Back to School!

August/September is always a particularly exciting time at HEART. It means the beginning of a new school year, and the chance to teach a whole new crop of kids about human rights, animal protection and environmental ethics.
 
Now in four major cities (New York, Chicago, Indianapolis and Portland, Oregon), HEART is reaching thousands of students from coast to coast. And that’s just with our instructors. Through our teacher training initiatives, the HEART program has impacted countless more across the United States and beyond. Students are learning about topics like child labor, bullying, bigotry, factory farming, companion animal overpopulation, puppy mills, habitat destruction, pollution, climate change and so much more. Perhaps more importantly, they learn how their actions can make a difference in the lives of others.
 
We’d like to take a moment to share with you some of our favorite testimonials from our students over the years.
 
“Thank you for opening our eyes and helping us see that the earth is a beautiful place. Thank you for showing us ways on how to save the environment. You have awoken me and the rest of the class, and have inspired us to be active and start making positive changes to make the world a better place.” – Keysi
 
“I learned that there are more problems in the world than I thought. But what I realize more is that making a difference is very important.” – Melanie
 
“HEART taught me how to be a more compassionate person towards the environment and towards things in general. I learned that I can make a difference. Even just a regular kid like me can do something.”- Christian
 
“Thank you so much for giving me the best experience I could have on those lazy Wednesdays when you just want to go home, and then you come to HEART Club, and never want to leave!…I am so happy to know that I have helped so many animals! I remember, the first time I came into HEART Club, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. But coming in every Wednesday to help animals and the world has become second nature.” – Katy
 
“Thank you for teaching us about the many important issues that affect us humans today. You have brought us all a wake up call about consumer products’ origin, farm animals and their living conditions, the environment and much more. At times, the issues were upsetting, but that is what let us know that we need a change. We know how to live a better life and what we should consider when making decisions as we shop. I will never forget all that we learned and will appreciate it from this day forward. You have encouraged us to take action by letting us know that we can make a difference in society.” – Roseannie
 
We know we’ll meet more inspiring youth this upcoming school year, and that their humane decisions will change the world for the better. We see it each and every year.
 
If you think humane education should be taught in all classrooms, please consider making a donation so that we can reach as many children as possible. All of our successes are made possible through your generosity. Let’s make 2013/2014 the best HEART year yet!