Would you cast a free e-vote to make a more humane world? Just click here: http://giveforyouth.maker.good.is/projects/humane-heroes and vote (you will need to fill out your name) and you support American Humane Association and the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation’s new nationwide afterschool program to teach children to value all living things: America’s Children to Help Build a More Humane World
A dramatic new chapter in America’s quest to build a more humane world is about to get a big boost – from some very small heroes. The LIFE Humane Heroes Club, a humane education prototype developed in partnership with American Humane Association, is launching to teach the nation’s children the vital value of the living creatures who share our world. Built on the pillars of character, compassion, and respect, this pioneering project is an innovative new extension of the century-old, tremendously successful humane education program, “Be Kind to Animals Week®,” which taught generations of American children the importance of all living things.
Through a spectrum of after-school activities and curricula, LIFE Humane Heroes Clubs will give today’s children a voice in the compassion movement, educate them about the value of the human-animal bond, and teach them how to advocate for real animals in need in their hometown communities.
Humane education curricula developed by American Humane Association on topics from ethical behavior to animal safety, responsible animal care, animals in science, and pet overpopulation will be available in downloadable lesson plans designed to assist educators in incorporating current humane education topics into club meetings.
Lesson plans are aligned to national education standards and also address the pillar of character, while considering the needs of a wide range of student abilities and learning styles. Other features and educational activities include pledge cards so young members of the new LIFE Humane Heroes Clubs can pledge to Be Humane, field trips to local shelters, visits with therapy dogs, and other memorable, real-life learning experiences.
The new effort was inaugurated on February 15 with the launch of the first LIFE Humane Heroes Club at Sagemont School in Weston, Florida. Appropriately, the first young humane hero, student Reeve Pope, will serve as the chapter’s first President. He and other young members of America’s newest Compassion Movement will enjoy a tour of the new Lois Pope Red Star Rescue Vehicle, part of Florida’s latest emergency response efforts for animals affected by natural and manmade disasters, and a special visit with American Humane Association Therapy Dog Bailey in April. “Change starts with the children,” says Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane Association. “We believe this effort, building on 100 years of humane education, will help create a new generation of young people dedicated to the work of building more humane communities for animals – and all of us.”
Editor’s Note: This national program was actually initiated as a birthday present by grandmother and philanthropist Lois Pope to her grandson – a gift that we hope will reach an entire generation of young people.
