better?"
8. The Interrupters (125 min)
   Powerful and moving stories of three "violence interrupters" who work to protect and transform their Chicago communities.
9. The Last Mountain (95 min)
   Highlights the devastating damage of mountaintop removal mining and the conflict between the coal industry and the people fighting for healthy, sustainable communities.
10. Miss Representation (85 min)
    Exposes and challenges mainstream media's portrayal of women and girls.
11. Project Nim (93 min)
    Details a heart-breaking experiment from the 1970s in which a chimpanzee was taken from his mother and raised as a "human" to see if chimps could learn language.
12. Vegucated (76 min)
    Follows three meat-loving New Yorkers who agree to adopt a vegan diet for 6-weeks and take on a quest to explore the impact of animal agriculture.
    
    

Image courtesy of michael.newman via Creative Commons.

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7 STRATEGIES TO BETTER MODEL YOUR MESSAGE

by Zoe Weil, IHE President

To create a peaceful world, we must each make our lives mirrors of the world we want. As nineteenth-century social reformer and minister William Ellery Channing stated, "May your life preach more loudly than your lips." Gandhi also responded to a reporter asking him what his message was by jotting down on a piece of paper, "My life is my message." There is much to do on the path to MOGO (most good) living, but the foundation is laid when you make your life the message you want it to be. Here are 7 strategies to help:

1. Make the phrase "My life is my message" a mantra. Repeat it often so that you have more awareness of your actions and choices, and are more likely to model the message you want.
2. Count to 10 before you react to anything that makes you angry or hurt. Take a deep breath. Repeat the mantra. Choose to act peacefully and wisely.
3. Whenever you are exposed to either/or thinking, whether in the media, with family or friends, or in yourself, commit to discovering other perspectives. Pause to explore solutions.
4. Always search for alternatives to violence, whether violent words, violent acts or violent attitudes. Uncover a third way. If necessary, uncover a fourth or fifth.
5. Practice blending. When facing a conflict or challenge, whether with others or within yourself, listen carefully and pay attention to the other point(s) of view before reacting or responding.
6. Reflect upon and celebrate the times you have successfully modeled your message so that you may call upon your own wisdom, integrity, and creativity the next time you are faced with a challenge or conflict.
7. Complete the MOGO Questionnaire to help you more closely align your values and actions and to help you follow through with your commitments and goals.
   

Excerpted from Zoe Weil's book, Most Good, Least Harm: A Simple Principle for a Better World & Meaningful Life.

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ONE SMALL STEP FOR A BETTER WORLD: JUST START

by Marsha Rakestraw, Director of Online Courses, Online Communications, & Education Resources

I love working for IHE. But I feel drawn to do even more to help create a just, compassionate, healthy world for all. I've manifested humane education and activism in different ways throughout my life, and the more I learn, the more I want to make sure that I'm spending my time and energy in the most effective way possible. So I've been spending quite a bit of time -- months, actually -- thinking about and exploring what that "most effective way" might be. While being aware that I didn't want to fall into the trap of waiting for perfection, what I didn't realize was that, while I was waiting for that "most effective way" to reveal itself to me, I've had all this time that I could have been doing something -- helping people, animals and the planet in some way -- and wasn't.

So I decided to just start. I thought about a couple of small actions I could take that fulfill my desire to use my time wisely and effectively, while meeting my need to help create a better world for all. I've had past experience with the effectiveness of writing, so I've started writing regular letters to my congressional representatives, to companies, and to others who have the power to influence positive change. I've also had good feedback about the few humane education presentations I currently do in my community, so I'm slowly expanding those.

In my work with IHE, I regularly interact with students and activists who passionately want to work for positive change, but get hung up on what that looks like. I encourage them to find something small that pairs their passion and their skills and to just start. Yes, we need to ensure that we're working toward the root of the problem, rather than just slapping on band-aids; but doing something that meets that criteria -- no matter how small -- is better than doing nothing. As the late President Vaclav Havel said,

“I feel a responsibility to work toward the things I consider good and right. I don’t know whether I'll be able to change certain things for the better, or not at all. Both outcomes are possible. There is only one thing I will not concede: that it might be meaningless to strive in a good cause.”

So if you're struggling with getting started, just start. Write a letter to the editor; leaflet for Vegan Outreach; invite friends over for a discussion about global warming; give a presentation at your place of worship; contact a company and thank them for their humane practices. There are so many opportunities for positive change in your home, your community, and beyond. So just start!

Image courtesy of stevendepolo via Creative Commons.

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NEW REPORT NAMES BEST, WORST U.S. STATES FOR ANIMAL PROTECTION LAWS

It only takes a glance at the news to know we have a long way to go as a society in transforming our relationship with nonhuman animals. One area that deserves attention is legislation that protects animals. Earlier this month the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) released their 2011 U.S. Animal Protection Laws Rankings, which analyzes the animal protection laws of each state across 14 broad categories and ranks each state according to its score.

According to the report, Illinois holds the top spot for the fourth year in a row, while Mississippi showed the most improvement, moving from 50th to 30th. The worst offender? Kentucky. Here are the top 5 and bottom five for 2011:

Top 5:

1. Illinois
2. Maine
3. Michigan
4. Oregon
5. California

Bottom 5:

46. South Dakokta
47. Iowa
48. Idaho
49. North Dakota
50. Kentucky

According to ALDF more than half of all states and territories have "experienced a significant improvement in their animal protection laws." In reviewing the results from ALDF’s rankings reports over the past five years, more than half of all states and territories experienced a significant improvement in their animal protection laws, including these that have improved by greater than 50%:

• Alaska:  53%
• Utah:  56%
• Guam:  63%
• Mississippi:  66%
• Puerto Rico:  91%
• Arkansas:  95%

Some of the improvements states have made have included:

• Expanding the range of protections for animals
• Providing stiffer penalties for offenders
• Better standards of care for animals
• Reporting of animal cruelty cases by veterinarians and other professionals
• Mitigation and recovery of the costs associated with the care and rehabilitation of mistreated animals 
• Mental health evaluations and counseling for offenders
• Bans on ownership of animals following convictions
• Allowing animals to be included in domestic violence protective orders
  

You can find out more here and read the full report here.

While it's wonderful that so much progress has been made, it's important to remember that most of these laws protect only companion animals. And, in a society that condones and supports institutionalized animal exploitation and cruelty, proving, or even defining "abuse," "neglect," or "cruelty" can be extremely challenging.

ALDF encourages those who want more and stronger animal protection laws to contact their elected officials and advocate for them.

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