Welcome to the Summit!

2/8/2019

We are excited to learn, share, and connect with you! All speaker sessions and recorded panel discussions will be saved here for you to view at your convenience, and we will be available over the course of the Summit to respond to your questions in the comments. Be sure to check out our event program for special opportunities, FAQ, and more! Contact us with any questions at summit@hecoalition.org.

Please introduce yourself in the comments! Where in the world are you located? What do you hope to gain by attending the Summit?

82 Comments

Karen link

1/15/2019 08:42:19 am

I am very much looking forward to this wonderful event! My team and I will be participating from Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. :) We all look forward to meeting you virtually!

Kyla link

1/15/2019 09:33:17 am

Awesome! I'll be tuning in from Barn Sanctuary out in Chelsea, just down 94 from you guys! :)

Karen link

1/15/2019 12:30:39 pm

That's so great! I live in Chelsea - we are with the Humane Society of Huron Valley. :) I'm so glad you are attending! Perhaps we can get together at some point for lunch or coffee! Feel free to email me at karenp@hshv.org.

Humane Education Coalition

1/25/2019 08:59:11 am

We look forward to connecting with your team at the Summit, Karen! :)

Kyla

1/25/2019 09:42:21 am

I would love that, Karen! I'll shoot an email your way! :)

Kyla link

1/15/2019 09:32:31 am

So looking forward to this! It makes it so convenient when these events are available remotely and I am very appreciative of the opportunity to hear all of these wonderful speakers. I am located in Chelsea, Michigan with Barn Sanctuary, a farmed animal sanctuary. I am working to develop our educational programs and know this summit will provide a lot of wonderful information.

Humane Education Coalition

1/25/2019 09:02:00 am

Welcome, Kyla! We think the Summit will provide valuable information to develop your humane education program. Looking forward to it!

Kyla

1/25/2019 09:45:21 am

I definitely think so, too! Thanks!

Erin O link

1/15/2019 01:00:01 pm

Hello from Western Wisconsin! This is such a great opportunity! I coordinate the Humane Education Department at the Coulee Region Humane Society and am excited to learn more about how we can expand our program and bring in new innovative ideas!

Humane Education Coalition

1/25/2019 09:02:59 am

Thank you for joining us, Erin! Get ready for lots of innovative ideas, research, and much more at the Summit. :)

Elisabeth Ormandy link

1/15/2019 06:07:48 pm

Hi everyone! I'll be tag-teaming a Humane Summit presentation on humane science education. I'm looking forward to sharing some of the work I do with my charity (same goes for my co-presenter). Our presentation will explore how science teachers can avoid using real animals for dissection in life science class, and the value that non-animal teaching methods bring to the humane education movement. I hope you can tune in!

Humane Education Coalition

1/25/2019 09:04:11 am

Thank you, Elisabeth! We can't wait to share your fantastic session on this very important topic.

Lori O'day link

1/18/2019 10:59:32 am

Very excited for this opportunity! Thank you for making it possible.

Humane Education Coalition

1/25/2019 09:04:57 am

Welcome, Lori! We're so glad you can join us for this special speaker series. :)

Gelek Sangmo

1/21/2019 08:55:54 am

Looking forward to this.

Humane Education Coalition

1/25/2019 09:11:28 am

We are too, Gelek! Thanks for joining us!

Karen Alfaro

1/24/2019 02:17:11 pm

Looking forward to learning how to be more effective when speaking to non-vegans. Thank you all for sharing your time, energy, and expertise.

Humane Education Coalition

1/25/2019 09:13:19 am

Welcome, Karen! We look forward to learning with you. :)

Seikni LIM

1/24/2019 08:29:09 pm

Good day everyone, greeting from Malaysia !! My daily job relate me with companion animals and it make me realize the need to emphasize the important of humane relationship between human and animals. Thus i can't wait to learn from this summit. Thank you guys... Have an awesome day ahead !!

