By Meena Alagappan
I am delighted to share the exciting news that HEART is the recipient of the 2018 Excellence in Humane Education Award, which recognizes the outstanding commitment and achievements of our entire team in advancing humane education in innovative and extraordinary ways. The Award was announced on September 5, 2018 by the Humane Education Coalition, an international alliance which bestows the annual award to “honor a distinguished organization that has made a significant contribution to the field of humane education.”
Here is the news release announcing the award:
HEART wins 2018 award from Humane Education Coalition.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - The Humane Education Coalition is thrilled to announce the 2018 Excellence in Humane Education Award recipient, Humane Education Advocates Reaching Teachers (HEART). HEART's mission is to develop a generation of compassionate youth who create positive change for animals, people, and the natural world. They provide comprehensive humane education for students, teachers, and others across the United States. The organization’s programs are designed to provide a combined focus on social justice, animal protection, and environmental conservation.
"To receive this recognition from a coalition who themselves represent leaders in the humane education movement is very meaningful for HEART," said Brad Goldberg, HEART Board Chair. "It is a testament to the expertise, innovation and hard work of our entire team to deliver humane education resources and programs that empower youth to become compassionate changemakers."
HEART Resource Guides
HEART offers a library of outstanding resource guides with lesson plans, interactive resources, webinars, and an online educational game to help meaningfully grow humane education and make it as accessible and inclusive as possible. These resources, along with their education programs, videos, and booklists, are a model for the field of humane education. Educators around the world benefit because these flagship resources are available to them at no cost.
“HEART is extremely honored to receive the Excellence Award, which recognizes the tireless efforts of our staff, teachers and community partners to create a more compassionate world,” said Executive Director Meena Alagappan. “It is especially rewarding to receive this honor from an organization that we respect and admire for their own exceptional commitment in the field of humane education.”
Among its innovative programs, HEART recently piloted a Compassionate Communities Award Competition in collaboration with the New York City Mayor’s Office and the NYC Department of Education. They are also launching a new HEART Network to provide free humane education resources and guidance specially tailored to the needs of animal shelters, wildlife protection organizations, and farm sanctuaries nationwide.
HEART’s programs, resources, and advocacy efforts enable them to significantly impact the way young people think about their responsibility to humans, other animals, and our shared environment. The Coalition applauds HEART's efforts and thanks them for all they do to create a more compassionate, just, and sustainable world!
About the Award
Each year, the Humane Education Coalition honors a distinguished organization that has made a significant contribution to the field of humane education. The purpose of this award is to recognize the outstanding commitment and achievements of agencies involved in advancing humane education in innovative and extraordinary ways.
The Coalition's award selection committee, comprised of 15 experienced professionals, reviewed all nominees over the past several weeks as part of a thorough selection process that included rigorous selection criteria and a detailed evaluation instrument. Committee members are in no way affiliated with nominees and were carefully screened to ensure there is no conflict of interest for award selection.
HEART received exceptional ratings for all criteria, including:
- demonstrating a commitment to the field of humane education;
- demonstrating extensive knowledge, enthusiasm, innovation, and creativity in humane education;
- leading by example, inspiring hope and empowering change in others;
- ability and willingness to work positively, respectfully, and effectively with others;
- and making a significant and meaningful contribution to the field of humane education.
About the Coalition
The Humane Education Coalition is an international alliance for collective impact. Its mission is to advance the field of humane education for the betterment of all living things. The Coalition collaborates with partners in the human rights, environmental ethics, and animal protection sectors to achieve common goals, support their work, and foster respect and compassion among their constituents. The Coalition provides much needed resources, educational opportunities, and grant funding for agencies around the world that teach about human rights, environmental ethics, and animal protection. The organization also works collaboratively to implement groundbreaking initiatives in the field of humane education, including research, publishing, and policy.