InnerAct Alliance Offers an Exciting New Humane Education Program

 

InnerAct Alliance Offers an Exciting New
Humane Education Program

InnerAct Alliance is proud to have received special grant funding to provide the most effective evidence-based programs that prevent substance abuse and bullying and promote empathy and critical thinking to help youth succeed in all aspects of their lives. We are excited to offer schools and organizations in Polk County an impactful new Humane Education Program for elementary-aged children with lessons that include instruction by a humane educator using high quality; age appropriate literature, critical thinking techniques, and activities that reinforce healthy ways to interact with peers and promote animal welfare. There's also a fun option to bring live or stuffed animals in as part of the presentation and discussion to enhance learning outcome.

The Benefits of Humane Education include:

* Violence and bullying reduction by using live or stuffed animals to promote responsible, healthy decision-making skills.

* Literacy lessons with high quality literature fosters young children's natural curiosity and affinity with animals to build compassion and respect.

* Post-reading activities promote and strengthen academic engagement and prosocial behaviors of peers.

InnerAct Alliance's humane educator, Michelle Bachmeier, has been out in our community the past few months sharing educational lessons focused on kindness. Students read a story and discuss ways to communicate positively with each other and with others. Teachable moments and thoughtful discussion unfold when students are able to share feelings, talk about how everyone makes mistakes sometimes, and practice how to make wiser choices and be helpful when they encounter hurtful behavior in their classroom, on the playground, or at home.

Impactful discussions at a young age assist a child's ability to create real and interesting pathways for learning. Their positive effects may reach far beyond the classroom into the home, across our community, and throughout our world!

A special visitor from Polk County Animal Services, Rachel Padgett, was on hand for a recent Humane Education presentation offered by InnerAct Alliance to YMCA Reads students at Winston Elementary School in Lakeland. The 11-week-old female puppy who accompanied her to visit with the children is currently available for adoption. This is a special cooperative effort that teaches children to practice compassion and respect towards animals and also offers an opportunity to socialize adoptive pets with children and adults in real-life settings. Individuals or families interested in adding a new puppy, kitten, dog, or cat to their family may visit the Polk Animal Services website at https://www.polksheriff.org/animal-services.  

Another special visitor, Lekeyia Lott from Polk County Sheriff's Crime Prevention office, was also in attendance to share glow in the dark bracelets with the message "Cool to Be Kind" with program participants. 

InnerAct Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and licensed provider for substance abuse prevention in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties. For information about hosting a free Humane Education Program for your school or community organization, please contact IAA's executive director, Angie Ellison, at (863) 802-0777 or email: angie.ellison@inneractalliance.org