Humane Education Coalition

1/25/2019 09:16:14 am

Welcome, Seikni! There will be many opportunities to explore the human-animal connection at the Summit. We are glad you have joined us!

Vihren Mitev link

1/25/2019 05:00:10 pm

Hello everyone!
I am from Sofia, Bulgaria and have PhD in Philosophical Anthropology. My passion for the environment made me see the task of fighting global warming in the upcoming twelve years as vocation and obligation. That is why I started the ManEco Foundation in Sofia, Bulgaria and I am trying to work on diverse areas in the field. I came to this through writing the Ecological Manifesto (https://vihrenemitev.wixsite.com/ecologicalmanifesto) and articles in support of the idea for creation of Ecological Diplomacy (https://ariadnetopology.academia.edu/VihrenMitev) as preventative measure of natural disasters, migration and conflicts. Currently I am writing another article which will try to structure the most problematic fields concerning the environment and prescribe order and importance to what should be done in the future.
So, nice meeting you all and thanks Alex for this course!
P.S. If you are interested in diverse news about ecology, please follow and share my page: https://www.facebook.com/EcologicalManifesto/?ref=bookmarks
And follow me in Twitter where I share much more scientific information about climate change: https://twitter.com/VihrenMitev

Humane Education Coalition

1/29/2019 04:54:04 pm

Welcome to the Humane Summit, Vihren! We are so happy you can join us for this speaker series. Thank you for sharing the Ecological Manifesto, we will be sure to follow online. Looking forward to learning with you at the Summit!

Constance link

1/29/2019 07:05:59 pm

Hello from Knoxville, Tennessee USA! I think it's amazing that people are attending this summit from around the world. Looking forward to expanding our education program at the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley. Alexis just joined our team today as our new Education Coordinator so I'm excited for her to register. Any opportunity for the team to learn and grow is a great one!! Thank you for offering this opportunity to all of us in the animal advocate world!

Humane Education Coalition

1/30/2019 11:21:12 am

Thank you for joining us, Constance! We are delighted you and Alexis are able to participate in the Summit. Looking forward to learning with you!

Suzanne Martin

2/2/2019 12:01:31 pm

My focus in Ireland is to campaign for animal free research.
My intention for this summit is to listen and to get some inspiration that I can take onboard in 2019

Humane Education Coalition

2/4/2019 07:32:15 am

Welcome, Suzanne! We are thrilled you've joined us for the Humane Summit. Be sure to view our speaker session, "Humane Science Education: Ending the Use of Animals for Dissection," presented by Nicole Green and Dr. Elisabeth Ormandy. They provide several examples of new dissection alternatives in science education!

Susie V Kaufman link

2/2/2019 04:13:01 pm

Greetings, all you lovers of non-humans!

I live in Santa Clarita, California, USA. That's part of Los Angeles County, so in Southern California.

I was a volunteer at Animal Acres (now part of Farm Sanctuary) since its beginning, and am still on the roster as the emergency evacuation coordinator. Alas, despite countless reminders, I never hear back from those whom I contact for updates on my spreadsheet in case of emergencies (especially ghastly fires, which are fairly common).

My concerns are gently and humanely teaching others about ethical veganism. Also, when approached -- say, at a restaurant table where some don't know me, and begin to ask questions in a rather offensive way -- how to remain my usual cool self, but to be able to get at least SOME points across without seeming to lecture. As well, and as I significantly age, my patience IS wearing some, and when I feel "poo-pooed" by those who may mock me, then walk away, I'd like to learn how to keep that from hurting ME.

I've been an ethical vegan for ages and ages, and never BEGIN a discourse on its virtues. And, when one DOES ask me about it, I am very careful to start slowly, and ask -- along the way -- if I'm saying too much. At the same time, I WANT to say enough to strike guilt and sadness in the hearts of these people who either still don't know, or don't REALLY want to know "THE TRUTH."

