INCORPORATING CREATIVE AND INTERACTIVE PROJECTS TO HUMANE EDUCATION PROGRAM Michelle Cintrón-Matos Executive Director Puerto Rico Alliance for Companion Animals, Inc. Humane Society International Track – Animal Care Expo 2014
WHY HUMANE EDUCATION?
“THERE ARE TWO EDUCATIONS: ONE SHOULD TEACH US HOW TO MAKE A LIVING AND THE OTHER HOW TO LIVE.” -JOHN ADAMS
WHY CREATIVE?
Kids of yesterday Kids of today
WHY INTERACTIVE?
“I’VE LEARNED TO CEDE CONTROL OF THE CLASSROOM OVER TO THE STUDENTS OVER TIME; THERE IS A TRUST, AN UNDERSTANDING AND A DEDICATION TO AN IDEAL. I SIMPLY DON’T HAVE TO DO WHAT I THOUGHT I HAD TO DO AS A BEGINNER TEACHER: CONTROL EVERY CONVERSATION AND RESPONSE IN THE CLASSROOM. IT’S IMPOSSIBLE. THEIR COLLECTIVE WISDOM IS MUCH GREATER THAN MINE AND I ADMIT IT TO THE OPENLY.” - JOHN HUNTER, WORLD PEACE GAME
BEFORE STARTING LISTEN
SHARED PHOTOGRAPHY
A collaboration with Fundación para el Capital Social, lead by Dr. Astrid Morales who was certified in the PhotoVoice © methodology. Work done through FEPA in alliance with Abbie’s School in Culebra, Puerto Rico.
SHARED PHOTOGRAPHY Methodology: photography as an empowering tool to provide students with a creative outlet to voice their concerns and dreams about and for the animals in their communities. Participatory community photography – all participate defining, taking and constructing a story inspired by the photos.
HOW? Group students and divide them into sub-groups All the students have roles: Leader Camera Custodian Photographers Assigning specific subjects: Examples “What is the current situation of animals in Culebra? “What are your dreams for the animals of Culebra? Discussing specific tasks and timelines How long they have to take the pictures How will the construct the stories
WHAT YOU NEED Cameras (compact, phone camera, disposable) Cooperative teacher/social worker Consent/Releases Clear instructions Community sharing strategy School/community exhibition
POTENTIAL PARTNERS Teachers/Social Workers Parents Media Municipalities/Government Private Sector
THE PROJECT IN ACTION PHOTOS FROM THE PROGRAM
Students from Abbie’s School get cameras from corporate sponsor, get visited by professional photographer for photography lesson, get featured in local newspaper and travel to Los Angeles California to participate in the Animal Hero Kids Awards where they receive recognition for their work.
VIDEO – PSA’S PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
VIDEO – PSA’S Methodology: video as an empowering tool to provide students with a creative outlet to voice their concerns and dreams about and for the animals in their communities. Participatory community video – all participate by creating scripts, being active players, directing and staring in the video.
HOW? Group students and divide them into sub-groups All the students have roles: Leader Script Writers Starts Videographer Editor Focusing one message per video All the students collaborate in the message Discussing specific tasks and timelines How long do they have for writing the script and shooting the video Who will edit the video
WHAT YOU NEED Video Device (video camera, phone with video camera, compact camera with video capabilities) Computer (Editing Software: iMovie, Movie Maker) Cooperative teacher/social worker Consent/Releases Clear instructions Community sharing strategy Web/YouTube/Facebook
POTENTIAL PARTNERS Teachers/Social Workers Parents Media Municipalities/Government Private Sector
THE PROJECT IN ACTION VIDEOS FROM THE PROGRAM
VIDEO: BE THE VOICE ( VIDEO: DISCOVER THE HEART IN EVERY ANIMAL (
OTHER PROJECT IDEAS Story writing and story telling Humane videos Creative posters
WHEN GUIDING A CREATIVE PROCESS Be prepared Look for creative partners Help them focus their ideas Listen to their voices Resist the urge to control Be flexible Enjoy the gift!
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: Photography Credits: Michelle Cintron Jorge Colón Geesa Marzán Stock Photography: Fotolia