Valerie Belt
I had no idea as I sat down to watch Tribe of Heart’s The Witness that this film would be the catalyst for changing my life. I had been a vegetarian for three years and had been doing some volunteer work for an animal protection organization while living and working in La Paz, Bolivia, but after watching this film, I was not only in tears, but frustrated and angry, realizing just how naïve I’d been about our treatment of animals in the U.S. and beyond.While visiting Los Angeles a few months later, I contacted Tribe of Heart and had a long conversation with James LaVeck, the producer of The Witness. After discussing my goal of getting involved in educating people about a handful of issues relating to animals and the environment, James steered me to the Institute for Humane Education, and I contacted them immediately. I knew I’d finally found a place that would lead me to my passion and forever change my life.
I spent an additional year living and working in Bolivia before returning to LA, and after having attended a couple of animal rights conferences and meeting some incredibly inspirational people I entered IHE's certificate program. I became a vegan and knew I was on the right path –- a path I felt truly passionate about.
While I was in the certificate program I learned more about our world than I could have ever imagined. During my studies and since receiving my certificate in 2006, I have had the opportunity to do presentations in a variety of settings. As a credentialed teacher I have been able to go into elementary classrooms and give lessons on vegetarian and vegan diets, as well as on animal cruelty issues relating to companion animals. I have also used the knowledge I’ve gained to share information about factory farming and leather/wool/fur issues with middle school students. I found that working with high school students on environmental issues is extremely satisfying, and putting together presentations for adults about factory farming and environmental issues has also been very rewarding.
A few years ago, I was fortunate to begin working with a long-time activist, lauren Ornelas. I was asked to be on the board of the non-profit Food Empowerment Project, which she founded in 2006. Being a board member of F.E.P. has not only kept me focused on the interconnections between the injustices against animals, people and the environment, but has also made me realize how important it is to provide others with information about the power of their food choices. I know that I wouldn’t have had any of these opportunities had I not found IHE back in the summer of 2002.
While going through the certificate program I gained insights that would have been impossible to realize without the help from a dedicated IHE staff and the program participants themselves, and I continue to learn from the people I come in contact with while doing outreach and making presentations. I will continue my efforts to attempt to do the “most good and least harm,” especially while working with others, because humane education is my passion and is truly a part of who I am today.
Watch and share IHE President, Zoe Weil's TEDx talk -- an inspiring vision of how to create a just, compassionate, healthy world for all through solutionary education.
MOGO (Most Good) Workshop - Surry, ME
July 14, 2012 - 8:30 am to July 14, 2012 - 5:00 pm | Location: Institute for Humane Education
Live your values. Change the world. Choose MOGO! Our MOGO (most good) workshop is part retreat, part personal development, part educational experience, and 100% invaluable to anyone who wishes to make their lives a manifestation of their greatest vision for a more pea...
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July 14, 2012 - 8:30 am to July 14, 2012 - 5:00 pm | Location: Institute for Humane Education
Live your values. Change the world. Choose MOGO! Our MOGO (most good) workshop is part retreat, part personal development, part educational experience, and 100% invaluable to anyone who wishes to make their lives a manifestation of their greatest vision for a more pea...
Read More