I'm loving reading the few comments I've already seen above, and hope for more, because THAT gives me more hope. Living near a HUGE city IS of benefit for vegans, because there sure are MORE of us... but I still tend to avoid the militant (PETA, for instance) types, because they can be extraordinarily offensive and ugly in their behavior, and can negate efforts to educate. [Mind you, I will utilize PETA films, however, on my Facebook page, as they are truly well done.] I also am wary of the pseudo-hippie approach -- perhaps only because I am a child of The SIxties (yes, went to Woodstock), and that, too, can be a real turn-off to ever so many "regular" people.

I just hope, hope, hope this summit will teach me, along with the rest of us, much that will carry on for the rest of our lives.

Thank you for putting this together.

PEACE

Humane Education Coalition

2/4/2019 07:45:37 am

Thank you for joining us, Susie! Several of our speaker sessions touch on humane language, intersectionality of issues within the field of humane education, and exciting trends in our field. I would also like to recommend a book that might be helpful for you in your endeavor to be an effective animal advocate: Dr. Melanie Joy's book, "Strategic Action for Animals," provides a practical, compassionate approach to this topic. Thanks again for joining us! Kindly, Megan Moon

Martha link

2/3/2019 11:27:12 am

I am on faculty at the veterinary school at Tufts University, and I work for a large municipal animal shelter. We are exploring educational opportunities for the various populations we interact with.

Humane Education Coalition

2/4/2019 07:49:39 am

Welcome to the Humane Summit, Martha! We are glad you've joined us. Many of our sessions are applicable to your work, and they provide specific examples and practical guidelines for building humane education programs in the animal protection sector. We look forward to learning with you this week!

Dom

2/3/2019 07:16:12 pm

Hi I will be joining you from my holiday spot in Fiji but my place of residence is Christchurch New Zealand. I’m an Animal Rights Activist and an organiser and regional organiser for Anonymous for the Voiceless Christchurch and New Zealand. I’m also an organiser for Christchurch Animal Rights Action (CARA) who are involved in local grass roots activism. I hope to take away further knowledge gained from this summit that can be incorporated into my work for animal liberation through street education demonstrations

Humane Education Coalition

2/4/2019 01:20:40 pm

Thank you for joining us, Dom! And thank you for the work you do on behalf of animals in New Zealand. We're glad you are here, and we hope our speaker sessions and panel discussions will provide valuable information that you can apply to your work in animal protection.

sandra carmo

2/4/2019 06:12:07 am

Hello! I'm from Portugal, jurist, and I dedicate myself to animal rights. I found you through my research and what you say makes a lot of sense. In fact, I have always believed that Education is the engine of change. So I hope to learn a lot from you!

Humane Education Coalition

2/4/2019 01:22:44 pm

Welcome, Sandra! Thank you for your efforts to help animals in Portugal. There will be many opportunities to explore animal protection issues at the Summit. We are glad you have joined us!

Jennifer Breuklander

2/4/2019 11:45:48 am

Hello, I am so excited to be joining all of you from Oklahoma City! I have been an animal lover my entire life and an educator for nearly two decades. I am hoping to leave the classroom in May to pursue a career in the area of animal welfare or humane education. I am thrilled to have this opportunity. Thank you, HEC!

Humane Education Coalition

2/4/2019 01:26:46 pm

Thank you for joining us, Jennifer! There are so many creative ways to combine education and animal protection, and you'll learn about several of them this week at the Summit. Best wishes to you in your career pursuits, and please do keep in touch and consider the Coalition a resource! We are delighted to help in any way we can. Thanks again!

Ashley DiGrado

2/4/2019 12:34:46 pm

Hello! I will be joining from Grand Junction, Colorado. I am recently developing a humane ed. program at the humane society I work at, and I'm looking forward to learning and sharing ideas with you all!

