By Dani Dennenberg

As part of the coursework for the Humane Education Certification Program, students are required to attend an on-site training led by program co-founders Rae Sikora and Zoe Weil. I was very nervous not knowing what to expect of my first training, yet I was anxious to reach young people with what I believed to be hidden truths that they may not have a chance to learn about otherwise.

Immediately, I was awed by the far reaching skills and talents demonstrated by Rae and Zoe. Their stories and classroom experiences left a lasting impression on me. At the same time, I often wondered how and when I would possibly reach that level of effective communication. I grew concerned that it would take years and years to speak to an audience with such confidence. I had the tools. I had the ideas. I had established connections. But did I have what it took to be a successful humane educator?

I was comfortable speaking to people one-on-one about animal issues, but I became nervous at the thought of having questions fired at me in a classroom. I reluctantly admitted that I had a long way to go. I looked forward to the day that all of these skills would become second nature. Over time, I realized that everyone has to start somewhere. As cliché as this may sound, I have come to appreciate the validity of that statement. I frequently recall one of Rae’s first experiences with public speaking where she sat in the dark with a slide show instead of leading a discussion at the front of the classroom because she was so nervous.

Since my first training, I have taken steps towards enhancing my communication skills: from doing classroom presentations, to speaking in front of the city council regarding a local rodeo, to recruiting volunteers for WorldFest events, to acting as a media spokesperson for animal issues, to hosting a screening of the documentary "The Witness." Day by day, I am acquiring the necessary skills for becoming an effective humane educator.