Dani Dennenberg
Growing up, I quickly discovered how unique I was for most young people my age, and I discerned what it meant to become complicit to the world’s social ills. I “rebelliously” challenged complicity by acknowledging that the world did not have to be the way it was and that every choice I made could be an affirmation of my vision of a humane world. It confused me that anyone could just accept things as they were and never question what was in front of them. In my younger years, I asked “Why?” frequently (I still do), and this curiosity helped forge my path.
Challenging complicity presented itself to me in many forms. In my elementary school years, it came in the form of sticking up for people who were picked on. In high school, it came in the form of a sheep heart dissection that I adamantly refused to be part of. In college, it came in the form of choosing a career path that was heart- and spiritually-rich rather than monetarily-rich...
In 1997 I was drawn to an article in an ASPCA Animal Watch magazine regarding the interconnectedness of animal cruelty and other forms of violence in society. My curiosity was piqued as I read about the integral role that a field called Humane Education played in addressing this phenomenon.
Only then did it become evident to me that all social issues were connected and that paradigm shifts could be created, not by telling others what to believe or do, but by informing, encouraging critical thinking, challenging prevailing beliefs, and providing practical tools. Whereas the majority of people on the planet don’t knowingly support animal abuse, sweatshops, and environmental degradation, they often unwittingly contribute to violence, oppression, and a host of social ills. I have come to believe that humane education is about building relationships and bridges with people from all walks of life.
Back in 1998, I was one of a handful of students in IHE’s Humane Education Certificate Program. I witnessed the simultaneous growth in my life and the evolving of the Center for Compassionate Living to the Institute for Humane Education. I became the first student in the U.S. to graduate with an M.Ed. in Humane Education. I could hardly wait for the completion of Animal Issues to put academia into practice in my community, and before I knew it, I was working through my seemingly insurmountable fear of public speaking. I founded and directed Seeds for Change Humane Education and offered programs to schools, universities and community organizations for eight years. I spoke to thousands of kids a month. I was humbled to become part of IHE's staff in 2003, acting as director of the HECP and serving as faculty for their M.Ed. program through Cambridge College.
I think the highlight of my many years of presenting was doing the opening speech for the First Congress on Humanitarian Education in Sao Paulo, Brazil. My heart was so full of pride and honor to be representing a movement.
In 2008 I moved to the Pacific Northwest after a long search for a city that would foster my sense of place, and I found that in Portland, Oregon. Between a seeing a view of Mt. Hood from work to having a forest as a backyard, I'm in heaven! I now serve as the Director of Organizational and Higher Education Partnerships at the Northwest Earth Institute, an organization best known for its transformative discussion circles on issues such as simple living, food and sustainability and deep ecology. I feel deeply grateful for this position and am also exploring a new path, primarily naturopathic medicine. The vision for this path continues to unfold and I am letting the possibilities marinate.
Some fulfilling and fun humane-themed projects I became involved in over the last year: The book Lucifer Effect from the Cultural Issues course motivated me to reach out to prisoners and better understand the complexity of issues that result in imprisonment. So, I joined a pen pal program and have forged a nice connection with one young man who says my letters give him faith that someone believes in him.
I also became part of an art collective called Leave No Plastic Behind which educates the public on plastic consumption -- particularly single-use items -- and encourages artists to live plastic-free for 3 months, incorporating any plastic purchased into an art piece. My piece was showcased this fall in an art gallery. While I didn't succeed in no plastic consumption for 3 months, I filled a dog kibble bag – this put a huge dent in my plastic use.
I'm really happy to be here and so honored to get to know the Portland community!
March 16, 2010 - 2:00 pm | Location: University of Maine - Orono (100 Neville Hall)
Please join us for an inspiring talk with Zoe Weil at the University of Maine in Orono. Co-sponsored by the Peace Studies and Sociology departments. Learn about the ways in which your everyday choices, your work, your activism, and your volunteerism can do the most ...
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