Humane Education Coalition

2/4/2019 01:30:47 pm

Welcome to the Summit, Ashley! You are in good company, as many of our participants are starting to develop education programs as well. Several speakers and panelists have terrific insight in the area of building programs, cultivating relationships with schools, securing funding, and more. Please feel free to ask questions here in the Summit and during our live panel discussions, if you are able to attend any of them. Thank you!

Regina Rumford link

2/4/2019 03:18:35 pm

Excited to be part of this experience in Valparaiso, Indiana. I just completed my PhD in Organizational Systems with a specialization in Humane Education. I was a classroom teacher for 24 years, 17 of those were international. Many great individuals at the Summit promoting and implementing the HE movement for a more sustainable future for all living species. Thank you for creating this space!

Humane Education Coalition

2/4/2019 05:49:29 pm

Thank you for joining us, Regina! Your experience is tremendous, and it is wonderful to include you among so many brilliant participants who can share their questions, insights, and ideas here in the Summit. We're so glad you are here!

Ellen Schmidt link

2/4/2019 05:47:14 pm

Hi Everyone! Excited to be joining you from Albuquerque, New Mexico! I head up the education department at a large non-profit animal shelter, Animal Humane New Mexico! Excited to learn!

Humane Education Coalition

2/4/2019 05:53:22 pm

Welcome to the Summit, Ellen! Several of our speaker sessions focus on animal protection, and we hope you will find many practical takeaways and helpful guidance to implement in your programs in New Mexico. Thank you for joining us!

Maria Helena Saari

2/5/2019 04:47:32 am

Hello from Helsinki, Finland! I am doing my PhD on animal protection and humane education at the University of Oulu. Looking forward to all of the interesting talks, thank you for organising this event!

Humane Education Coalition

2/5/2019 07:29:22 am

Thank you for joining us, Maria! You may be interested in some of the sessions about humane education research, as well as viewing Dr. Bernard Unti's session today about the history of the kindness-to-animals ethic in the 1700s. We are glad you're here!

Jennifer

2/5/2019 07:12:08 am

Hi and hello from Ashburn, VA (right outside of the Washington, D.C. area). So happy to be able to attend this fabulous event! I'm looking forward to soaking up all of the information and "meeting" everyone.

Humane Education Coalition

2/5/2019 07:30:46 am

Welcome, Jennifer! Thank you for joining us. Feel free to ask questions, share ideas, and more! We're grateful to connect with you. :)

Marta

2/5/2019 07:46:14 am

Hi everyone!! So excited that the summit is about to start!! I’m from Spain, living in North Carolina US until the summer.
I look forward to share this amazing experience with all of you and to learn and get inspiration on how to help create a more just, humane, and sustainable world for all!
Also I would love to connect with people doing humane education in Spanish to help advance the field in this language :)
See you’all in bit!!
Love,
Marta

Humane Education Coalition

2/5/2019 07:59:32 am

Welcome to the Summit, Marta! Thank you for your thoughtful support of the Coalition, and for all you do to create a kinder world. If there is a way we can support your efforts to advance humane education in Spanish, please let us know. We look forward to learning, sharing, and connecting with you this week!

Brin B link

2/5/2019 07:58:03 am

Greetings from Houston, Texas! I am super excited to be a part of this summit, and I can't wait to hear the great information everyone has to share!!

Humane Education Coalition

2/5/2019 08:11:35 am

Welcome to the Humane Summit, Brin! We're delighted you are here, and we look forward to learning with you this week!

Arzu

2/5/2019 08:06:57 am

Hi. I am a student and want to learn more about humane issues. Also can not figure out how I can reach to the live presentations.

Humane Education Coalition

2/5/2019 08:14:48 am

Hello, Arzu! We are glad you have joined us for the Humane Summit. The links to access the live panel discussions are above in this post, and we will also send them via email each day of the Summit. The live panel discussions take place in Zoom videoconference. If you are unable to attend the live panels, you can view the recordings here afterward. Feel free to contact us at summit@hecoalition.org if you have any questions. Thank you!

