The Power and Promise of Humane Education

(New Society Publishers, 2004)

Inspiring young people to live humane values is among the most important work you can do to build a better world.

Unprecedented global challenges require novel approaches. Old methods of education don’t help us address pressing issues, such as environmental decline, human rights violations and cruelty to animals. Popular culture often makes things worse by glorifying celebrity, violence and greed. How can you help young people better themselves and the world? There is a way to make real change happen.

You can help the next generation decrease suffering, oppression and destruction and create positive change for a kind, just, sustainable world. In The Power and Promise of Humane Education, learn how to engage young people to explore social justice, environmental ethics, animal protection and more. Get the keys to unlock each young person’s potential – and your own — to be a force for good and to help lead us to a better future:

• Reverence, respect, and responsibility for the earth and its inhabitants, inspiring the young people you touch to make better choices.
• Accurate information, so they’ll make more conscious decisions that advance the world they – and you – want to see.
• Curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking that reveal different perspectives and new solutions.
• Positive choices that provide a path for action and that engender energy and hope.

Get activities, stories, examples, case studies, resources and more to help implement your own program. This inviting and easy-to-use book is written for teachers, activists, educational reformers and homeschooling parents. Learn how to bring humane education to classrooms, youth groups, camps, religious settings or other gatherings.

Be part of a growing movement dedicated to building a humane world through education.

Buy The Power and Promise of Humane Education from The Institute for Humane Education (Get 20% off the list price!)

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Praise for The Power and Promise of Humane Education:

“[The Power and Promise of Humane Education lays] out a practical guide for accessing complex issues in a manner that is thought-provoking, emotionally uplifting and joyous. There is no school anywhere in the world that could not adopt at least some portion of the approaches articulated in this book and gift them to students who are, after all, the foundation of a humane future.”
~ Dr. Michael Tobias, President, Dancing Star Foundation

“Practical, down-home and easy to read, a gold mine of information and, above all, inspirational. All educators and activists should read this book very carefully and share it widely. It is that good!”
~ Dr. Marc Bekoff, co-author with Jane Goodall of The Ten Trusts, and author of The Emotional Lives of Animals.

“If we only had more writers like Zoe Weil explaining the message and philosophy of humane education. What a genuine revolution we would have in our schools and our hearts!”
~ Colman McCarthy, former Washington Post columnist, Director of the Center for Teaching Peace

“Over 30 classroom years as a schoolteacher, and 18 more as a student, I become convinced that the familiar curriculum/testing cycle of institutional schooling decisively unplugs children from humane goals, substituting memory for meaning and procedures for philosophy. In The Power and Promise of Humane Education, chock full of nuts-and-bolts suggestions, Zoe Weil shows how we can redress the humane balance. Three cheers for this book — and for Zoe!”
~ John Taylor Gatto, former New York State schoolteacher, author of Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling and The Underground History of American Education

The Power and Promise of Humane Education is the best introduction currently in existence to the understanding and practice of the exciting field of humane education.  Educational pioneer Zoe Weil’s skill at paving a more compassionate and interconnected way for education, through both her words and example, is at once extraordinary and greatly admirable.”
~ Sandra Hannen, President, New World Vision

“A pleasure to read and filled with useful information and resources for everyone who cares about kids and the future of life on Earth, The Power and Promise of Humane Education is an incredibly important book. The longing to give and to serve is part of a child’s essential nature,  and this book provides insights and practical tools to awaken the highest values in children, helping to raise a new generation that thrives in service and contribution.”
~ Ocean Robbins, Founder, Youth for Environmental Sanity (YES), author, Choices for Our Future

“…the best thing you’ll get out of the book is a brand new way of looking at education. Learning that emphasizes compassion, responsibility and courage. Education that tells children they can change the world every day with every choice they make. I’ve used this book countless times and recommended it a zillion times. Parents can use it with their kids and teachers can use it in the classroom. Use it yourself or give it as a gift. The impact will last generations.”
~ Ali, Livin’ Veg blog. Read the complete review.

“The Power and Promise begins with information you need to understand the essence of Humane Education, but moves quickly into practical suggestions for incorporating its ideas into your teaching without the necessity for a time slot for a new subject. Specific activities are clearly outlined with suggested grade level, lesson time and materials needed, and other subject areas in which related learning outcomes are mandated. The final chapter outlines ways that Humane Education can be implemented in both elementary and secondary schools. In this age of conflict, environmental degradation and global tragedies, The Power and Promise of Humane Education offers a concrete way to move towards a more peaceful and respectful way of living. I highly recommend it. “
~ Canadian Teacher Magazine – Read the complete review.

“Not afraid to challenge mainstream teaching, [Zoe Weil] points out what is wrong with Nike shoes and McDonald’s Happy Meals. She explains in detail the work standards, and environmental and social costs of popular culture. This approach forces children to see where their food, clothing, school supplies, soda cans and everything else, comes from. Each lesson ends in a positive and effective way; children are asked what alternatives they think are available, and then presented with a variety of humane choices. These lessons can be catered to students of all ages and is an essential aid for educators, parents and anyone concerned about our future.”
~ Maureen C. Wyse, Satya Magazine – Read the complete review.

“Zoe Weil’s book The Power and Promise of Humane Education is an inspiring volume that should be on every teacher’s reading list. This book describes the key elements of humane education and offers inspiring stories, concrete examples and sample lesson plans. This thought-provoking book is aimed at changing the way young people look at the world.”
~ Kate Slomkowski, E: The Environmental Magazine – Read the complete review.