AJ Chlebnik link

2/5/2019 10:46:54 am

Just getting started for the day in a very snowy Western Washington. I work for the Progressive Animal Welfare Society in Lynnwood, WA and I am excited to learn what other people are doing in humane education.

Humane Education Coalition

2/5/2019 10:54:39 am

Welcome, AJ and the PAWS Education team! We are looking forward to your session about using multiple-exposure programming to make a measurable impact on Wednesday! So delighted you can join us for the Summit. :)

Carlette Jewell link

2/5/2019 12:50:22 pm

Hi AJ! I know Jennie over there, and love hearing about all the cool things happening at PAWS! So glad to see a friend of a friend!

Jennie Baxla

2/5/2019 01:05:20 pm

Hi Carlette & AJ! I wish you two could meet IRL! :)

Blaire Sigson link

2/5/2019 11:12:29 am

Hi everyone! I'm joining from Nanaimo, BC Canada. I am a Regional Humane Educator with the BC SPCA and am so looking forward to hearing from all the speakers and learning of ways to enhance our Humane Education programs. :)

Humane Education Coalition

2/5/2019 11:16:59 am

Thank you for joining us, Blaire! We are glad you're here. Many of our sessions will be beneficial for your work at the BC SPCA. We look forward to learning with you this week!

Jennie Baxla

2/5/2019 11:29:56 am

Good morning from snowy, icy WA! I'm a Volunteer Program Manager at PAWS in Lynnwood, WA and am looking forward to expanding my horizons a bit with these talks, and hoping to utilize what I learn for future programming. Plus, I love what you are doing and am eager to support! :)

Humane Education Coalition

2/5/2019 12:03:00 pm

Welcome, Jennie! So glad you can join us this week. Be sure to check out the PAWS Education Team session on Wednesday! Looking forward to learning with you. :)

Carlette Jewell

2/5/2019 12:51:09 pm

Hi Jennie!

Caitlin Gill

2/5/2019 10:59:56 pm

Hi Jennie! I'm a volunteer program manager as well in Missoula, Montana working for the Humane Society of Western Montana. I am excited as well to learn more and how it can change the types of programs I offer. I also want to find out how I can involve volunteers more in Humane Ed. Cheers!

Lauren Jones

2/5/2019 11:49:12 am

Checking in from New York. Thank you for offering this wonderful opportunity to learn! I am very excited to add to my education as a humane educator, taking courses through IHE and working at Woodstock Farm Sanctuary.

Humane Education Coalition

2/5/2019 12:06:49 pm

Thank you for joining us, Lauren! We love the work Woodstock Farm Sanctuary is doing, and it's wonderful that you're taking the fantastic courses at IHE. There are many opportunities to learn and build connections this week at the Summit. We are delighted you are here with us!

Kyla link

2/5/2019 07:53:20 pm

Hey Lauren! Glad to see another farmed animal sanctuary team member taking part in the summit! I am Barn Sanctuary's new Program Manager. I am hoping to start with IHE this summer - would love to chat some time! :)

Julie O'Connor link

2/5/2019 12:10:24 pm

Happy to be part of the summit! Best, Julie O'Connor, PdD

Humane Education Coalition

2/5/2019 12:30:32 pm

Welcome, Julie! And thank you so much for your rich contribution to our Coffee and Conversation live panel discussion. We hope you enjoy the many speaker sessions and live panel discussions this week!

Carlette Jewell link

2/5/2019 12:53:07 pm

Joining from Dayton, Ohio, SICSA Pet Adoption Center. I'm really excited to hear what other organizations are working on, and connect with other educators. I loved the Peace Learning Center presentation! So many cool ideas!

Humane Education Coalition

2/5/2019 01:23:25 pm

Welcome to the Summit, Carlette! Isn't Be the Change the coolest? And it is close to you in Ohio, it would be great to take a trip to Indianapolis to check it out in person when you can! Thank you so much for joining us this week, we're glad you're here. :)

Dana Buchwald link

2/5/2019 02:01:53 pm

Really glad to be a part of this summit. What a wonderful opportunity to learn and connect!

Humane Education Coalition

2/5/2019 02:30:10 pm

Thank you, Dana! We are delighted you are here to learn, share, and connect with us. And thanks for attending this morning's Coffee and Conversation live panel discussion!

Stephanie

2/6/2019 03:32:59 pm

And thank you to Gryphon Press for your generous donation and support of the Summit.

Kim Korona

2/6/2019 05:28:09 pm

Yes, I second that! Thank you Gryphon Press!
And thank you Stephanie and APL for sponsoring as well!

Toni Wilson

2/5/2019 04:37:41 pm

This is a wonderful meeting of the minds with shared point of views and the same goals! I have registered for this event, however I did not receive an email in return. I was able to watch all of videos, but was not able to download certificate of completion. Thanks for sharing!

Humane Education Coalition

2/5/2019 04:43:34 pm

Hi Toni! Thank you for joining us this week. I will double-check that we have the correct email address for you and make sure to follow-up via email. We have many more speaker sessions and live panel discussions taking place this week, so stay tuned! The certificate of completion will be available to download on February 7 at the end of the Summit. You will be able to find it right here in the Summit - www.hecoalition.org/summit-2019. Thanks again! Kindly, Megan Moon

Chick Barnes

2/6/2019 08:24:55 am

I am so pleased to see this good work in humane/ pro-social learning made accessible through technology! Thank you, H.E.C.! I am a solutionary artist in Utah, a longtime holder of CHES credentials, and a 2018 Master of Arts, H.E. graduate through the Institute for Humane Education with Valparaiso University. Looking forward to learning with all of you through this innovative platform. Best, Chick

Humane Education Coalition

2/6/2019 08:44:37 am

Chick, thank you for joining us! We are familiar with your solutionary songwriter work and LOVE your music on SoundCloud! Looking forward to learning with you this week at the Summit. :)

Stephanie Itle-Clark link

2/6/2019 05:52:17 pm

I am so thrilled you can be with us, Chick! I think you were one of my first CHES grads and it has been such a pleasure watching your fantastic journey. Miss you and hope to catch up soon.

Alexa Gnauck link

2/6/2019 10:17:04 am

Hello everybody,
I'm so glad to be participating in this online summit straight from Germany - Berlin! I work at ProVeg International - we're a food awarness organisation promoting a plant-based diet and I'm coordinating our school programme internationally. So I'm always looking forward to meeting new people active in the sector of humane education to exchange best-practices, strategies, ressources etc. Also I'd love to connect to people who work on changing public school meals - towards more plant-based options. Feel free to contact me in any way, if it seems like theres interfaces. Thank you for organising this summit to the whole HEC - Team :)

Humane Education Coalition

2/6/2019 10:22:57 am

Welcome to the Summit, Alexa! Thank you for joining us. We are familiar with your great work at ProVeg International. While all our speaker sessions have something helpful to offer, there are a few speaker sessions that may be of most interest to you: the Voiceless and Animals & Us sessions from Tuesday focus on animal protection education strategies in Australia and New Zealand. On Wednesday, Abby Power will share her perspective on animal protection, including food choices in schools, as a parent and educator. On Thursday, Animalearn and AiSPI will share a session that includes global efforts to encourage alternatives to animal dissection. We hope you enjoy the Summit, and please let us know if you have any questions!

Erin Ellis link

2/6/2019 12:44:55 pm

I'm with the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe in Northern California. We provide services to all of Lake Tahoe, Truckee and up North in Sierra County. Really looking forward to gaining new ideas for humane education!

Humane Education Coalition

2/6/2019 01:16:51 pm

Welcome, Erin! Thank you for joining us. You'll find many practical tools and tips for educating about animal protection in our speaker sessions. Feel free to ask any questions, we're here to help! So glad you're with us this week!

HUMANE SUMMIT 2019